As a result of the original article on the subject entitled "Women In Ministry & Sexism Within The Christian Church" I was able to enter into a discussion/debate with Pastor Saiko Woods on a bolgtalk radio segment called His Word His Way. The entire segment is listed below for your review.
In part of the show, the host implored the use of 1 Tim 3, which many believe is the strongest argument in support of "men only" in church leadership within the corporate and organized Christian church.
Here is the scripture:
1 Timothy 3:1-7 ~ 1-This is a
true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2-A bishop then must
be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given
to hospitality, apt to teach; 3-Not given to wine,
no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not
covetous; 4-One that ruleth well
his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5-(For if a man know
not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6-Not a novice, lest
being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7-Moreover he must
have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the
snare of the devil.
I have noted (darkened) all the references using male gender specific words. The host basically pointed out that statements such as those in bold above are the key to this argument, and provides, based on grammatical construction, solid evidence that women were excluded from leadership ministry. He also pointed out that the word "Bishop" primarily could mean elder, pastor, or overseer. Therefore, his conclusion was that women certainly could not pastor or lead in any capacity and to do so was not only spiritual deceit, but also ultimately a sin.
Is This True & Does 1 Tim. 3:1-7 Make The Case For Male Only Leadership In Ministry & Within The Christian Church?
Quite naturally, when one reads and if all one relies upon are how we use pronouns such as "he" and statements such as "husband of one wife" the case seems to have a punch solidifying the thought that only MEN or individuals of the male gender are allowed in these type of positions. It sounds good, even appears to be true upon superficial review, but what we actually note from scripture may set the notion that woman are excluded from leadership ministry on it's head.
Read more!
