Women In Ministry
Are Women Pastors Scriptural?
God’s Original Design
Genesis 1: 26-28
God created man and woman in His image. Both were given the responsibility to rule and steward creation.
Genesis 2:18
The Hebrew word for “helper” is the word “ezer”. The meaning of this word is a strong, supportive partner. In almost every instance it refers to God’s help towards mankind. Only once does it refer to a servant’s help.
The word used to describe the helper for Adam as “suitable or comparable” is the Hebrew word “Kenegdo”. It means a corresponding equal.
There was no hierarchy between Adam and Eve before the fall.
Male Dominance
Genesis 3:16
Man ruling over women came as part of the curse after sin entered. It was never God’s original intent.
Galatians 3:13
Jesus came to break the curse! This restored equality between men and women in Christ.
Women in the Old Testament - God Ordained Leaders
Exodus 15:20
Miriam is called a prophetess and a leader.
Judges 4:4
Deborah is a prophetess, judge, military and spiritual leader.
2 Chronicles 34:22
Huldah was a prophetess who guided reformation in her nation.
There a many more. God accepted the prophetic and leadership roles of women in the spiritual leadership of Israel.
Jesus’ Revolutionary Example
Jesus broke societal norms in His time to affirm women’s dignity and leadership.
John 4:4
Against the culture of His time Jesus spoke to the woman at the well.
Luke 10:38-42
Mary sat in the position and posture of a disciple – a taught one, at the feet of Jesus. Not only did Jesus not rebuke her, He commended her.
Luke 8:1-3
Women supported Jesus’ ministry and followed Him.
Luke 24:1-9
Women were the first witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection.
Women in the Early Church
Paul, the apostle, recognized and commended women as co-laborers in ministry.
Romans 16:3; Acts 18:26
Priscilla - A teacher and co-worker who instructed Apollos
Romans 16:1
Phoebe – A deacon and benefactor who delivered Paul’s letter to Rome.
Romans 16:7
Junia – Is named an outstanding Apostle
Acts 16:14-15
Lydia – A businesswoman and host of the church in Philippi
Paul’s Teachings
We must read Paul’s writings in the context of whom he is speaking to and in the light of his other writings in the New Testament.
1 Corinthians 11
Paul refers to women praying and prophesying in church, showing that public ministry is permitted.
1 Corinthians 14:34-45
This addresses disorderly disruptions. It is not a universal ban on women speaking in church.
1 Timothy 2:11-15
Paul address very specific false teachings in Ephesus and the misuse of authority. The Greek work used here is very rare and is the only time it is used in scripture. “Authentein” meaning domineering, illegitimate leadership and authority.
Galatians 3:28
“There is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus”
Conclusion
• The Bible presents women as full participants in the church’s mission
• Isolated passages cannot override the examples of Jesus, the early church and Paul’s commendation of women leaders.
• Limiting women’s role in ministry contradicts the gospel’s message of freedom and equality in Christ.
• The great commission in Matthew 28:18-20 and Pentecost in Acts 2:17-18 includes women.
The Holy Spirit empowers all believers – male and female – to minister, preach, teach and make disciples.
Women In Ministry
Are Women Pastors Scriptural?
God’s Original Design
Genesis 1: 26-28
God created man and woman in His image. Both were given the responsibility to rule and steward creation.
Genesis 2:18
The Hebrew word for “helper” is the word “ezer”. The meaning of this word is a strong, supportive partner. In almost every instance it refers to God’s help towards mankind. Only once does it refer to a servant’s help.
The word used to describe the helper for Adam as “suitable or comparable” is the Hebrew word “Kenegdo”. It means a corresponding equal.
There was no hierarchy between Adam and Eve before the fall.
Male Dominance
Genesis 3:16
Man ruling over women came as part of the curse after sin entered. It was never God’s original intent.
Galatians 3:13
Jesus came to break the curse! This restored equality between men and women in Christ.
Women in the Old Testament - God Ordained Leaders
Exodus 15:20
Miriam is called a prophetess and a leader.
Judges 4:4
Deborah is a prophetess, judge, military and spiritual leader.
2 Chronicles 34:22
Huldah was a prophetess who guided reformation in her nation.
There a many more. God accepted the prophetic and leadership roles of women in the spiritual leadership of Israel.
Jesus’ Revolutionary Example
Jesus broke societal norms in His time to affirm women’s dignity and leadership.
John 4:4
Against the culture of His time Jesus spoke to the woman at the well.
Luke 10:38-42
Mary sat in the position and posture of a disciple – a taught one, at the feet of Jesus. Not only did Jesus not rebuke her, He commended her.
Luke 8:1-3
Women supported Jesus’ ministry and followed Him.
