WOMEN PASTORS, ELDERS AND PREACHERS

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1 WOMEN PASTORS, ELDERS AND PREACHERS Once a Christian understands that faith is; by hearing and believing the word of God, the ability and confidence that God gives to us to trust and carry out the word of Christ, it becomes much easier to see how many doctrines are false or in error. Take for instance, the modern idea that women can be pastors, priests, elders or deacons in the churches. This has been a controversial issue for some time now. Despite all the excuses and the theological debates, what does the word of God say about it? Lets turn to 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and 37 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law...for it is a shame for women to speak in the church...if any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. I know most of the arguments that have been presented to try to allow women to speak in the churches, but they lose their validity when the word of God commands otherwise. I ask, what does the word silence in the churches mean? These are not the only verses that tell us that women are not allowed to speak in the churches. I say this because a lot of people now argue that this instruction was given solely for the noisy and argumentative church at Corinth and was a cultural problem. This denies the inspiration of the above scripture. However this argument is easily nullified because the word of God says churches, and this is confirmed by the fact that the same admonition is given to Timothy who was the pastor of the church at Ephesus. 1 Timothy 2:11-13 says. Let the women learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. That should be the end of all arguments concerning women pastors, elders and priests. The word of God says so. If anyone continues to violate this command, they are in disobedience to the word of God and are not living by hearing the word of Christ and the doctrine of Christ. See 2 John 1:9 A woman is told not to usurp authority over the man. Usurp means to undermine in power, or seize and take control of. I believe that God will give women the ability and confidence to carry out this command if they are willing to hear the word of God and live by faith. It does not matter how much influence, ability or talent that a woman has, the question is, does she have the ability, talent or confidence to carry out what our Lord Jesus said and be silent in the churches as the word of God commands? The question is, do you love the Lord Jesus? Our Lord Jesus said; If ye love me, keep my commandments. John 14:15 1 For women to keep silent in the churches is the commandment of our Lord Jesus, for Paul says; If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. Our Lord Jesus also said; He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. John 14:21 It is only when women obey the commandment of the Lord and keep silent in the churches that our Lord Jesus will manifest Himself to them, and according to the promise of this next verse, they shall abide in the love of our Lord Jesus. Our Lord Jesus said; If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. John 15:10 The commandments of our Lord Jesus is the narrow way that our Lord Jesus puts us on when He saves us to keep us from sin and committing sin. See Matthew 5:19 and Matthew 7: Remember the story of the Centurion that is recorded in Matthew 8:5-13 The centurion understood the principal of humility coupled with submission when in the position of authority and that it was humility coupled with submission that gave power to authority. It is God who performs all the works that are necessary for salvation and everything associated with it and this does not depend upon a woman s abilities or talents. The same applies to men. Salvation belongeth to the Lord. Psalms 3:8 1

