This question creates a reaction in many parts of the world and in different denominations. We must take a careful look at Scripture to ensure that we don’t only draw from cultural norms and influences to inform our perspective or decision on this matter.

God established the family and the Church and in each, He lays out the ideal standards for roles and responsibilities. Beginning with Adam and Eve, it is clear they each had a role to fulfil, with the man as a leader and the woman as a helper (Gen. 2). Each role is a good fit for the natural and typical strengths and weaknesses that men and women have, and the roles complement each other.

God is glorified when each role is carried out according to his design, in part because it reflects the Trinity which has different roles of the Godhead with submission (for example, Jesus the Son to God the Father) – yet complete unity is maintained.

Paul provides instructions for pastors to “preach the Word” with authority (2 Tim 4:2), and to “equip the saints” (Eph. 4:11-12), while Peter says they should “shepherd the flock” (1 Peter 5:2). In the early church, the apostles believed their focus was to be on prayer and teaching (Acts 6:4), but they also issued rebukes when needed (Acts 5:9, 8:20, 1 Cor 5). Therefore, the pulpit and office of the pastor carries an authority in both preaching of the Word and in administering correction to people within the church.

When Paul gives qualifications pastors/elders (1 Timothy 3:1-7 Titus 1:6-9), there is no doubt he is speaking of men (“husband of one wife”). The Bible always points to men having leadership and authority, and where there may be exceptions (such as Deborah in Judges 4), it’s often a failure of men to lead well in her day that leads to her rise.

So, what is it that a woman should not do? Preach the Word, have authority, or both?

In regards to the question of whether women should preach or teach men in the Church, we cannot ignore passages such as 1 Cor. 14:34-35 or 1 Timothy 2:6-14, where Paul says that women should be silent in the church. When Paul wrote these letters to various churches, he was often responding to questions or problems in the congregation. Therefore, it is important to note that in some texts, the specific command or instruction that Paul gives may not be fully applied in each of our churches, yet the principles and truths do apply.

Paul’s claim that women are not allowed to speak cannot mean a woman can never speak for any reason in the church assembly (since there are other biblical references that indicate women may speak), but that women must exhibit a quiet spirit that is not argumentative or which talks over others. The underlying principle is that it is best for women to listen with an attitude of respect and restraint.

The greater reason for women to not be pastors is because of the authority issue as referenced above in how God designed the family, and more directly when Paul says in 1 Timothy 2:12 that he does not permit a woman to have authority over a man (in the church).

While there may be reasons why individual churches allow women to teach on a one-time basis or in a particular context, it seems clear that women should not fill an ongoing role of a teaching pastor, from the pulpit to the whole congregation. But they are certainly free to teach other women as well as children.

Where there remains a question about women teaching men such as older youth, or outside of the church, the prevailing biblical principles apply. But for purposes of this question on whether women should be pastors, the answer from the Scriptures seems to be a clear “No.”