Why do you oppose female ministers?
Introduction. A late 90's article appeared in the local paper which reflected the increasing role of women as church leaders ("Female Ministers Gaining Acceptance," September 27, 1997). The article noted the United Methodist and Presbyterian churches have been ordaining women since 1956, the Evangelical Lutherans since 1960, and the Episcopalians since 1979. Author Steve Gushee stated, "Today nearly 15 percent of traditional mainline Protestant ministers are women." He continues, "And more than half of students preparing for ordained ministry in those churches are women" (Ibid.). This trend has continued with the 2023 selection of a woman to lead the United Church of Christ as "General Minister and President" and the 2025 appointment of the first female archbishop in the Anglican Church.
What do the scriptures teach? The primary focus relative to any such discussion should always be what the scriptures teach. First, note the lack of women as apostles (Matt.10: 1-5). We see this continued throughout the early church in the Book of Acts. Timothy was to commit the gospel to "faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also" (2 Tim. 2: 2). Further, note the qualifications of church leaders (designated by different terms such as "bishops", "elders", and "pastors") limits the role to married men (1 Tim. 3: 1-2; Titus 1: 5-6).
The culture of the First Century. Some contend women were not commonly used in the pulpits or as congregational leaders because of the gender segregation during the First Century. But note having female ministers is a "moral issue," not a cultural one. As the Holy Spirit revealed through the Apostle Paul, "But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence..." (1 Tim. 2: 12). The reasoning per verses 13-15 is timeless, not cultural. We must oppose all teachings and practices which are contrary to God's word, even if it runs contrary to prevailing social and cultural trends (Gal. 1: 6-10; 2 John 9-11).
What do the scriptures teach? The primary focus relative to any such discussion should always be what the scriptures teach. First, note the lack of women as apostles (Matt.10: 1-5). We see this continued throughout the early church in the Book of Acts. Timothy was to commit the gospel to "faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also" (2 Tim. 2: 2). Further, note the qualifications of church leaders (designated by different terms such as "bishops", "elders", and "pastors") limits the role to married men (1 Tim. 3: 1-2; Titus 1: 5-6).
The culture of the First Century. Some contend women were not commonly used in the pulpits or as congregational leaders because of the gender segregation during the First Century. But note having female ministers is a "moral issue," not a cultural one. As the Holy Spirit revealed through the Apostle Paul, "But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence..." (1 Tim. 2: 12). The reasoning per verses 13-15 is timeless, not cultural. We must oppose all teachings and practices which are contrary to God's word, even if it runs contrary to prevailing social and cultural trends (Gal. 1: 6-10; 2 John 9-11).