Can women be pastors or deacons? 

Everybody always wants to explain it in a way that makes them feel good and where they can accept it, instead of just taking the word for what it says.

Answer is in 8:10 Thanks me later

Totally agree. As a woman, as a child of God; my only goal is to walk in God's truth. Not the fallen world's truth, not the truth of those that bypass scripture because they have a private agenda....but the truth that is proved by scripture! God Bless!

Thanks, Dr. Wellum. One of my best seminary professors. Wife Karen was very kind to my wife when she worked as a nurse at the hospital where my wife delivered one of our children. Great man and woman of God. God bless them.

As a woman in seminary college I want to thank you for this response. I echo this in my courses and am censored for it. Scripture is CLEAR on this. This was a hard pill for me to swallow but I submit to the word of God. His authority is final! He controls my life, not me.

when in doubt always follow the word of God.

Isn't the scripturally defined requirement of a Deacon being the husband of one wife? So how can a woman be a Deacon?

This is even more relevant today...than it was when it was posted.... Thank you Brother.

Short answer: no.

The short answer, according to the Apostle Paul, is no.

Amen Thanks for the insight It truly helped me pinpoint a few things I needed clarification towards

It’s a simple question that has a simple answer, no.

Huge lack of patience in some comments. Foundation and background are important, and I appreciate the whole context being laid out - instead of a "fast food" explanation, which can be dangerous.

1 Timothy 2 11:15 - “ A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet”

The answer is clearly “NO” in the scriptures!

Woman here 👋 1 Timothy 2:12-15 Our feelings 👎🏼 Our opinions 👎🏼 The worlds opinions 👎🏼 Gods Word 🙌🏼

My pastor will be on a sabbatical ‘till mid-August...he has a ‘woman pastor’ filling in for now, i think i’ll be attending another church until he returns

The bible never allows women to take authority over man in the church and preach

1 Corinthians 14, 33-40 . Let your women keep silence in the church...

that's exactly right!!! praise the Lord!!! what i heard was nowhere left or right from the truth... thank you brother for making this publicly. may the good Lord help us all take up our crosses and step into our callings in the power of true love!

Question: If the Word of God says a woman can not be a Deaconess, then why does Romans 16:1 call Phoebe a Deaconess at the church at Cenchreae?

No! There has been much disobedience towards what God clearly instructs! We are to submit! God is a God of order! He designed it all to function systematically! Why is it so difficult to comprehend! Scripture is clear! Woman are not to lead, teach or preach over a man...period!

Very well said and set, to God be the glory!

Thank you very much for explaining this very carefully

Paul also says that anyone who is divorced can not be a leader in the church, and anyone who has a sin they don't repent from should be kicked out of the church. It's interesting the rules people choose to follow and not follow.

Thank you for your teaching on this subject.

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.” Romans 16:1-2

Thanks for the very well and lovingly articulation of the Word. Cleared up many questions I had about the question at hand.

"NO, in the Biblical sense"? What other "sense" is there? Should have been a 20 second answer.

this is a topic that most modern-day churches seem to ignore. God has a divine order and it is beyond time and culture. Leadership or headship was always been reserved for the males (high priest, Rabbi's, Officers, General's, etc) and there were no rebuttals for centuries until the 20th century. Now we live in a society where you can be and do whatever the heart desires to do while also ignore God's divine order in favor for emotionalism and sensationalism.

Is not about feelings is about obedience to what the scriptures says.

Very honest and enlightening, I don’t think he could have been more honest to himself and God. I don’t agree with everything he said ,but truth be told he was honest ,careful, comprehensive and perhaps most importantly,he did not use the scripture for his doctrinal position .open minded and candid

I loved how he approached the question with humility and authority. Thank you for the post.

I knew the answer was no because I read scripture for myself however I appreciate the time he takes in explaining. Christians must get to a place of “speak the truth in love”. Because sometimes new believers need the extra care the extra time the patience and explanation. Which sidebar is a fruit of the spirit - patience. The answer is still the same but the way we explain the scripture to someone just might set them free. Just as it says! ✝️🔥🙌🏾

Biblical response. Amen!

