What about women who have the gift of teaching?

This is another argument used to support women in pulpits because of their gifting in terms of speaking ability. It might seem compelling, but keep in mind that just having a gift does not imply you are called to exercise it. There can be 30 good teachers in a church, but that doesn’t mean they should all become pastors.

It is clear that some women are gifted teachers otherwise it wouldn’t mention how to control or regulate those gifts within the church.

Paul explains in 1 Timothy that women are not to teach and to remain silent because God has ordained a pattern for assembly in the church. It is not that women are incapable, dumb or less-gifted. It simply means that God has created women to play a different role in the church.

It is important to be careful here, since Scripture contains a number of notable exceptional women. However, the exceptions and plain teaching of passages like 1 Timothy 2:12-14 show that the exceptions are just that – they are exceptions.

The norm should be men in leadership and teaching positions in the church. The ministry of a woman who has been gifted and called by God should be recognized. But even so, she will have an attitude of submission to male leadership and her focus ought to be to teach women and children.

In conclusion, the question of women teaching in the church is not about their abilities, intelligence, or spiritual gifting. Many women are indeed gifted teachers and have played vital roles in the life of the church throughout history.

However, the structure of the church as outlined in Scripture reflects God’s intentional design for order and roles, not a measure of value or capability.

A woman with the gift of teaching can and should use her gifts to glorify God within the framework He has set—whether by teaching other women, nurturing children, or contributing to the spiritual growth of the church in supportive and complementary ways.

This is not a restriction but a unique and honorable calling that contributes to the health and vitality of the church.

God has designed men and women with distinct and complementary roles, each with its own beauty and purpose. When we embrace these roles in humility and obedience to God’s Word, we reflect His wisdom and glory to a watching world.