2 We are to live by hearing, believing and doing the word of God. This does not mean our own ideas, cultural acceptances, doctrines or beliefs. It is hearing the word of God that guides us into the pattens that God wants us to live by, and it is the Holy Spirit of God that directs this. This does not mean that a woman does not have an very important role in the Church. (This very important role is explained later) Men have their role women have theirs. In fact a woman has a very important role and she should be glad of the role that God has given her...but Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. 1 Timothy 2:11-15 How would you like to be the person preaching on this subject of women pastors, elders and preachers in the liberal climate of to-day s churches? A preacher needs to say something like this as it a very good way in which to alleviate some of the pressure from this difficult subject. But why the pressure? It seems as though most people have already considered that there is already an existing culture in the church that is a contributing factor to pressure concerning this subject. This is because some are saying that these verses in Corinthians and Timothy are cultural and therefore not relevant for the church of today. Are the people in the church of today accepting the divine authority, inerrancy and immutability of the Bible to the point to where you can preach freely on all things concerning the word of God? If not, is there a lack concerning their understanding of obedience to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ? If so, is this the result of a lack of teaching in the past and some people have capitalised on it and are doing their own thing in opposition to the word of God? I think that true Christians accept the word of God and allow a person to preach freely the truth of the scripture however hard it may seem. I do not think that anyone need to hide the truth of scripture behind a smoke screen of cultural difference in preference to the word of God for it is the word of Christ that will judge us on the last day, not the words of a preacher or anyone else for that matter. See John 12:47-50 I know that it is much easier to view these things from a distance for the person who tackles this subject with the possibility of ostracism or opposition is very brave. For what it is worth, here is my own position on the subject. I think that what Paul is writing is the word of God. Sin has not changed in nature or essence, but maybe in various shades of colour. The word of God is dealing with sin and to deviate from what the Bible is saying is to allow sin to creep in and keep its hold on people. By saying that this is a cultural problem is avoiding the reality that sin uses camouflage to hide its presence. Similar cultural teachings have caused the introduction of easy divorce and fornication via de facto relationships. Then it was women deacons, elders and priests into the leadership roles of the churches, and then it was homosexual priests by a similar method. Multiculturalism is trying to stop us from preaching and obeying the word and doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ, even in our churches. Sin is not cultural; it is an evil spirit that opposes the will of God. Why do you think that our Lord Jesus gave us this teaching? It is because He understands the nature of sin whereas we find difficulty in locating and dealing with its presence. What is the cultural background of sin and the teachings concerning it? It all started with the first sin in the Garden of Eden. According to the text, Adam was first formed therefore Eve was not to have authority over the man. Her sin was that she was deceived and became a sinner and the deception was for her to have the wisdom and authority of God. It seems to me that from all the examples that I have experienced from life, Eve s problem is the hidden desire for her to dominate. It is interesting to hear some of the comments that have been made from men concerning this subject. I once heard four men talking to one another and all said that the problem with women was that they were the rulers of the roost and that they were the ones who wanted to and did dominate. In other words, Eve wants to be the boss. If this is the root of Eve s sin, it can well be understood why our Lord Jesus wants women to be in subjection; for her domination not only causes her to sin but her husband with her. See Genesis 3:6 How does a woman dominate? In my research into the matter I have found that the woman dominates through her voice. This is why our Lord Jesus wants her to be silent in the churches so that she will not be able to dominate through her voice. This is also a command and doctrine of our Lord Jesus. 2

3 When Eve s voice dominates, it tries to take precedence over the voice of our Lord Jesus; therefore many people tend to avoid doing what our Lord Jesus is saying because of it. Remember what happened in the Garden of Eden! In my research into the matter I wondered why women were able to dominate through their voice. To my surprise, I found that over 95% of all men were naturally submissive to their wives voices. In almost every relationship that I have researched, I found that women are the dominant ones and they dominate thorough their capacity to contort verbally, and also by the raising of their voices even to the point of shouting and screaming. I believe that God has given women a beautiful, persuasive and clear voice to have godly influence over her children and grandchildren, and to teach them the word of God. But it is not her right to dominate through her voice, just a surely as a man is not to dominate a woman through physical strength and violence. Man is not to hearken to the voice of his wife in preference to the voice of our Lord Jesus. And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Genesis 3:17 What then is the root of man s sin? It is the hearkening to Eve s voice and allowing the woman to dominate through it and not bringing her into subjection to the word of God by his loving submissive example. Our Lord Jesus is the perfect example of obtaining authority through submission by doing the will of God, even to death, the death on a cruel cross. If women want to dominate, they should obtain it through their submission to the words and doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ. Another great worldwide problem has been created because Abraham harkened to his wife Sarah s voice. Sarah had been promised a child of her own but tried to take things into her own hands by using a surrogate mother named Hagar. Hagar was her handmaid. Genesis 16:2 say s; And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarah. The fruit of Abraham hearkening to the voice of his wife Sarah instead of obeying the voice of the Lord can be seen today. The worldwide influence of terrorism brought about by Muhammad and his evil Koran may not have existed. In Judges 16:1-30, we can see what happened to Samson when he gave into the voice of a woman instead of hearkening to the voice of the Lord. The result caused Samson to lose his strength, his sight and then his life. When writing to the Corinthian church, Paul emphatically states that a Christian will acknowledge that what he has written is the commandments of the Lord. Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. What? Came the word of God out from you? Or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 1 Corinthians 14:34-37 The Greek word for speak here is laleo, which can also mean to preach. This does not mean that a woman does not have an important role in the Church. Men have their role; women have theirs. In fact a woman has a very important role and she should be glad of the role that God has given her. To go beyond that role is to usurp the authority that God has given to the man. Firstly she has the role of childbearing, which is something that a man cannot do. A man cannot be saved through childbearing like a woman can. 1 Timothy 2:15 indicates this to us. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. Secondly, a woman has the most important role of teaching the children, looking after the house and instructing other women in the ways of the Lord. I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 1 Timothy 5:14 Psalms 113:9 tells us; He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD. 3

