Women's Role in Church

In 1 Timothy 2:11–15, the Apostle Paul gives direct instruction concerning women’s role within the church. He begins by stating, “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection” (1 Tim. 2:11). He then clearly establishes a restriction, saying, “But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence” (v.12). This passage identifies two specific limitations within the church assembly: women are not permitted to teach men, nor to exercise authority over them.

 Paul grounds this instruction in the order of creation, explaining, “For Adam was first formed, then Eve” (v.13). He further references the fall, stating, “And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in transgression” (v.14). These reasons show that the instruction is rooted in God’s created order rather than in cultural custom. Paul concludes by emphasizing godly character and faithfulness, writing, “Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety” (v.15).

This same principle is reinforced in 1 Corinthians 14:34–35, where Paul addresses conduct in the public church assembly. He commands, “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law” (v.34). He continues, “And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church” (v.35). These verses emphasize silence, submission, and order during the gathered assembly, particularly in matters of authoritative speech and instruction. However, if a woman has no husband and desires greater understanding, she should seek counsel from the Pastor, Elder, Deacon or the Women’s Ministry Leader.

In keeping with these principles, Scripture also defines specific church offices that women are not permitted to hold. The offices of pastor (bishop), elder, and deacon are consistently described as positions of male leadership and authority. In 1 Timothy 3:1–2, Paul writes, “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”, clearly identifying the office as male. Likewise, elders are described as men who are to lead and rule in the church; Titus 1:5–6 instructs, “Ordain elders in every city… If any be blameless, the husband of one wife.” Deacons are also addressed in masculine terms, with 1 Timothy 3:12 stating, “Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.” These qualifications, combined with the prohibition against women exercising authority over men, show that women are not biblically permitted to serve as pastors, elders, or deacons, as these offices involve spiritual oversight, teaching, and authority within the church.

While Scripture places clear boundaries on women holding authoritative offices or teaching men in the church, it also affirms honorable and necessary roles for women within God’s design. The command for silence in the church does not imply worthlessness or inactivity. Women participate fully in congregational worship, including singing and praise, and are encouraged to serve faithfully within the body. They are biblically permitted to teach other women, helping them grow in godliness and sound doctrine, and to teach and instruct children, passing on the truths of Scripture to the next generation.

These roles reflect the biblical pattern in which men and women are equal in value before God yet distinct in function. Leadership and authoritative teaching within the church are assigned to men, while women are called to serve God through worship, instruction of women and children, and lives marked by submission and godliness.

Taken together, 1 Timothy 2, 1 Corinthians 14, and the qualifications for church offices in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 teach that women are not to teach men, speak authoritatively, exercise authority over men, or hold the offices of pastor, elder, or deacon within the church. At the same time, women are called to serve faithfully through worship, teaching women and children, and living lives characterized by “faith and charity and holiness with sobriety” (1 Tim. 2:15). This order reflects God’s design for the church and promotes reverence, peace, and obedience within the body of Christ.