"Is there any prohibition of women leading the church? It appears this may be the case, for example, Adam being created first and where Paul mentions that women should not teach or have authority over a male? Can you shed some insight on this matter? Verses to examine: 1 Tim. 2:12-13; 1 Tim 5:17 and Titus 1:5-9."This is a very HOT and controversial subject and has raised quite the stir in much of the church. Some have argued for this position; others against it. Some have tried to seek a balance; others ignore the issue, hoping to avoid conflict at all costs.
As we believe the Bible is the final authority in matters, let's examine the verses you mentioned. As you may know, these verses are from Paul's "pastoral letters" - he wrote them to instruct the church how it should be governed and by whom.
I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve (1 Tim. 2:12-13)
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching (1 Tim. 5:17)
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— 6 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. 7 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, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 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. (Titus 1:5-9)
In 1 Tim. 5:17 and Titus 1:5-9, the term "elder" is used. As you can see, the implication here is that elders (or "pastors") should be men. Titus 1:5-9 repeatedly uses the male 3rd person pronoun ("he") to describe the elder/pastor.
In 1 Tim. 2:12-13, Paul tells the church that the male elder/pastor is the only one that should (1) teach Scripture to men in the church and (2) exercise authority over men in the church. Women are prohibited from doing so. The context implies, however, that women are able to teach other women and children/youth (see Titus 2:4; 2 Tim. 1:5) and serve in other ministries (1 Cor 11:5; 1 Cor. 14:34-35). Notice v. 13, "For Adam was formed first, then Eve." Paul is telling the church that the reason why the leadership of the church falls on the shoulders of men is because God made men with a patriarchal role of leadership. In Gen. 1-2, we learn that God made the man first (which established him as the leader responsible for the rest of creation, similar to how a firstborn son was responsible for his siblings in the Old Testament) and that God made a wife as his helper.
According to these passages, the issue is not if a woman can be in ministry, but rather what ministry a woman can be in. According to these passages, women can do anything from leading a Bible study, overseeing a ministry, leading musical worship, receiving formal theological training, entering into full-time paid ministry, serving as a deacon etc. BUT in terms of the senior leadership of the church (rooted in the task of preaching and exercising authority over the church), this is a male-only office.
Now, that being said, there are others that strongly disagree with this perspective. There two other prominent views I will explore briefly. What I examined, by the way, is known as the complementarian view, which states that all ministries are open to qualified men and women with the only exception of the office of the elder/pastor.
The more liberal view is that men and women are partners together in every area of ministry, INCLUDING the office of the elder/pastor. Those who support this view will say that Paul did not select female elders/pastors b/c he was working within the confines of the culture of his day. The implication here is that if Paul were alive today, he would have chosen women elders/pastors. Another argument is that Paul (and Jesus) co-labored with women in vital ministry positions (e.g. Priscilla, Lydia, Euodia, Phoebe, etc.).
The third view is more conservative: Women are not permitted to be a deacon, elder/pastor, serve communion, lead worship, pray or even speak in a church service. Women should, instead, focus on building ministries for women and children ONLY.
Summarily, the theological debates will rage on. There will be continual disagreement on this issue. However, what we can agree upon is that this is not an issue on which our salvation depends, and therefore, there can be room for disagreement. HOWEVER, where you land on this issue of women in ministry does reflect how you view Scripture, gender, marriage and ministry. It is, therefore, an important matter in which you must take a stance.
Hope this helps.
[Answered by Pastor HM]
