Women in the Ministry?
Right or Wrong?

I recently received the following e-mail:

Greetings in the precious name of Jesus.

I am a missionary/evangelist to India. When I return to the U.S. and travel about ministering in churches, I sometimes am opposed by those who believe that a female should not teach men. The congregations to whom I preach testify that I am mightily anointed of the Holy Spirit, and those pastors who who DO invite me into their pulpits are anxious to have me back. However, some believe that my ministry is out of order on account of 1Tim. 2:12.

Please shed some light for me on how 1Tim. 2:12 should be interpreted correctly, so I may give an accurate answer to those who come against me using this scripture as evidence that women should not preach in the presence of men.

Thanking you,

Leanna Cinquanta
TellASIA Ministries

At the risk of offending the sensitivities of some, I must say that citing scripture out of context to prove some point is a pet peeve of mine. More than that, it leads to factions, quarrels and discord in the body of Christ. Having made that point, let's look closer it the issue of 1Tim. 2:12...

Paul wrote this letter to Timothy around A.D. 62 after about 30 years of labor for the Gospel of Christ. He had been under house arrest for 2 years in Rome at this time and could not visit the young Timothy in person.

Fearing Timothy may need more detailed guidelines as he pastored in the very important and often difficult church at Ephesus, Paul wrote this epistle.

If you will note, 1Tim. 2:12 and it's preamble describe what Paul does, what his policies as a pastor are. He speaks from his own experience and practices:

"I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands..." v.8

"I also want women to dress..." v.9

"I do not permit a woman to teach...." v.12

All statements of this portion of Paul's letter are couched in the same vein. The older, more experienced pastor mentoring the younger Timothy who no doubt had his hands full and a tremendous load on his shoulders.

Reading further we see, in v. 15 of this same chapter, that Paul states women will be saved through childbirth if they "continue in love and holiness with propriety."

What!? Does Paul mean that the barren woman cannot be saved? Of course not! No thinking believer would even suggest such a thing. As is frequent with Paul, he interjects many of his own opinions in his letters - sometimes defining them as such, sometimes not.

So, how can we know what parts are Paul's opinions and which are directives from the Lord? As with all scripture verses, we must look at the immediate context as well as compare the verse(s) in question with the whole of scripture. It would seem rather obvious that this is Paul's opinion and is suitable for the situation at hand, not a directive to all believers in all times.

I most certainly believe the whole Bible is the inspired Word of God, that it is "God-Breathed," and am equally convinced that the Holy Spirit guides us to understanding scripture when we seek the message prayerfully and with open hearts, willing to set aside preconceptions and personal prejudices.

You will note that in many of Paul's letters, he deals with particular problems which arose at the various churches. Some of his admonitions were specific to the problem, place or time at hand. Reading his epistles we find Paul had experienced difficulties with unruly women in the past and we can only assume he set a policy about women's decorum which would reduce the strife.

It's important to also consider the times and culture involved. I can only imagine the discord ensuing both at home and within the congregation if a woman, who was considered "inferior by the society, was to stand and deliver a message or admonition to men in church.

But God has not ever labeled women inferior. Consider the power and position of leadership to which He called Deborah... A Judge, leader of Israel!

If indeed women are never to teach men, does that mean women cannot witness except to other women? I cannot believe nor find evidence in scripture that the is God's will or directive!

I once believed as many still do, that women should not take to the pulpit. However, on closer examination and after much prayer, I can no longer cling to that tenet. Prayerfully taking scripture as a whole, I see no real defense for it. Granted, this is my own opinion and I would not force it upon another, but it is one I feel is supported strongly by the Holy Spirit as He has led me in my in studying the subject.

Far more important than gender is the Call. So many enter the ministry who have not been called. True, we are all to spread the Gospel, however, God will choose those He wants to fill the pulpits and do service in the mission
field.

If you have an alternative view or would like to discuss this issue further, please send us an e-mail. We welcome your thoughts and promise to share them here unless you direct us not to do so.

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