Women in the Church: Why Definitions Matter More Than Opinions

There have been a lot of articles and posts recently around women being allowed or not allowed to be pastors, especially within the SBC convention. This issue has honestly called me to dig into the Word deeper to understand what I truly believe as well as why what I hear others saying can be wrong even though it sounds right. The sad part is, I think a lot of people who are so adamant that their way is correct, don’t actually want to go against God’s Word, they are just ignorant and instead of being teachable, they are stubborn and hard hearted.

Hear me please. I know there are some very strong opinions around this topic. Strong convictions and feelings one way or the other. What I have truly tried to do is remove myself from the feelings and study what Scripture really says because my feelings do not get to trump God’s Word. Ever. No matter how strong they are. The conclusion I have come up with in my studying is that women can absolutely NOT be elders/shepherd/overseers in the church, but they are called to preach. The kicker here is the terminology and definitions most are using are not biblical, but rather cultural and inaccurate. So, let’s dive in.

First, many people who argue that women should be allowed to be pastors use references in Scripture of women such as Deborah being a judge (Judges 4:4-5), Lydia being present when the first church was planted in Europe (Acts 16:13-15), Phoebe being a deacon (Romans 16:1-2), Junia being known by the apostles (Romans 16:7) as well as Mary being the first to give the good news that Jesus was alive (John 20:18). These are all wonderful examples of how God has used women in mighty ways for His glory. They should spur us to desire to share the Gospel with the lost and love and serve those around us like these women did. However, none of these examples point to women being elders/shepherd/overseers.

But you might be asking, what about the Scripture in Acts 2:17-21 where God says He will pour out His Spirit on all flesh and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy? Doesn’t that mean women can be pastors too? No. It means that both men and women are called to preach. The issue here is that when our culture today hears the word preach, we automatically relate that to preachers which then relates to pastor/elder/etc. That is inaccurate from a biblical perspective. The term prophecy in Scripture simply means to preach. And the term preach even more simply means to tell the good news. Now we know we are all called to -Go and make disciples of all nations….teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19-20). Both men and women are called to spread the Gospel and be a light to a dark world. This is how we are all called to preach. To proclaim the good news to the lost.

That’s just semantics Sara…..you are being too picky. No, I am seeking to be biblically sound in my thinking and what I believe. Being an elder/shepherd/overseer is not the same as just preaching. The role of elder (I will say that going forward, but it can be substituted with shepherd and overseer) is a God-called, God-qualified role for overseeing and leading a congregation. It comes with responsibility. It is a HUGE undertaking where Hebrews 13:17 tell us to “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.” That’s not something to take lightly (whether you are an elder or are deciding who to sit under as a congregation member). And how God has defined this role is truth. No matter what man might try to do to the role of elder, God has defined it in His Word. Each time God specifically talks about the role of an actual Elder it is always with instructions of it being a MAN. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 is one area where HUSBAND of one wife is a qualification as well as all He pronouns throughout the verses. Titus 1:5-9 also shows the same HUSBAND of one wife stipulation. The clear command from God is that qualified elders are MEN.

Women are created by a loving God who knows what is best for His children. He desires for us to love and serve Him the way He commands. Any boundaries He gives us are for our good. When we fight kicking and screaming and go against what His Word tells us to do, we are asking for trouble and a broken relationship with our Lord. God’s design for men and women is perfect, yet due to sin, we are living in a fallen world that distorts and twists His good plan for us. My ask is for you to look closer at the words, the definitions and allow God to define what He has created, not the world. Submit to His authority and live life to the fullest within the limits He has provided. Women, let us teach other women (Titus 2:3-5) and boldly proclaim the Gospel to the lost and be a light in the dark and not a stumbling block to those around us. Till next time. I love you all.

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