East Maple

Welcome to our first edition of Ask Scott where I take one of the many questions I receive (whether it be through a public forum, email, or even in person) and I share my answer publicly. Chances are if you have a question, someone else is wondering the same question. Here’s an attempt to clarify some questions we often see in the church.

Hello Scott,

I never thought I would actually send you an email about something but after Tuesday night’s discussion about women being pastors I am curious. I grew up in a church where there was a women youth pastor. I also went to a church camp where it was common to have camp pastors for the week who were women. I have never really looked into what the Bible says about women as pastors because I guess it was never really a big deal to me. After hearing your perspective on it, I am curious about leadership roles in the church with women. There are a lot of Christian women authors and Christian women who host Christian podcasts. Where do you draw the line? Maybe I’m just overthinking it.

Anonymous

I don’t think the church has done a very good job at teaching what the Word says when it comes to the role of men & women, not only in the home but also in the church. Our culture has blurred the lines and I believe the church has fallen prey to that trap as well.

The reality is a lot of denominations land differently than I do on this issue. And even among people who are on “my side of the fence” (for lack of a better term/phrase) it looks different because the way Biblical truths are practically lived out looks different everywhere you go.

Texts like 1 Timothy 3:1-7, as well as Titus 1:5-9, are clear. Both suggest the office of elder/pastor is reserved only for Godly, qualified men. I know a lot of people look at this either as a cultural mandate specifically for that time, or they just view it as oppressive and write it off altogether but I believe this isn’t just descriptive but also prescriptive for how the local church should be led.

There are women that have either written books, recorded podcasts, or taught in various settings, that I’ve not only respected but also gleaned wisdom and insight from. I want to be clear; the Bible does not say that women shouldn’t hold any position in the church. (In the N.T. women were generous supporters of Paul’s missionary journeys, disciple-makers, evangelists, etc.) I do believe that women have a vital role to play in the local church!

But where should the line be drawn? It’s drawn at the office of elder/pastor. The New Testament reserves that office strictly for qualified men.

Obviously more could be said, but that’s enough for today. I hope that brings some clarity to an overwhelming, highly debated, and extremely divisive issue in our day.