Can women be religious leaders?
Introduction. There is much interest today relative to women's roles in religion. Many women are becoming preachers and pastors in a number of denominations while pressure is increasing on the Catholic Church to allow women into the priesthood. Practices and cultural trends aside, what do the scriptures teach about women in religious leadership roles?
Gender Equality? Some people might cite Paul’s teaching in Gal. 3:28:
Certainly, Paul is teaching in the context that these distinctions do not matter when it comes to becoming saved thru faith in Christ Jesus and baptism into Him (vs. 23-27). But did the Holy Spirit thru Paul intend this general teaching to govern the specific role of Christian women in public worship and religious leadership? As we will see, this is not the final word on the subject.
Women in Public Worship. In 1 Tim. 2:8-15, Paul addresses the specific role of men and women when it comes to praying, teaching, and exercising religious authority. Of special relevance are verses 11-14:
Note the contrast later in Titus 2:15 where Paul instructions Titus that a faithful preacher must “… speak, and exhort, and rebuke with ALL authority.”
Only A Cultural Consideration? Some have sought to lessen the impact of Paul’s teaching by claiming women publicly proclaiming God’s word to a mixed audience of men and women would have violated the cultural norms of his time. However, note carefully the supporting reasons he provides in verses 13 and 14. These are based on timeless principles in Genesis, not cultural considerations.
Consistent Teaching. Other passages echo a similar role difference between men and women when it comes to public worship and church leadership. Note especially 1 Tim. 3:1 requiring “bishops” or “overseers” to be married men (elsewhere called “elders”, “pastors”, or “shepherds”) and 1 Cor. 14:34-35 involving the exercise of spiritual gifts in the early church. Similar differences even extend into marriage relationships (Eph. 5:22-33).
Important Roles. Women definitely have a valuable part in the congregation, including spreading the gospel (Acts 18:26), teaching younger women (Titus 2:3-5), guiding future generations (1 Tim. 2:15), assisting in areas of benevolence (Acts 9:36; 1 Tim. 4:16), and so on. But if we are going to fully obey the scriptures, we need to also acknowledge gender makes a difference in these matters and not be overly influenced by modern cultural trends.
Gender Equality? Some people might cite Paul’s teaching in Gal. 3:28:
- “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.” (KJV)
Certainly, Paul is teaching in the context that these distinctions do not matter when it comes to becoming saved thru faith in Christ Jesus and baptism into Him (vs. 23-27). But did the Holy Spirit thru Paul intend this general teaching to govern the specific role of Christian women in public worship and religious leadership? As we will see, this is not the final word on the subject.
Women in Public Worship. In 1 Tim. 2:8-15, Paul addresses the specific role of men and women when it comes to praying, teaching, and exercising religious authority. Of special relevance are verses 11-14:
- “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.” (NKJV)
Note the contrast later in Titus 2:15 where Paul instructions Titus that a faithful preacher must “… speak, and exhort, and rebuke with ALL authority.”
Only A Cultural Consideration? Some have sought to lessen the impact of Paul’s teaching by claiming women publicly proclaiming God’s word to a mixed audience of men and women would have violated the cultural norms of his time. However, note carefully the supporting reasons he provides in verses 13 and 14. These are based on timeless principles in Genesis, not cultural considerations.
Consistent Teaching. Other passages echo a similar role difference between men and women when it comes to public worship and church leadership. Note especially 1 Tim. 3:1 requiring “bishops” or “overseers” to be married men (elsewhere called “elders”, “pastors”, or “shepherds”) and 1 Cor. 14:34-35 involving the exercise of spiritual gifts in the early church. Similar differences even extend into marriage relationships (Eph. 5:22-33).
Important Roles. Women definitely have a valuable part in the congregation, including spreading the gospel (Acts 18:26), teaching younger women (Titus 2:3-5), guiding future generations (1 Tim. 2:15), assisting in areas of benevolence (Acts 9:36; 1 Tim. 4:16), and so on. But if we are going to fully obey the scriptures, we need to also acknowledge gender makes a difference in these matters and not be overly influenced by modern cultural trends.