How do you feel about pastors who are women

Thank you so much for bringing that up. I have never been a part of a church with a woman pastor and the brand of Baptist that I am associated with does not ordain women. However when we look throughout the bible, both old and new testament, God is famous for using whomever He wishes in whatever position He wishes,both man and woman, from people who oppressed His church like Paul to Adulterers and murderers like David ( who was called a man after Gods own heart.) It is possible that Paul's stand on women did have something to do with the social status of women at that time in history, I dont know, and I would not divide with another over either side of the topic being discussed. I do consider it a non essential. Consider this point; a pastor I respect greatly (baptist) was saved in a pentacostal holiness church under the pastorate of a woman. When she stands before God ,do you believe that God will chasten her for daring to pastor, or will He reward her for leading souls to Him?
Valid question about what really matters I think.

 

1 Timothy 3v1 - If a MAN desires the office of a bishop he desires a good work.
v2 A bishop must be ...the husband of one wife...

Titus 1v5-6 - ...ordain elders in every city...the husband of one wife...

Thats pretty clear to me. How is there an arguement ?

 

You are so right, I couldn't have said it better myself.

 

How do I feel about pastors who are women?

It's not biblical. I hope that my thoughts on the subject are clear enough. However, the question is not how we (all people) feel about this issue. The real question is: What does God's Word say about who can and who cannot serve as a pastor?

 

Whilst I agree that Paul is very clear about the office of bishop (elders or whatever term is used to designate a pastor of a church) I have served in associations that ordain women as pastors.

I have had no difficulty hearing them preach the word. We commission women to the mission field, especially in the days when it was a most difficulty calling.

My particular association at the moment will not ordain women, but the Anglican Church we attend had a female priest. It didn't bother me so much, but a man might have been a more forceful preacher from a homiletic viewpoint.

"Here am I, Lord; send HER"

Cheers,

Jim

 

Jim,

So does that mean that Paul was missing something, or that he got it wrong?

 

I'm in favor of it, and I think the Bible is supportive of women in prophetic/leadership roles.

 

Does that mean that single men are disqualified from being pastors? Two pastors at my church are single.

 

Jim,

So does that mean that Paul was missing something, or that he got it wrong?
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I think I said that Paul was very clear......

It may be that it was his personal opinion based on the cultural setting of the time. I am ambivolent on the matter. Generally, I oppose ordination of women. I said that, and I said that my present association will not ordain women.

I also said that it is not a contentious issue for me. I would rather support anyone proclaiming God's word, than fight them on every whim and fancy.

Cheers,

Jim

 

Jim,

I cerainly understand the desire to be non-contentious, but I don't think the cultural question comes into play. Paul's words are the Holy Spirit's word and as you said they are very clear.

Johnv,

Good question. I think the answer may well be yes, a pastor is to be a married man, but am open to instruction on that.

 

I came across this as a result of a question that was raised on this Board concerning the Evangelical Covenant Church. Best apologetic I've ever seen on the subject:

http://www.covchurch.org/cov/resources/pwomenmin.html