Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 11/8/2007

Question
Hi Pastor,

I was wondering about if you approve of female pastors. I was reading 1 Timothy 2:8-12

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

It seems clear from the passage that its all Paul's opinions and what he allows in his position as overseer/bishop. But it doesn't seem like this is a command from God.

And Galatians 3:28 says: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

So it looks like men and women are equal before God. And finally 1 Corinthians 11:5 says: But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

Therefore it is obvious that women were prophesying in Paul's time. So it seems to me that women can be Pastors/Shepherdesses because that was only Paul's personal opinions which he enforced as overseer of various congregations.

What is your take on this?

~Mary  

Answer
Hello Mary,

Thanks for this great question.  Here are some things to consider on this very important subject:

1.  Women are not forbidden to preach or to teach or to prophecy.... so long as they do not preach, teach or prophecy to men.

1 Timothy 2:11-14
11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

The whole reason for the head covering in 1 Corinthians 11 that you cited was to show that the women were still under the authority of men and were not usurping authority over them.

2.  Galatians 3 was speaking about how all kinds of humans are sinners, and once we accept the free gift of salvation, we are all saved the same way regardless of our class.  It was not teaching that women could preach.

Galatians 3:22-29
22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

It would be inconsistant to say that Paul had a problem with women in 1 Timothy 2 and then use Galatians 3 to support women in the Pulpit.... PAUL WROTE BOTH PASSAGES!

3.  Peter tells us that Paul's writings were to be condisered to be SCRIPTURE.

2 Peter 3:15-16
15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the OTHER SCRIPTURES, unto their own destruction.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

4.  If Paul's writings are scriptures, and they are, they are not merely opinions, they are the God-breathed, inspired word of God.

2 Timothy 3:16
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

I do not believe that women are to be pastors of a church.... Teachers of children, teachers of other women.... sure.... but not leaders of men in any way.

I hope that this helps you.  I am very sorry for my late response.

In Christ
Pastor Don