This is a hotly debated topic in the church today. I've answered this question in the past. Please read the answer here. In essence, there are three views on this matter.
1. 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. This is the view CARM holds. Read all their articles here. I implore you take an extended time to read through CARM's arguments before coming to conclusions. They've taken a lot of time to address objections; state their position clearly, etc. I do not believe that CARM is saying that women are not allowed to be pastors because they were uneducated in the past. Rather they are saying that it was and always will be a matter of authority and headship. In other words, the complementarian view affirms the equal value of women and men in God's sight, but argues that God created the two genders with different roles. Subsequently, the office/role of a pastor is for men only:
1 Tim. 2:12-14 is where Paul explicitly states that he does not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet ("quiet" is hesuchia, not complete silence, but respectful quiet) – because Adam was created first. When a woman is a pastor and/or elder, she is in a place of authority over men. Paul clearly tells us this authority in the church structure is not the place for a woman because Adam was made first. This is not a cultural issue. Remember, Eve sinned first, but sin entered the world through Adam, not Eve (Rom. 5:12), because Adam was in the position of authority. This is why husbands are the head of the wife even as Christ is head of the church (Eph. 5:23). The place of authority in the church and family is not the place of the woman.
Elsewhere, CARM also states:
There are many gifted women who might very well do a better job at preaching and teaching than many men. However, it isn't gifting that is the issue, but God's order and calling.
"But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being quite deceived, fell into transgression," (1 Tim. 2:12-14 -- all quotes from the Bible are from the NASB). This passage has several interesting areas of discussion, but for our purpose we will focus on authority. At the very least, there is an authority structure set up by God. The woman is not to have authority over the man in the church context. But this does not extend to the political/economic world. In the Old Testament Deborah was a judge in Israel over men. Also, in the New Testament, Phoebe played an important role in the church at Cenchrea (Romans 16). There is no doubt that women supported Paul in many areas and were great helpers in the church (Acts 2:17; 18:24; 21:8). But what Paul is speaking of in 1 Tim. 2 is the relationship between men and women in the church structure, not in a social or political context.
When we look further at Paul's teachings we see that the bishop/overseer is to be the husband of one wife (1 Tim. 3:2) who manages his household well and has a good reputation (1 Tim. 3:4-5, 7). Deacons must be "men of dignity," (1 Tim. 3:8). Paul then speaks of women in verse 11 and their obligation to receive instruction. Then in verse 12, Paul says "Let deacons be husbands of one wife..." Again, in Titus 1:5-7, Paul says, "For this reason I left you in Crete, that you might set in order what remains, and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, namely, if any man be above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. For the overseer must be above reproach as God's steward..." Notice that Paul interchanges the word 'elder' and 'overseer'.
In each case, the one who is an elder, deacon, bishop, or overseer is instructed to be male. He is the husband of one wife, responsible, able to "exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict," (Titus 1:9). We see no command for the overseers to be women. On the contrary, women are told to be "dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things," (1 Tim. 3:11). Why is it that it is the men who are singled out as the overseers? It is because of the created order of God that Paul references (Gen. 1-2; 1 Tim. 2:12-14). This is not merely a social custom that fell away with ancient Israel.
Additionally, in the Old Testament in over 700 mentions of priests, every single one was a male. There is not one instance of a female priest. This is significant because priests were ordained by God to hold a very important office of ministering the sacrifices. This was not the job of women.
Therefore, from what I see in Genesis 1-2, 1 Timothy 2, and Titus 1, the normal and proper person to hold the office of elder/pastor is to be a man.
2. The egalitarian/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 (see this example) 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.).
3. The third view is the most conservative view: 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 continue and 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. I would urge you to consider your stance in view of Scripture. Whichever view you hold, you must be able to back it up with what the Bible says.
[Answered by Pastor HM]
