WOMEN SERVING AS PASTORS
THE USURPATION OF DIVINE ORDER
By: Victor T. Stephens
"People often claim to hunger for truth, but seldom like the taste when it's served up."
~ George R.R. Martin
OPPOSING ARGUMENTS (continued)
27) First Timothy 3:1-5 proves that some of Paul's commands were cultural.
The Claim: It is suggested by some supporters of women pastors that 1 Timothy 3:1-5 indicates that the list of requirements of a "pastor" includes being married and having at least one child. The phrase "let him be a husband" and "having his children in subjection with all gravity" is used to indicate both requirements; that is husband AND father. Thus, it would strongly seem to be saying that a man who is married, as an example, if he has no children, cannot fulfill the requirements of a pastor and should not be permitted to be one. Therefore, we must look at the cultural context of Paul's statement in 1 Timothy 2:11-13.
Rebuttal: In 1 Timothy 3:1-5, the male headship principle within the church had already been established. Recall that Paul's command in 1 Timothy 2:11-13 is rooted in the creation order, not culture. Furthermore, in order to exegete 1 Timothy 3:1-5 correctly, we need to examine other passages of Scripture and rightly divide God's Word (2 Tim. 2:15).
Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 7:8,
"But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am;". (1 Cor. 7:8)
In 1 Corinthian 7:32-33, Paul says,
"But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord --- how he may please the Lord. But he who is married cares about the things of the world --- how he may please his wife." (1 Cor. 7:32-33)
If we read 1 Corinthians 7:1-9, Paul states that both marriage and singleness are good and right before God. Taking into consideration these passages of scripture, we can conclude that in 1 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul is addressing both single and married men. Both single and married men can be "blameless, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous..." However, if a man is married, he must be the "husband of one wife; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence."
Thus, again, Paul is referring to all men, both single and married. If a man is married, he must be loyal to his wife. If a man has children, he must guide and manage them well. What Paul says in 1 Timothy 3:1-5 does not mean that single men cannot qualify for church leadership. If that was Paul's intent, then he would have disqualified himself (1 Cor. 7:8). Moreover, singleness is commended by Paul as caring "for the things of the Lord --- how he may please the Lord." (1 Corinthians 7:32) Taking into consideration all Scripture regarding this issue, both a single man and a married man can lead in the church as long as he meets the qualifications of godliness.
JESUS AND WOMEN
Since the fall of mankind, women have been treated as second-class citizens, unworthy of equality, and in many instances, they have been depersonalized. In this section, I will point out some interesting facts about the relationship Jesus had with women in contrast to other men of His day. When we begin to examine the women in the New Testament, we will observe that Jesus viewed women in a different and remarkable way. Not only did Jesus honor and respect his mother, Mary, but He also revolutionized the way all women were treated, demonstrating the utmost love, dignity, and respect for them; and often violated the rules that were laid down by the "religious" leaders.
Although the Jewish Talmud prohibited women from being taught, Jesus was consistently willing to dialogue with and teach women freely. During His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus taught her about living water, indicating that He was the Messiah. Other points discussed by Jesus included eternal life and the manner of genuine worship (John 4:7-26). Unlike the religious leaders of His day, Jesus did not adopt the position that women could not understand spiritual truths or theological issues. He expected women as well as men to be taught by him.
During the story of Mary and Martha, Jesus was teaching Mary and the rest of His disciples. Martha, on the other hand, complained to Jesus concerning her lack of help from Mary. In response, Jesus gently pointed out to Martha that Mary's thirst for spiritual truth took priority over her domestic responsibilities (Luke 10:38-42). Take note that this passage does not mean domestic duties are always to be ignored. In this context, it simply means "what is better" at the current moment under the current conditions.
Women were free to travel with Christ and take part in his earthy ministry. Numerous women, including "Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's sons" followed Jesus and cared for his needs (Matt. 27:55-56). Their association with Jesus was something that was considered unprecedented during that time period. Mary Magdalene, Jonna, and Susanna traveled with Jesus and his 12 disciples. These women contributed to the support of Jesus and his disciples with their own funds (Luke 8:1-3). They were present at Christ's crucifixion and were the first to testify of His resurrection.
While Jesus placed high value and dignity on women, he nevertheless recognized role distinctions for men and women, and thus, did not exalt women to a place of leadership over men. In other words, Jesus never stated anything that reprimanded the divine creation order in which men carry the primary responsibility of leadership. Surely Jesus, who often broke religious rules and social customs, would have chosen at least one woman for the apostleship. But, no such arrangement was implemented.
CONCLUSION
There are some men and women who have attempted to reconstitute the renditions of Paul's writings to justify women taking authoritative positions in the church. To allege that God's Word sanctions women to hold the position of pastor or preacher implies that one has to reject the biblical teachings on the leadership and authority of man and dismiss the biblical representation of the virtuous woman. Likened to Eve, when a woman veers from God's ordained plan, she will fall to the stratagem of Satan.
Christians should take heed of political correctness by consenting to the deviations and conforming to the defiance of women pastors who refuse to adhere to God's divine order in the church. Instead, we should develop proper biblical discernment and conform and adhere to God's Word.
Paul clearly stated his deduction for male leadership and the prohibition of women preaching and teaching in a church assembly. His reference to the creation order is one of the greatest definitive marks of confirmation that invalidates the notion that women are permitted to lead in the church.
Furthermore, an analysis of the 27 arguments by pro-women ordainers has disclosed that there is no evidence in Scripture of women holding pastoral positions. It is monumentally fascinating how pro-women ordainers will deny the facts and continuously go to great lengths to twist the Word of God for the sake of their self-fulfillment.
While some male pastors and feminists outside and within the church may show anger, frustration, and disdain at these conclusions, it is irrelevant to the reality that their mindsets are contrary to what God's Word teaches. Thus, we should not compromise on this aberrancy by supporting a woman who has stepped out of God's divine order in the church. Instead of dismissing the truth and remaining in a state of indolence, we should speak out and help restore God's proper order for the body of Christ... in the church as well as the family structure.
Men and women who love the Lord have a very important place in the plans of God. As each of us performs our God-given gifts and duties, our home life and church body will be able to function in a manner that glorifies God.
In the body of Christ, I appreciate the women who have contributed much to the church and understand both the importance of spiritual equality and the clear responsibility that God has designed for them. I pray that God will continue to bless and honor them for their loving and committed faithfulness. In like manner, men should love and honor them with dignity.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you wish to purchase the Kindle edition of this publication,
