Unveiling God's Design for Women in Ministry
This post had been marinating for a few months. I recently had an encounter that made me think deeply about my views. I never thought my view was controversial - until it was. What I do know is that God has a plan for each man and woman. This article is not meant to be exhaustive. For a better understanding, I would strongly advise you to research this subject and the topic of biblical submission.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are my own and do not represent any other entity.
Have you wondered why women are told they can’t be leaders or Pastors in some churches while others champion this practice? Why does it seem that in some circles, women are praised for taking leadership roles like Senior or Lead Pastor, and others have a huge issue with it? You don’t have to be a man or woman to have differing points of view on this issue, and we’re seeing much debate over this seemingly hot topic.
We won’t agree on everything, and we can always find people willing to co-sign our opinions, but that doesn’t mean we’re right. Social media is full of heated debates where people don’t read, they don’t listen, and they certainly don’t honor and respect each other.
We also shouldn’t be so quick to judge someone who disagrees with us. Sometimes, the person may have a legitimate argument, and we may decide to adjust our view through contemplation and prayer. Respectful debate is necessary to understand and apply God’s word daily. I’ve learned more about myself and my beliefs by being challenged by those with differing views.
The Opposing Views
We should study the scriptures and evaluate the positions that both camps stand on. The scope of this article will not cover both views in detail, so I urge you to do your research.
Complementarian
Those who believe in traditional gender roles often call themselves Complementarian, meaning our unique roles were meant to complement each other. Because God made men and women different, we should embrace who God created us to be and not take roles He never intended for us. The following are a few verses used by this group.
Ephesians 5:22-24 (ESV): Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
If seeing the word “submission” gives you pause, keep reading. This one is hard for our westernized culture to understand properly. That’s why we use the phrase “Biblical Submission” to differentiate between the world’s view and God’s.
Then there’s this key verse:
1 Timothy 2:12-14 (ESV): I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.
One key word in this verse is teaching and authority, which refers to doctrine and scriptural interpretation. Women who teach in a church should do so under the authority of qualified spiritual fathers(more on that later). Paul also goes on to make the case that the order in which Adam and Eve were created correlates to their established authority.
Egalitarian
If you affirm equality where both men and women are the same and can do anything the other can, you might belong to the Egalitarian camp. They stand on verses like Galatians 3:28.
Galatians 3:28 (ESV): There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
You have to remember who Paul was talking to in this verse. The culture at the time was very demeaning to groups of people, saying they didn’t have the same place in the Kingdom of God. It’s quite a leap to say that because God doesn’t divide us as people, we should disregard the unique roles and giftings God gave both men and women.
I would highly suggest that you study the Bible on your own. Those who teach interpret scripture and attempt to find God’s meaning behind every verse. Learning to study the Bible and understand its context and application is a huge part of developing your view.
Regarding women in ministry and trying to make sense of these differing positions on the subject, we should consider a few things before we take a stance on this issue.
Biblical Submission
Biblical submission, a concept often misunderstood or maligned in today's culture, holds deep significance within our faith. It's worth exploring further because it's closely intertwined with authority structures established by God. This perspective stems from personal experiences, societal shifts, and secular notions of equality that can cast a shadow on the idea of submission. However, when viewed through biblical principles, submission takes on a profound and empowering role.
If you’re interested in learning about biblical submission, I recommend John Bevere's book, "Under Cover." This book delves into the heart of biblical submission and God's ordination of all authority. Bevere's central argument is that obeying godly authorities, including church leaders and mentors, is not just a religious duty but an essential pathway for a believer's spiritual growth and protection. His message underscores that resistance to God-ordained authority can have far-reaching consequences for one's spiritual and personal well-being. This book serves as a guide for Christians to understand better the biblical foundations of submission and the numerous benefits of being under a proper spiritual covering. It also issues a cautionary note against blind obedience to human authority figures, who, like anyone else, can err in their exercise of power.
