A WOMAN’S PLACE IN THE CHURCH AND MINISTRY
Whether women have a place on the pulpit or in ministry is probably one of the most debated topics in the church. The question still causes quite a lot of controversy amongst Christians in the church today. Many times I have watched video clips of men (and even women) speaking passionately on why a woman should not be a preacher; their options largely founded on Paul’s statement in 1 Timothy 2:12
“I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man;[a] she must be quiet”
One would listen to these arguments and sometimes many questions come to mind “Is the God of the Bible sexist?” “Was it not God’s will for Deborah to become one of Israel’s Judges and Prophets in the first place?” “Are men more valuable to God than women?” Thankfully the Bible provides answers to these questions.
While there seems to be a lot of controversy on the best interpretation of verses like 1 Timothy 2:12, and 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, the Bible offers a balanced perspective on women in ministry. It details how God has used women in significant roles of leadership, teaching, and prophetic roles while also addressing specific cultural and doctrinal concerns.
To correctly interpret scripture, it is important to acknowledge that while the Bible is the written word of God, it is also a record of history. In addition to revealing the minds and intents of God, it offers insight into historical occurrences, social structures, and the lives of people from antiquity. Everything written in it happened within a time and cultural setting that is largely different from what we have in the present. In other words, understanding the contexts in which the bible was written is critical for fully comprehending the meaning of passages that may appear confusing or even controversial at first glance. Without understanding the historical context, we risk misinterpreting scripture and applying it in ways that contradict God's intent.
What Apostle Paul Really Said...
Throughout the Old and New Testament, we see how God intentionally uses women to advance his kingdom here on earth. Women played critical roles in ministry played critical roles, however, there were times when cultural, societal, or doctrinal restrictions were imposed on them.
One portion of scripture that often sparks debate is 1 Timothy 2:12, where the apostle Paul writes, “I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.” At first glance, this verse appears restrictive, prompting some to wonder why God would forbid women from teaching His Word. in fact people who base their argument of women not being fit to be preachers are guilty of the one verse doctrine error - i.e using one verse as basis for a belief, doctrine or principle. However, a more in-depth examination of the cultural and historical context reveals why Paul gave this instruction to Timothy.
It seems strange, because why would God say women are not permitted to teach His word? On further research, it was discovered that this instruction was given to Timothy, who was overseeing the church in Ephesus, a city known for its devotion to the goddess Artemis. Many women in Ephesus, influenced by local culture, sought dominance over men and spread false doctrines.
As someone who considered myself to be an advocate for equality of male and female genders in all spaces, I struggled to come to terms with the verse in 1 Timothy. This was because I had not done my homework; I had not done all of the necessary research, so I could not understand why Paul would say that. Can you believe that I was not a huge fan of the apostle Paul for a while? Actually, I had completely forgotten about this verse until I saw an argument on X (formerly known as Twitter) about how Christianity was anti-feminist. I felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to look into that verse in order to learn more about Paul's true meaning and why it had been used in that argument.
Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, Paul instructs that “women should remain silent in the churches.” However, earlier in the same letter, he acknowledges that women do pray and prophesy in public worship (1 Corinthians 11:5). The silence Paul refers to is most likely the result of disruptive questioning during worship services, rather than an absolute prohibition on women speaking.
After learning this, I found myself becoming more confident and vocal about my faith. It has always been a desire of mine to become a teacher of God's word, so knowing these verses–1 Timothy 2:12 and 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, and fully understanding what they meant gave me the courage to express my faith. It assured me that my desires were not misplaced, rather they were pushing me closer to having a deeper understanding of God’s words and the kind of man that Paul was. You could say that the “beef” I had with Paul was officially resolved.
In conclusion...
The Bible does not explicitly prohibit women from teaching or leading in ministry. Instead, it offers guidance based on specific cultural and doctrinal concerns. Women such as Deborah, Huldah, Priscilla, Phoebe, and Junia show that God calls and equips women for ministry. However, in some cases, such as the false teachings in Ephesus, temporary restrictions were necessary to maintain order and sound doctrine. Similarly, instructions on head coverings and modest dress were intended to reflect contemporary cultural expectations.
Women's roles in ministry are still being debated among various Christian denominations today. While some churches restrict women from preaching or holding leadership positions, many others recognize and affirm their ability to teach, lead, and serve in a variety of capacities. I believe that women have the equal opportunity and calling to teach God’s word. God loves us equally and he commands that we proclaim the Good News to all who have ears.
Today, many women are pastors, teachers, evangelists, missionaries, and worship leaders. They preach the gospel, establish churches, and disciple believers in the same way that Priscilla, Phoebe, and Junia did in the early church. Women like Corrie ten Boom, Amy Carmichael, and Kathryn Kuhlman have had global impacts on Christianity, bringing thousands to Christ. Their ministry demonstrates that when women are faithful to God's call, they can effect significant spiritual change.
Some women in ministry find it difficult to strike a balance between biblical values and contemporary cultural norms in cultures that place a strong emphasis on gender equality. They may face criticism from those who believe that women should not preach or hold positions of authority. Nonetheless, many female ministers continue to serve dedicatedly, placing more emphasis on their obedience to God than on receiving praise from others.
It fills my heart with joy whenever I learn that many churches now recognize that women's voices are critical in building strong Christian communities. Being a pastor or a teacher doesn’t take away from your femininity.
Ultimately, both men and women are called to serve God, spread the gospel, and teach His word, as long as they do so with humility, sound doctrine, and following biblical principles.