Question:
My church just hired a female minister. I know the Bible teaches against this, so what should I do?
Answer:
Whenever approached with a spiritual question, it is
important that the advice not be from man’s wisdom, but God’s. 2 Peter
1:3 says, “…His divine power has given to us all things that pertain
to life and godliness…” Thus, God has given us the answers to live a
full and godly life. Thus, as we answer any question we should make sure
we “…speak as the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11). After we
realize that the Scriptures are God’s way of speaking to us today, this
task of knowing God’s will becomes much simpler (2 Timothy 3:16,17;
Ephesians 3:3-5). So, in approaching this question (and any other) let
us have the same confidence in God’s Word as Jesus when He said, “Thy
word is truth” (Jn. 17:17).
The Holy Scriptures are opposed to women occupying the pulpit in a mixed
assembly. 1 Corinthians 14:34 says, “Let your women keep silent in
the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be
submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something,
let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to
speak in the church.” This command is also rephrased in Paul’s
letter to Timothy. The apostle of Christ writes, “Let a woman learn
in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or
to have authority over a man, but to be in silence” (1 Timothy
2:11,12).
These Scriptures are simple. Yet, dealing with others can be difficult,
especially when it is those we have developed close friendships with
over our time together. Even so, following Christ must come before every
other relationship (family, friends, even self). Jesus said in Matthew
10:37-39, “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is
not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses
his life for My sake will find it.” Clearly, God demands that we
cling to His will above our earthly relationships.
So, in dealing with this problem, consider how God expects you to deal
with an obvious sin. Since “sin is lawlessness” and your church’s
choice is against God’s dictated law, it must be confronted (1 John
3:4). First, make sure you keep the right attitude and goal. Your goal
is to restore those individuals who have made a decision with disregard
to God’s Word. Thus, you should deal with them sincerely and gently, but
not weakly. Galatians 6:1 says, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in
any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of
gentleness, considered yourself lest you also be tempted.” Next, you
should use the proper process. Speak to the elders of the congregation.
1 Timothy 5:20 even says, “Those who are sinning rebuke in the
presence of all, that the rest also may fear.” Matthew 18:15-17 also
offers a process for correcting others in sin.
Hopefully, the congregation will understand that God’s Word must guide
their every decision. Yet, if they refuse to hear God’s Word and teach
the proper doctrine of Christ, John says, “…do not receive him into
your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil
deeds.” We are not to fellowship evil, but expose it (Ephesians
5:11). You should be willing to do this and even leave your local
congregation to worship with a faithful church if they will not stand
for the truth on this matter. Put on your spiritual armor and stand
strong (Eph. 6:10-20).