People always want what they can't have. As a man I can never enjoy nursing a child, God has reserved that role for women, just as being a pastor of a church is reserved for a man. The problem I see is not enough men are stepping up to be pastors so there's a void of good leadership in many churches nowadays.

God really has called me to your videos the amount of revaluation he is giving me I can't even sum up words how thankful I am I pray that I grow more in Christ not for gain but to make Jesus more please someone pray for me that I stop smoking to be more obedient

Answer: NOooooooO!

I'm pleasantly surprised. I fully expected them to fold on this one... as so many do. They've earned my respect.

Brilliant teaching!

Good messages please continue the work of God.

1 Corinthians 14 : 33-40 1 Timothy 2 : 11,10 If this was written about any other commandment, and labeled as such, there wouldn't be any issue. When Paul addresses women not taking authority in 2Timothy, he takes us back to Genesis. He therefore isn't just saying something about women from that time, but from all time. He uses the woman's taking of leadership in the garden as an origin and example for the man to stand up and righteously do what he was MADE to do. Different roles at home and in church, but equal in Christ. God bless you all.

Blesses be the Lord in Heaven. Though the comments are full of arguments on what to do, what not to do. He will yet be praised and glorified forever more.

Very well laid out explanation.

What's with all the people in the comments demanding a quick answer? As if this topic has not caused a lot of hurt and confusion. It demands careful examination. If you do not allow the space needed to carefully discuss the truth and what the Scripture means, then you are not acting in love. This answer seems as sure and comprehensive a one as you are liable to get in the space of a ten minute video, and it is delivered with quite a bit of awareness of why this question is important. Pay attention to the needs of love rather than getting into such insensitive huffs.

