Women can serve

[Arlene]

I just need some clarification. “Women are not to teach in church having authority in doctrine or discipline” i.e. a pastor. Are the only scriptures for this 1 Timothy 2:13-14? ” For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And for Adam was not deceived, but woman being deceived, fell into transgression.”

• This topic was modified 8 years, 5 months ago by Arlene.
• This topic was modified 8 years, 5 months ago by Arlene.

[Michael]

Hi Arlene,

As far as I know that is only set of verses that speak to that point very specifically. 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 would be the next closest verses, but don’t address the exact same issue. Please do consider 1 Timothy 3:1-13 which classifies the qualifications for Bishops and Deacons which are positions only men could hold and also Titus 1:5 which echoes the same information.

Hope that helps

Michael Thom
Bible College Director

[Arlene]

Ok thanks. That brings up another question. I was taught that the root word for Deacons doesn’t say male or female but only minister. Can you please explain?

[Michael]

You are correct. Deacon is derived from diakonos (a transliteration of the actually Greek word) which means “one who serves”. Bishop episkopē (again a transliteration of the actual Greek word) on the other hand does not mean the same thing, but actually means “a visitation or an overseeing or overseer or guardian”. They are still required to serve though. I am not implying by any means that a bishop is above serving. The higher you go up on the leadership ladder in God’s economy the more you are a servant; our prime example being Jesus.

So next we have to see who that term is applied to in context. Our context is 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9. Here Paul is charging Timothy to put in the place of authority for reasons of setting doctrine and discipline are men. Why do I say that? Well a woman cannot be a husband of one wife. A woman cannot be a “he” either. As Paul is describing the qualifications for these positions, there is a consistency in the noun used to describe the person who can occupy that role and it continues to be “he” referring to the masculine or male gender.

So then I did look up in the Greek what “man” meant, the form of the word used in these verses specifically means “a man”, not a grouping of people as it is used in other places, but literally “a man.”)

Does this exclude women from serving? No, not in the slightest. Can women teach men? Of course they can, but as you originally stated in your first post, they cannot have authority in doctrine or discipline over men. I have had multiple female teachers from all of my schooling past they did wonders for me. Miss. McKennaplumb, Mrs. Snyder, Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Fillwock to name several. I also have, of course my Mother, other Sunday school instructors (their names fail to come to my attention at this moment) as well as countless ladies that have come into our church what character looks like in women. I am so thankful for all of their lives and instruction. God has blessed me tremendously with them.

• This reply was modified 8 years, 4 months ago by Michael.

[Arlene]

So can a woman be a deconess or be called a deaconess under leadership in a congregation? Is it biblical?

[Michael]

I believe it is okay to have the title, but according to the Bible women would be prohibited when it comes down to setting doctrine and discipline.

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