What does the Bible say concerning women in the pulpit?

The role of women in church leadership has become a contentious issue in recent decades, particularly with the rise of cultural shifts and feminist ideologies. Historically, for nearly 1900 years, the church universally upheld male leadership in pastoral and teaching roles. However, modern pressures have led many to question and reinterpret biblical teaching on this matter. Are these changes a result of newfound biblical understanding, or are they driven by societal expectations?

The Bible provides clear guidance on the roles of men and women in the church. Passages like 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and 1 Timothy 2:12 establish that pastoral authority and teaching over men are reserved for men, not as a measure of superiority, but as part of God’s created order. This pattern reflects God’s design from creation, where Adam was formed first, and the divine structure of authority seen even within the Trinity.

Despite this, the issue is not about diminishing women’s worth or capabilities. Women play a vital role in the church, including teaching other women and children, engaging in ministry, and supporting the body of Christ in meaningful ways. However, the push to redefine biblical leadership threatens not only church structure but also obedience to God’s Word.

In the following articles, we will examine in greater detail the scriptural basis for male leadership, the role of women in ministry, common objections, and the potential dangers of disregarding biblical authority on this issue.

Concluding remarks – women in church

God has ordained that men are to serve in positions of spiritual teaching authority in the church. It is not because men are necessarily better teachers or because women are inferior or less intelligent (neither are the case).

It is simply how God designed the church to function. Men are to lead by example, both through their actions and their words. It is expected that women will play a less authoritative, yet still significant role.

Women are encouraged to teach other women (Titus 2:3–5) and children. Women are only restricted from teaching or having spiritual authority over men. In any case, this does not lessen the importance of women, but rather gives them a ministry focus more in accordance with God’s plan and gifting.

Many people find this recognition and submission to authority unbearable. In their minds, it means “I must admit that I am inferior or nothing, and recognize the other person as superior.” Yet inferiority or superiority has nothing to do with this.

Authority and submission are about roles, not value. Even within the Trinity, Jesus willingly submits to the Father (1 Corinthians 11:3), yet both are fully God, equal in essence and glory. Similarly, men and women are equal in Christ (Galatians 3:28), yet God has assigned them distinct roles for the good of the church and His glory.

Recognizing these roles reflects trust in God’s perfect design, not a measure of worth or capability.

Some may argue that the church cannot function (or cannot function well) without women being placed in positions of spiritual and doctrinal authority. They may be right from the perspective of what works in our culture. Nevertheless, they are wrong when it comes to pleasing God through obedience to His word.