"Women pastors / preachers? Can a woman be a pastor or preacher?" Answer: There is perhaps no more hotly debated issue in the church today than the issue of women serving as pastors/preachers. As a result, it is very important to not see this issue as men versus women. There are women who believe women should not serve as pastors and that the Bible places restrictions on the ministry of women, and there are men who believe women can serve as preachers and that there are no restrictions on women in ministry. This is not an issue of chauvinism or discrimination. It is an issue of biblical interpretation. The Word of God proclaims, “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent” (1 Timothy 2:11-12). In the church, God assigns different roles to men and women. This is a result of the way mankind was created and the way in which sin entered the world (1 Timothy 2:13-14). God, through the apostle Paul, restricts women from serving in roles of teaching and/or having spiritual authority over men. This precludes women from serving as pastors over men, which definitely includes preaching to them, teaching them publicly, and exercising spiritual authority over them. There are many objections to this view of women in pastoral ministry. A common one is that Paul restricts women from teaching because in the first century, women were typically uneducated. However, 1 Timothy 2:11-14 nowhere mentions educational status. If education were a qualification for ministry, then the majority of Jesus’ disciples would not have been qualified. A second common objection is that Paul only restricted the women of Ephesus from teaching men (1 Timothy was written to Timothy, the pastor of the church in Ephesus). Ephesus was known for its temple to Artemis, and women were the authorities in that branch of paganism-therefore, the theory goes, Paul was only reacting against the female-led customs of the Ephesian idolaters, and the church needed to be different. However, the book of 1 Timothy nowhere mentions Artemis, nor does Paul mention the standard practice of Artemis worshipers as a reason for the restrictions in 1 Timothy 2:11-12. A third objection is that Paul is only referring to husbands and wives, not men and women in general. The Greek words for “woman” and “man” in 1 Timothy 2 could refer to husbands and wives; however, the basic meaning of the words is broader than that. Further, the same Greek words are used in verses 8-10. Are only husbands to lift up holy hands in prayer without anger and disputing (verse 8)? Are only wives to dress modestly, have good deeds, and worship God (verses 9-10)? Of course not. Verses 8-10 clearly refer to all men and women, not just husbands and wives. There is nothing in the context that would indicate a narrowing to husbands and wives in verses 11-14. Yet another objection to this interpretation of women in pastoral ministry is in relation to women who held positions of leadership in the Bible, specifically Miriam, Deborah, and Huldah in the Old Testament. It is true that these women were chosen by God for special service to Him and that they stand as models of faith, courage, and, yes, leadership. However, the authority of women in the Old Testament is not relevant to the issue of pastors in the church. The New Testament Epistles present a new paradigm for God’s people-the church, the body of Christ-and that paradigm involves an authority structure unique to the church, not for the nation of Israel or any other Old Testament entity. Similar arguments are made using Priscilla and Phoebe in the New Testament. In Acts 18, Priscilla and Aquila are presented as faithful ministers for Christ. Priscilla’s name is mentioned first, perhaps indicating that she was more prominent in ministry than her husband. Did Priscilla and her husband teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to Apollos? Yes, in their home they “explained to him the way of God more adequately” (Acts 18:26). Does the Bible ever say that Priscilla pastored a church or taught publicly or became the spiritual leader of a congregation of saints? No. As far as we know, Priscilla was not involved in ministry activity in contradiction to 1 Timothy 2:11-14. In Romans 16:1, Phoebe is called a “deacon” (or “servant”) in the church and is highly commended by Paul. But, as with Priscilla, there is nothing in Scripture to indicate that Phoebe was a pastor or a teacher of men in the church. “Able to teach” is given as a qualification for elders, but not for deacons (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:6-9). The structure of 1 Timothy 2:11-14 makes the reason why women cannot be pastors perfectly clear. Verse 13 begins with “for,” giving the “cause” of Paul’s statement in verses 11-12. Why should women not teach or have authority over men? Because “Adam was created first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived” (verses 13-14). God created Adam first and then created Eve to be a “helper” for Adam. The order of creation has universal application in the family (Ephesians 5:22-33) and in the church. The fact that Eve was deceived is also given in 1 Timothy 2:14 as a reason for women not serving as pastors or having spiritual authority over men. This does not mean that women are gullible or that they are all more easily deceived than men. If all women are more easily deceived, why would they be allowed to teach children (who are easily deceived) and other women (who are supposedly more easily deceived)? The text simply says that women are not to teach men or have spiritual authority over men because Eve was deceived. God has chosen to give men the primary teaching authority in the church. Many women excel in gifts of hospitality, mercy, teaching, evangelism, and helping/serving. Much of the ministry of the local church depends on women. Women in the church are not restricted from public praying or prophesying (1 Corinthians 11:5), only from having spiritual teaching authority over men. The Bible nowhere restricts women from exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12). Women, just as much as men, are called to minister to others, to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and to proclaim the gospel to the lost (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15). God has ordained that only men are to serve in positions of spiritual teaching authority in the church. This is not because men are necessarily better teachers or because women are inferior or less intelligent (which is not the case). It is simply the way God designed the church to function. Men are to set the example in spiritual leadership-in their lives and through their words. Women are to take a less authoritative role. Women are encouraged to teach other women (Titus 2:3-5). The Bible also does not restrict women from teaching children. The only activity women are restricted from is teaching or having spiritual authority over men. This precludes women from serving as pastors to men. This does not make women less important, by any means, but rather gives them a ministry focus more in agreement with God’s plan and His gifting of them.

I am Russian Orthodox and in our Church, it's not even a question. I appreciate your video.

This is the best video I’ve come across on this.

No need to even listen to this video, he is just trying to make sure no one gets their feelings hurt, if you really want to know what God’s word says n not mans interpretation, then read 1 Timothy 2:11 through the end of the chapter, then read Hebrews 13:8, and if u say that Gods word has to change with what society wants, then that’s between you and God, but if you read his word, you’ll find his answer

Dude needs to cut to the chase and say it as a man “no”

Thank you for your Biblical Clarity. Thank you thank you...

