Women as Pastors and the Southern Baptist Convention

Here's the answer, as I see it, in brief, to the current issue of the proposed amendment to the Southern Baptist Convention's constitution to permanently ban women from serving as pastors.

By Diane M. Hoffmann, B.Th., M.Th., Ph.D./Th., Ord./IAOG-Canada

Another article provided by Timing Revelation & more...

Regarding the issue of the results of the Southern Baptist Convention 2024, prominently filling up the internet reports and articles right now -- on the current discussion of whether or not the Bible allows women to be pastors in the church, the answer is simple, and here's how I see it:

It is clear in the Word of God that the office of the pastor in the church has been bestowed by God, first, upon men. Given the whole functions and expectations of that position, it is more suitable and appropriate for men, (just as the twelve apostles were men -- there was a good reason for that).

Shepherds of God's sheep

As long as there are men to take up those positions in any given geographical location, men are to take up their God-given responsibility to be “shepherds of God's sheep”. Just as God made man first and gave him the responsibility of the family first.

In both the Old Testament and the New, the word for 'pastor' is “shepherd”, (Old Testament H7462; New Testament G4166).

In the New Testament, which is where we are discussing currently, this word is “poimen” (poy-mane) (Strong's G4166).

In 1 Peter 5:4, the Apostle Peter speaks of when Jesus shall come. The word used here is “archipoimen” (ar-khee-poy-mane) (Strong's G750); this word is only used once in the Bible -- it only belongs to Jesus Christ the head of the church:

“And when the chief Shepherd (archipoimen) shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away”. (1 Peter 5:4).

Appropriate pastoral positions

Of course, if there are no male persons to fill the position in a church somewhere around the world, a woman can certainly and biblically take up the responsibility, just as a woman can take up the staff to take care of real animal sheep in an agricultural land – howbeit with cautionary reservation related to regional safety. But this profession naturally belongs first to men.

But in the case of a church leadership, if such a situation arose, the people affected should begin serious praying for a male pastor to be sent, and the women would undertake a temporary leadership position.

I give the example in my book "24 Hot Potatoes in the Church Today" of the woman who began a ministry of providing meals to needy people on the streets. She would begin her serving the meals with a teaching on the Salvation message...  

That place was her church. Did she call herself a pastor. I can't remember that, but should she have or not? What did people say she was doing, may be "ministering" to these people, "pastoring", "leading", "serving" the community? Good question for a genuine discussion as followers of Christ.

Responsibility of the Church

The issue is that women should not usurp male pastors who are appointed to pastoral leadership.

In the case where male pastors are in leadership, it is the responsibility of the male head pastors to appoint suitable women to take on “pastoral” positions to lead appropriate church ministries, according to the trustworthy decisions of the pastors/ board members.

The question here might be "can a woman hold the title of 'pastor' at all, in any position of leadership?"  Can a woman be the "pastor" (shepherd) of a group of women or children, etc... That is a question to be discussed and reviewed under the Word of God with the guiding of the Holy Spirit.  It may not be appropriate in certain locations, and a different title may be given. 

Much pastoral care needed in specific ministries

So, therefore, women should not -- and by the very essence of this, cannot -- be “banned” from pastoral positions, because women pastors are needed in many specific and appropriate pastoral ministries such as, for example, women and children, widows, seniors, administrative, and other positions deemed suitable, as needed according to each church within each their locations. Actually this is quite elementary and logical. It's a matter of the church specifying the organizational needs in their constitution.

Luke 10:41-42 --

“And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

Proverbs 1:1-7 --

1."The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;

2.To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;

3.To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;

4.To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

5.A wise man (woman) will hear, and will increase learning; and a man (woman) of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

6.To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

7.The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

And now, in light of what took place just recently on the falling of two more mega pastors, and the subsequent scandalous aftermath that came out of it, the church should insist that the wives of the male pastors and elders be in on all church board meetings, so that conversations will be kept unspotted, true, and balanced. Just saying.

/dmh

Watch for more of my articles and reviews coming up....