One prevailing challenge is the human tendency to wrestle with submission, which often arises from a lack of submission to God and His established leadership. When we find ourselves in such a situation, the solution lies in prayer and a genuine submission to godly leadership. This is not a call for blind obedience but a recognition of biblical submission and its power to protect and help you grow. Ultimately, embracing biblical submission is an act of faith and trust in God's divine order. It's an acknowledgment that the Creator has designed authority structures for the benefit of His people, and by submitting to these structures, believers can experience the fullness of spiritual growth and protection that God intends.
God’s Design for Church Leadership
Twice, Paul discussed the qualifications for leadership.
1 Timothy 3:1–7 (ESV): The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
Titus 1:5–9 (ESV): This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
These verses give little room for the noble task of church leadership to be assigned to a woman. You can dig deeper into scripture for the meanings of “He” and “husband,” but this is a stalemate in my mind.
If we are submitted to God and follow His design for leadership in the church, we will appoint qualified spiritual fathers to the role of church government. These men are to lead their homes and, as elders in the church, provide spiritual leadership. Putting a woman in that role doesn’t follow biblical leadership and the principles of spiritual authority. Not because she is inferior but because that’s how God designed us.
Ministry Gifts & Callings
Appointing qualified spiritual fathers to the role of church government does not mean that women are prevented from leading in the church, teaching, or doing anything an Elder would do. However, in positions that give ultimate authority, like the Senior Pastor or Elders, those positions should be held by the spiritual fathers of the church.
Why do I think women can teach and serve in the church? It’s in Acts 2:17. If you were to look only at the New Testament, you could make a case for and against it, but when you add the Old Testament, it’s hard to say that God doesn’t call women to lead and serve. There are many accounts in the Old and New Testaments where women were called to do amazing things.
Acts 2:17 (ESV): And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams;
You might say, what happens when a woman feels the call of God to minister? Does she stay silent as the scripture says, or does she seek the role of Pastor at an affirming church? Neither one would be advisable for a few reasons, and I would give this same advice to a man who feels called by God to minister.
When God gives you a gift, using that gift is a journey of obedience and trust in God’s divine purpose, regardless of gender. A preaching or teaching gift doesn’t mean you are to assume the position of overseer of a church. It does mean that you have a gift for preaching and teaching, and God will use your obedience, but beware of taking a seat that is not yours.
Your first goal is to make sure you submit to your authority. God is your ultimate authority. If you are married, your husband is your authority. Pray together for what God would have you do with your gift. Then, go with your husband and talk to your Pastor about what God is showing you and how it can be useful to the church.
If you are not married, you need spiritual parents. Pray and look for a female mentor; she and her husband must be qualified spiritual parents to guide you. You can go to your Lead Pastor when you both feel you’re ready, and mentors can support you until you are married.
If you don’t have a supportive structure and your husband is not a believer, your first ministry is to your family - not your parents or siblings - your family, which includes your husband and children. Remember the qualifications for being an elder? Having your household in order. How do you expect to lead others when your family doesn’t follow the Lord? This is very important before seeking a ministry role. Ministry is hard enough for god-fearing families. Households in spiritual turmoil will surely crumble under the stress of communicating God’s word appropriately and serving others.
There is power in having a supportive structure in your life, from your husband to your church leadership. If you don’t have this supportive structure, pray and continue growing in your relationship with God and knowledge of His word. When the time is right, God will make it obvious. Until then, keep pressing into His word and pursue a relationship with God.
Final Thoughts
Women in ministry can be a complex and multifaceted issue within the church. While differing viewpoints exist, it's imperative to maintain respect and engage in respectful dialogue.
Biblical submission is foundational to understanding this matter, emphasizing obedience to God-ordained authority for spiritual growth and protection. The qualifications for leadership in the Bible are for spiritual fathers. Women are not precluded from utilizing their spiritual gifts, but a supportive structure is crucial for both men and women. The path to ministry should be marked by obedience, trust in God's divine purpose, and a deepening relationship with Him.
Before you comment…
Just know that we’re all going to have different opinions on this matter, and as long as we keep the conversation respectful, we might learn something from each other. Also, I have the right to and will remove any comments that I deem inappropriate.