ABSOLUTELY CORRECT, GOD'S WORD IS VERY CLEAR. THANK YOU.

Well spoken 🙏🏽!!!

So the qualifications for a deacon in the word is null and void?

The Scriptures are very clear for a deacon's stature and capacity in 1Timothy. A deacon is to be the husband of one wife--period! It's not really fair for the video presenter to breakdown the Scriptures to degrees of authoritative holding between the male & female genders. I mean, does he really think the Saint Apostle Paul would have even cared about that?! But that's what happens when you combine the Scriptures with modern-day values and educated guesses. It's either you know the Scriptures or you don't. "Nuff said!!!

1 Timothy 2:12 “But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.”

Is the Great Commission in Mathew 28:18-20 applicable to Men only?

At about the 2 minutes mark you said that apostles were unique for that ancient time but that gift to the church has passed away - what is the biblical basis for that?

Best explanation so far on the subject. Thanks a lot, pastor.

Can anyone tell me where the scriptures that says apostles has passed???

No! People now a days afraid to hurt someone feeling..

Good summary of what the Bible says. Thanks for the video and instruction. Despite what the stooges in the comments say, I'm glad we get instruction here on the context of the Bible, and different applications of verses, and a straight up admission that 1 Timothy 3:11 is not perfectly clear on the translated word for wives. Humble and honest answer that considers the whole counsel of God's Word.

Thank you Sir. Everything is right and just as long as we conform our lives to God's Word. Amos 7:7-9 God is setting a " Plumb Line ". Thank you again.

Good explanation! I enjoy these videos.

As I read all these positive and negative comments all I can say is the Lord said trust in God with all your heart and do no lean on your own understanding and in all thy way acknowledge him and he will make your path straight. People of God remember Jesus came for a reason think..

This explanation was really good

Excellent commentary!

The office of the deacon was established when the seven were chosen and anointed, to assist the apostles much like the Levites assisted the priests...

Well said. Excellent explanation and analysis.

Thank you sir

That was great. Very helpful. Thanks.

I am natural overseer for organizations. I think God gives woman gifts and if someone is gifted in an area, who is the man to say "no"

1Ti 2:11 - 1Ti 2:14 (CWSB) 11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17-18: God said he will pour His Spirit out on people and men and women will prophesy and be servants. Pastoring (or being a special leader, a Shepherd), Deacon (or special servant) is a gift of the Holy Spirit. If I'm reading the Holy Scriptures correctly in context, God said it will be poured out on all people men and women. Women can be a pastor and Deacon, it's biblical because that gift is from the Spirit, God's Holy Spirit.

Dr. Wellum I have a question. Sir last night I was caught by surprise at the church I attend, I only have been there two month. A woman came out preaching. And I'm totally against it because I trust in the word of God. But I was in shock because I told myself I would never attend a church where there's a woman called pastor. Now the church where I use to attend, the pastor past away. And then that church started to change things around that I didn't agree with, so I left. And no, not because I didn't want correction or Discipline, I need that in my life, but left for other reasons. But anyways I've been looking for a church for me and my wife to be and I ran into that one. And I really felt God send me there but then what I saw last night, I didn't agree with it. My question is, what can I do? Or what is it that I should do? Because I don't want to lead my family in the wrong church. I pray that God uses you or anybody in this channel to give me wisdom, guidance and direction of what to do. God bless you. I apologize that this is not a comment but a question but I'm in desperate need of guidance. 🙏🙏

Excellent biblical video. Thanks

I Tim. 3:12 seems to spell out deacon qualifications...

God doesn't change: neither will He take His Word back! Women CAN'T be pastors!

As soon as this guy said Apostles are done away with I had to leave. God has given us Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Teachers and Pastors for the perfecting of the saints. The scriptures prove this guy incorrect from the jump. May God enlighten him to the truth.

