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NASB | Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Galatians 3:28 There is [now no distinction in regard to salvation] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you [who believe] are all one in Christ Jesus [no one can claim a spiritual superiority]. [Rom 3:22; 1 Cor 12:13] |
Bible Question: Why do most male Ministers and Pastors pass over this scripture whenever you mention that God has called a woman into the ministry? |
Bible Answer: Dear dpettway22, Being a male minister, you might consider my answer biased, but let me state my opinion. I think that, except for extenuating circumstances, it is unnatural for a woman to assume the ministry of pastor or elder in the church. (Some 'modern' churches have multiple pastors, giving out ministry 'wholesale.' I do not mean this kind of 'ministry') There is the scriptural direction, well stated by my colleagues. There also is the practical. There would be 4 possibilities; 1) an unmarried woman- I do not believe she would make an effective shepherd to the flock, even if she has a 'diploma.' 2) a married woman- she would have pastoral authority over her husband, not a scriptural pattern. 3) a divorcee- I suppose there are hypothetical situations that could make this plausible, but I would think that it would not be God's first choice. 4) a widow- I have known of widows whose husbands were pastors, and the 'filled the gap' after his death. I think that this is one of the most possible situations, but still not a permanent ministry for her or the church. I am sorry if you believe this to be chauvinistic, but I think it is God's will, and the scriptural pattern for a shepherding minister to be a man, preferably wed and with children, to assume this kind of authority and responsibility. Indeed, there is neither male nor female in Christ Jesus. No Christian in his right mind would deny this. But to 'open the doors' to women simply for the sake of opening the doors to job opportunity is unwise and unscriptural. As I said, extenuating circumstances are always possible, but the pattern is clear. Whenever possible, we should please God by following the patterns He has given us in His word. Finally, if service to God and to His people is the goal, I see nothing to be ashamed about serving without the 'title.' Many men also serve without one. Sadly, many men shame the 'ministry' by not serving God in it. Blessings to you in Christ Jesus, charis |