4 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children. To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Titus 2:3-4 The fulfilment of these roles guarantees a new generation of godly people. The denial of these godly roles brings nothing but unhappiness, disunity and grief. A woman s role also includes praying and prophesying but not preaching or being a pastor, priest, elder or a deacon in the church. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. 1 Corinthians 11:5 Some try to say that the word prophecy in this verse could mean to preach. This is not the case as propheteuo is the Greek word that is used in this verse and means to foretell future events. The word to preach in Greek is euaggelizo, and is an entirely different word to propheteuo that is used in the above verse. It may also be noted that the word prophecy in this verse is coupled to the word prayer and the preceding verse say s the same thing about men prophesying. This could mean that prophecy or foretelling future events is always coupled to or is a product of prayer. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. 1 Corinthians 11:4 A woman s role in the church also includes her natural ability of hospitality. She is the attractive member of the church and is an excellent hostess and should not feel inferior just because she is serving others. Our Lord Jesus said this about serving others: But whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Mark 10:43-45 The aim here is to be Christlike, and being a servant of all can exalt a person to the chiefest position of all. I often marvel at and humbled by the amount of work that women do in the church and she is by no means inferior in the work that she does. Women often bring to attention the necessities of others and her relationship logic is far in advance of a man. WOMEN ELDERS AND DEACONS We have dealt scripturally with women preachers, pastors and priests and have shown that the word of God does not allow them to hold that office in the church, but what about elders and deacons? Are they permitted to be elected or appointed the above offices in the church? If you search the scriptures you will not find one account anywhere where a woman holds the office of an elder or deacon. Here is what the Bible say s about the appointment of elders. For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. Titus 1:5-6 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 1 Timothy 3:1-2 In each case, the elders are to be the husband of one wife thus the word of God does not approve of the modern trend of women being bishops, overseers or elders in the church. The same teaching applies to deacons. 1 Timothy 3:12 say s; Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. Acts 2:42 tells us that the early church continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Following this Biblical principal, Acts 6:1-3 tells us that the Apostles appointed seven men to carry out the work of administration. These men may have been called deacons. Following the Apostles doctrine, women were not elected to do the job of an elder or deacon. 4

5 Some use the following verse to try to say that a woman is allowed to have the office of an elder or a deacon etc. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28. They neglect to apply the surrounding verses and apply them in their proper context. When this is done it can be seen that this verse applies to our salvation, not to the office of a bishop, elder or deacon. Here are those verses in their proper context. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3: One other verse that is often applied to try to include women elders and deacons etc in the church is found in 1Timothy 5:9. Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man etc. The whole of the context of the surrounding verses in this passage of scripture indicates to us that this verse is talking about older desolate widows receiving assistance by way of the daily administration that is mentioned in Acts 6:1-5. It does not mention anything about a widow being an elder or deacon as some think. I know that this is A CONTROVERSIAL ISSUE and can soon bring division and the lack of unity into a church. However, it is up to each individual woman to decide wether they want to obey the words and doctrine of our Lord Jesus and stay silent in the church. If self-control is exercised in the church, you will find that in the end it will bring contentment from the Spirit of God into a person s life. WHAT IS THE ANSWER? The world needs women evangelists and teachers, but not as preachers, pastors, elders or deacons in the church. This evangelism is to teach the Scriptures and influence the many millions of worldly women and children that are unsaved for our Lord Jesus Christ. Women have the distinct advantage to teach children the Scriptures in the schools and homes, which is in a difficult area for men to evangelise. Women can also minister the Scriptures to children after school hours or during school holidays. Women also have the advantage to evangelise other women for our Lord Jesus Christ. This can be done through one-to-one invitations or other activities on a collective basis. Groups of women from the church can band together to hold meetings or outings for other women. They can also be of assistance to mothers with young children and babies. This is how women can be saved through childbearing as 1 Timothy 2:15 indicates. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. Here is a list of some of the things that women are equipped for in their work for the Lord. Teaching children the Scriptures and the doctrine of Chriat. This can be done in the schools, at home or during school holidays in venues both outside and inside the church. Teach the children in Sunday school. All types of women s activities including sewing, painting and craft. Thrift shops or opportunity shops in an endeavour to help the poor. Look after the house and the family that our Lord Jesus has given them. This includes their extended family. 8 Evangelise both men and women outside the church. Choir work and singing Praying and prophesying. Music in the church. Hospitality such as welcoming, cooking and catering. Women are very good at both. Timothy's grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice are regarded as women of the faith because they taught their children the scriptures. Their example is to be followed in the church by every succeeding generation. The apostle Paul has this to say concerning their role. 5

