What does the Bible say about women in pastoral roles?
~ Clara D, Mumbai

Thank you, Clara from Mumbai, for your thoughtful question. It has sparked considerable discussion and even division within the Body of Christ. Let’s take a deeper look at Scripture—not through cultural preferences or denominational bias, but in the light of Christ, the Spirit, and the eternal purposes of God.

What Does the Bible Say? #

This topic requires great humility, care, and spiritual discernment. Many have approached it either rigidly through law or loosely through emotion. But we must weigh all things spiritually, because the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life (2 Corinthians 3:6).

Let us start by examining key scriptures that are often quoted in this matter.

Key Scriptures Often Referenced #

Understanding Authority in the Spirit #

Paul’s words in 1 Timothy and 1 Corinthians were written to specific churches with unique cultural issues (like Ephesian and Corinthian congregations, which were plagued by pagan temple traditions and chaos). His primary concern was spiritual order, not gender control.

The Greek word for “authority” in 1 Timothy 2:12 is authenteō, which doesn’t simply mean to lead or teach, but to domineer or usurp authority violently—which likely refers to a disruptive influence, not godly leadership.

Moreover, the early Church was not built on titles, but on Christ expressing His life through yielded vessels—men and women alike. Leadership was defined by function, not position.

What About Pastors Then? #

The word “pastor” (poimēn in Greek) appears only once in the New Testament as a noun (Ephesians 4:11). It’s not a hierarchical position, but a grace gift—a Christ-expression of shepherding, caring, guiding.

If a woman carries the life of Christ and is mature in the Spirit, she can shepherd others if it is Christ doing the work through her, not ambition, feminism, or flesh. But this must be tested not by feelings or public acceptance, but by the fruit of the Spirit, maturity in Christ, and whether she builds up the Body in spiritual order and truth.

Foundation in Scripture #

The fivefold ministry—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers—was given by Christ Himself:

“And [His gifts to the church were varied and] He Himself appointed some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers—to fully equip and perfect the saints (God’s people) for works of service, to build up the body of Christ…”
— Ephesians 4:11–12 (AMP)

These are not gendered titles, but graces given by Christ for His Body.

Clarity #

Doesn’t Titus Say a Bishop Must Be a Man? #

Yes, in Titus 1:6 (AMP) Paul writes:

“[A bishop/overseer] must be blameless and beyond reproach, the husband of one wife [a man of unquestionable morality and fidelity]…”

This seems very clear at face value—but remember, Paul is writing into a specific cultural and spiritual context where all elders were male due to the norms of the time, and especially to avoid scandal or stumbling within a largely patriarchal society.

The instruction in Titus is not about barring women, but about maintaining order and avoiding reproach in the local church, which was watched carefully by the unbelieving world.

Paul is not creating a permanent gender requirement for all generations. Instead, he is giving practical guidelines for appointing elders in Crete, where male leadership was culturally accepted and respected.

To turn Paul’s pastoral wisdom into a legalistic rule for all time is to miss the heart of his letters—and the movement of the Spirit in the New Covenant.

Additional Considerations for Women Shepherding Others #

If the Spirit used them then, why not now, especially when Christ is now the Head and leads by His Spirit?

So What’s the Key? #

The key is not gender, but governance by the Spirit. Leadership is about:

• Bearing the image of Christ,
• Walking in His nature,
• Ministering by the grace He supplies.

God is not interested in outward titles but in the inward life of Christ being formed and flowing through a vessel. That vessel can be a man or a woman, so long as it is dead to Adam and alive in Christ.

“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
— John 3:30

New Creation Reality #

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
— Galatians 3:28 (AMP)

In Christ, all outward distinctions dissolve at the level of inheritance and function. God now calls, sends, and anoints based on spiritual maturity, not on biological differences.

Witness from the Early Church #

The early church wasn’t always consistent, but it did preserve glimpses of women in leadership, especially in the first two centuries:

These are not “modern liberal” views—they are part of the Church’s ancient memory, when the Spirit was still moving freshly and powerfully.

Why God Can Use Women #

• God does not call based on gender, but on Christ in you.
• The true mark of ministry is spiritual formation, not a role or a title.
• Women can be shepherds, teachers, and apostles if they are led by the Spirit and formed by Christ’s nature.

All This Is True Only When… #

Let’s be clear: none of this is about asserting rights. Ministry is not about self-expression, but self-denial. All this is only valid when:

• Christ is truly in you,
• You are dead to self, Adam, and the flesh,
• You are alive to Christ and led by the Holy Spirit.

Final Thought #

The Church is not a company or political body—it is a living organism expressing the Person of Christ. God can use whomever He chooses, and He looks not at outward roles but at the heart, the cross, and the fruit.

But all this is only when Christ is in you, you are moved by the Holy Spirit, and you are dead to the world, dead to Adam and the flesh, but alive in Christ and the Spirit.

Hope this brings clarity, Clara.

In Christ,
Shaliach.