Luke 24:1-9
Women were the first witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection.
Women in the Early Church
Paul, the apostle, recognized and commended women as co-laborers in ministry.
Romans 16:3; Acts 18:26
Priscilla - A teacher and co-worker who instructed Apollos
Romans 16:1
Phoebe – A deacon and benefactor who delivered Paul’s letter to Rome.
Romans 16:7
Junia – Is named an outstanding Apostle
Acts 16:14-15
Lydia – A businesswoman and host of the church in Philippi.
Paul’s Teachings
We must read Paul’s writings in the context of whom he is speaking to and in the light of his other writings in the New Testament.
1 Corinthians 11
Paul refers to women praying and prophesying in church, showing that public ministry is permitted.
1 Corinthians 14:34-45
This addresses disorderly disruptions. It is not a universal ban on women speaking in church.
1 Timothy 2:11-15
Paul addresses very specific false teachings in Ephesus and the misuse of authority. The Greek work used here is very rare and is the only time it is used in scripture. “Authentein” meaning domineering, illegitimate leadership and authority.
Galatians 3:28
“There is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus”.
Conclusion
• The Bible presents women as full participants in the church’s mission
• Isolated passages cannot override the examples of Jesus, the early church and Paul’s commendation of women leaders.
• Limiting women’s role in ministry contradicts the gospel’s message of freedom and equality in Christ.
• The great commission in Matthew 28:18-20 and Pentecost in Acts 2:17-18 includes women.
The Holy Spirit empowers all believers – male and female – to minister, preach, teach and make disciples.
Women In Ministry
Are Women Pastors Scriptural?
God’s Original Design
Genesis 1: 26-28
God created man and woman in His image. Both were given the responsibility to rule and steward creation.
Genesis 2:18
The Hebrew word for “helper” is the word “ezer”. The meaning of this word is a strong, supportive partner. In almost every instance it refers to God’s help towards mankind. Only once does it refer to a servant’s help.
The word used to describe the helper for Adam as “suitable or comparable” is the Hebrew word “Kenegdo”. It means a corresponding equal.
There was no hierarchy between Adam and Eve before the fall.
Male Dominance
Genesis 3:16
Man ruling over women came as part of the curse after sin entered. It was never God’s original intent.
Galatians 3:13
Jesus came to break the curse! This restored equality between men and women in Christ.
Women in the Old Testament - God Ordained Leaders
Exodus 15:20
Miriam is called a prophetess and a leader.
Judges 4:4
Deborah is a prophetess, judge, military and spiritual leader.
2 Chronicles 34:22
Huldah was a prophetess who guided reformation in her nation.
There a many more. God accepted the prophetic and leadership roles of women in the spiritual leadership of Israel.
Jesus’ Revolutionary Example
Jesus broke societal norms in His time to affirm women’s dignity and leadership.
John 4:4
Against the culture of His time Jesus spoke to the woman at the well.
Luke 10:38-42
Mary sat in the position and posture of a disciple – a taught one, at the feet of Jesus. Not only did Jesus not rebuke her, He commended her.
Luke 8:1-3
Women supported Jesus’ ministry and followed Him.
Luke 24:1-9
Women were the first witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection.
Women in the Early Church
Paul, the apostle, recognized and commended women as co-laborers in ministry.
Romans 16:3; Acts 18:26
Priscilla - A teacher and co-worker who instructed Apollos
Romans 16:1
Phoebe – A deacon and benefactor who delivered Paul’s letter to Rome.
Romans 16:7
Junia – Is named an outstanding Apostle
Acts 16:14-15
Lydia – A businesswoman and host of the church in Philippi
Paul’s Teachings
We must read Paul’s writings in the context of whom he is speaking to and in the light of his other writings in the New Testament
1 Corinthians 11
Paul refers to women praying and prophesying in church, showing that public ministry is permitted
1 Corinthians 14:34-45
This addresses disorderly disruptions. It is not a universal ban on women speaking in church.
1 Timothy 2:11-15
Paul address very specific false teachings in Ephesus and the misuse of authority. The Greek work used here is very rare and is the only time it is used in scripture. “Authentein” meaning domineering, illegitimate leadership and authority.
Galatians 3:28
“There is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus”
Conclusion
• The Bible presents women as full participants in the church’s mission
• Isolated passages cannot override the examples of Jesus, the early church and Paul’s commendation of women leaders.
• Limiting women’s role in ministry contradicts the gospel’s message of freedom and equality in Christ.
• The great commission in Matthew 28:18-20 and Pentecost in Acts 2:17-18 includes women.
The Holy Spirit empowers all believers – male and female – to minister, preach, teach and make disciples.
