Response:

Certainly anyone can be used of God to proclaim the good news of salvation, but in the Scriptures only men are given these gifts of leadership within the church. I Timothy 2: 11-14, Paul writes,

"Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression."

In I Timothy 3:1-5 , Paul states,

"This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)."

All the pronouns used in this passage are masculine, and the word "husband" is clearly male as well. Of course, all the apostles, evangelists, and pastors in the Scriptures are also male. There are many ways for a woman to be used of God, but leadership over men in a local church is not one of them.

By Dr Mark Montgomery Ambassador Baptist Church 1926 Babcock Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15209 (412)477-3210