This video make a good point, because a title or position in one denomination can have different meaning, role, and range of authority from another denomination-We have to put a person in a position as close as possible as what the Bible say.

Not according to God's Word. Remember: Eve was deceived and Adam was not. I am a woman, and this has absolutely nothing to do with equal rights. It has to do with God's order in the church. I think the body of Christ is failing to remember that Christ is the head of the church and we as members comprise the body. Man has no right to usurp authority over Christ. But it's happening all the time, everywhere in the churches. And that is in direct disobedience to Christ himself. He is the head and Savior of the body. but if we go back to the Book of Genesis, let's not forget the curse that God spoke over women. It is a womans in nature, because of the Fall, to want to dominate and usurp authority over men. It's a control issue. And when women take leadership positions in the church they are in direct violation of Christ's teachings. I hope somebody gets this. Blessings 💕

#1 Rebuttal: "That was for that culture of the time." #1 Fact rebuttal and invite: Show me one single verse that states or eludes to "when the culture changes the Word changes." Go ahead, I'll wait.

The ministry of the apostle has never ceased

Read 1corinthisns 14v34, 1timothy 2v11

Does anyone here read ancient Hebrew or Greek? I’d guess a lot don’t, so, I would suggest you put your listening ears on and you might learn something.

Short answer... no!

Great answer! I concur

Thank you for the honesty

Southern Seminary, 'Blessings' for confirmation on these issues. Never wanting to be outside of the will of God.

Satan is all about changing the order of God and this must be in mind when someone says that anyone can change the way God does things.

Very clear. God bless you

In 1 Corinthians 14 Paul discusses the matter of spiritual gifts in the first century church. After instructing the church that those who speak in tongues had to "keep silent" if there was no interpreter, and that one prophet had to "keep silent" if another prophet was speaking, he says, "Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church." (1 Corinthians 14:34-35). To this passage is attached the following admonition, "If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord." (1 Cor. 14:37).

Good job prof! Defined it and nailed it!! What a good steward of the Word must do. Discipleship is not only what, but why. He accomplished the task here in a shorter time than it could take to make the case.

“Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.” 1 Timothy 3:12 Clearly, Paul intends to communicate that only men can be deacons, so in the previous verse it should be translated “their wives.” A man can be disqualified from serving as a deacon if his wife is not faithful in all things. A woman cannot be the husband of one wife. Therefore, only men can serve as pastors or deacons. In verse 5, managing one’s household well as the spiritual leader in the home is necessary before a man can care for God’s church. Therefore, only those who are spiritual leaders in the home can serve as spiritual leaders in the church. In all respect, this is very clear.

What a gracious way of covering a topic that can be challenging for folks. One point he didn't mention: The same term for "helper" used in Genesis to describe Eve is also used to describe God! Does that sound like a demeaning term to you? Different roles, equal value. We need leaders. We need helpers. God know best.

I have always struggled in this topic, but I know in my church we have women who are pastors, but not senior/ head pastor. I’m not in anyway trying to be prideful, but just going by what the Bible says.

And the answer is YES, woman can be pastors, deacons, or whatever needs to be in the church. Marie was even the mother of the Son of God, no man could have been that....😉 So by faith and using our brain we accepted the Bible is inspired by God. Let's continue like the, faith + brain, continue to read and understand it. In the whole Bible there isn't a clear condamnation if slavery. But we add texts and by faith + brain, we understand slavery is wrong....let's continue like that to everything we read. We are all one in Christ, Gal 3:28, and 1 Cor 12. Jesus said that who wants to be important in heaven needs to serve the most people possible.....woman and man can serve all, so they will be important......don't let people manipulate you because of their desire of power, control or manipulate.... Faith + brain, and serve Jesus.

I serve as a deacon at my church and I agree with this video. Women cannot be pastors because we can not lead over men because God placed men in that role but we can be servants within the church and work in the role of deacon.

Very well explained...

10:06 cracked me up a little. So true.