6 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; when I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that is in thee also. 2 Timothy 1:3-5 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15 Lois and Eunice were able by faith which cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" Romans 10:17 to make their children wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All this came about because they taught their children the scriptures. As you now may see, women have a very important role in the church. Their role is so important that if it is carried out faithfully, the next generation will be a godly one and not a lawless one. It may be noted that since women have vacated their God given roles and have tried to take over the leadership roles in the church, there has been a severe neglect of women-to-women and child evangelism. This has had the effect of being one of the major neglects responsible for the acceleration of drug abuse, violence and crime in our society of today. It is well known that proper Bible teaching in the homes and schools averts crime, violence and drug abuse etc. It has also in many instances, caused the neglect of men to take up their God-given leadership roles in the church, a charge that has serious consequences for both men and women in the church. CONCLUSION UNITY may appear to keep the status quo but it must be remembered that unity is a two-way affair. Acts puts it this way. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us. Acts 15:28. The wicked may have unity in some of the things that they do but is it in accord with what God wants? Some of the Uniting Churches were unified in electing homosexual priests, but is that in accord with the teachings of the Word of God? Disturbing the status quo however sinful it may be is seen as being divisive and therefore a threat to unity. Unity must be maintained in accord with the word of God and the doctrine of Christ however unpopular it may seem. The Bible say s; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3 Some women say that they are called to ministry. I ask, who has called them? Is Eve being deceived again in direct opposition to the word of God, or is it a call for her to minister to women and children etc? The word of God compels women to minister in these areas, but not in the church as a preacher, pastor, elder, deacon or priest. THE WORD OF GOD makes women pastors, priests, elders, deacons and preachers a sin, for to go against the word of Christ is a sin that needs to be repented of and forsaken. For whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Romans 14:23 We all shall be judged by the word of Christ. See John 12:46-50 The word of God tells us that for all those who do not obey the gospel of Christ, God will come In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; when he shall come to be glorified in his saints. 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10 Obedience to the Gospel means that out of love we are to obey the teachings or sayings, truth and commands of our Lord Jesus Christ, and for women to keep silent in the churches is a command of our Lord Jesus. See 1 Corinthians 14: Do you want women preachers, pastors, elders and deacons to suffer the consequences of the above verses? If you are called a woman pastor, priest, elder or deacon etc in the church, it is necessary that you should resign from those positions if you are going to obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 6

7 THE CULTURAL POSITION allows sin to enter the fold. It has already allowed easy divorce, fornication via de facto relationships, women pastors, priests and elders, women usurping the authority and the role that God has given men, practicing lesbian and homosexual pastors and priests. What will it allow next? By saying that these verses are cultural, is it saying that these verses are no longer the word of God and that the eternal Holy Spirit only wrote it for that time? If so, I wonder how many other verses of scripture a person can call cultural and avoid being obedient to the written word of God? It does not matter what ability or how much talent that a woman has, the question is, does she have the ability, confidence or talent to carry out what our Lord Jesus said and be silent in the churches as the word of Christ commands? If you are the pastor or minister of a church, are you going to redirect women into the ministries that God has equipped them for, or are you going to disobey our Lord s command and allow them to continue in their sin and disobedience to God? I hope and pray that you have the strength to put these things right in your church.