A question has come up in regards to the women’s role in the church. Many people want to know what God’s will is when it comes to how women should act in a church setting. Therefore, we will cover this important matter today. Paul said, “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. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.” (1 Timothy 2:11-15) What these verses mean is that #1, women should never try to usurp authority over a man in church. This means taking the role of a pastor/bishop, for we know that only men are called to this office. As for teaching in the church, it is fine for them to lead children’s, women’s, and adult mixed classes. As for being a guest speaker, I don’t see that as an issue also, as long as they do not try to take the authority from men. As long as these women remain under the authority of men, then all is well.
There are doctrinal issues when women no longer wish to be under the authority of men. One big issue is women becoming pastors. I am not talking with a male chauvinistic attitude, but as the Bible says about bishops/pastors. It is clear that these individuals are men and also married. It is written, “this is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?).” (1 Timothy 3:1-5) Therefore, we should feel weird in our spirit when we hear about different churches coming on the scene with women pastors. Again, this does not mean that women cannot prophesy and teach within different settings in church. I stand on the fact that women can and should teach as long as they do not usurp authority over men. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that You will speak the truth to our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Give us wisdom that we may know how to act and perform our duties in Your church setting. So many verses in the Bible are misinterpreted, where important teachings are no longer important like as before. Other teachings are changed to mean something even more strict like women not teaching in the church, which is ridiculous. God, help people know the truth when it comes to scripture. We can learn certain things in church, but we need to check these teachings with the Bible and pray on the verses also. This way, the correct interpretation will be made known to us. And if what we were taught is wrong, give us the boldness to talk to our pastor about the teaching. I pray that false teachings will rub us wrong in the spirit, for we would never wish to grieve the Holy Spirit and continue to believe something that is false. Your ways are true and faithful, I just need Your help to learn. Everything is crystal clear when You are teaching me. I believe in You, Lord. I love You, God. Amen.