Ordination of Women
What does God's word say about women in a pastoral office? It is very clear and straight forward, read the following statements:
1 Corinthians 14:33-37 "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak [as in preaching]; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak [preach] in the church. What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord [this is a commandment from the Lord]."
1 Timothy 2:11-14 "Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach [is not teaching preaching?], nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression."
Women were never to be ministers in the sense of being pastors and such, yet they did and still do hold a valuable place in the ministry. There are many examples of women ministering, but what does that mean? Let's examine these verses for the true interpretation.
Luke 8:1-3 "...And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance."
Not speaking of ministering in speech, but providing some substance, most likely in the form of food, shelter, or clothing.
Romans 16:1-4 "I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks:"
This one speaks of going about the business of securing items for many in the church including Paul.
Acts 18:26 "And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard [listened to], they took him unto them [aside], and expounded [explained] unto him the way of God more perfectly."
This would have been the perfect time to show that it was ok for women to preach in church, instead they took him aside.
An interesting point and something to think about here is that Adam was not the one who was deceived or in transgression?
1 Timothy 3:1-5 "This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)"
Titus 1:5-6 "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly."
The Church has many offices, but, the responsibility of pastorialship was reserved for qualified men only.
Galatians 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
There are those that claim the above text imply that it is ok for women pastors, but this verse is speaking of the equality of salvation that is available to all that seek it.
Though there were other women throughout the Bible as prophetesses, judges, etc., there are no references to establish that women were indeed a normal part of church leadership, but did strongly support the church in other roles. There are many ways for women to serve, this is clearly not one of them.