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Are Women Totally Forbidden to Teach?

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HomeFree89 Jun 2, 2007

Are women totally forbidden to teach when men are in the audience? Can someone please give me some Bible verses that will help clear this up?

What about women teaching at a Bible College?

Jordan

C
Christinyou Jun 4, 2007

"Let your women" 1Ti 2:11-12
"under obedience" Eph 5:22; Tit 2:5; 1Pe 3:1
"saith the law" Ge 3:16; Nu 30:3-12; Es 1:20

Not my words. Where does teaching start for all people? Children learn from their parents more than they learn from school. That is what gives a child his or her whole being even the way they learn in school. Who is the most important teacher to all children? Parents, especially mothers. Teach? Wow, a woman has the greatest influence over her children and can really give the foundation of every child the greatest perspective of God and bring God the greatest glory of all Children. A woman teach? YOU bet.

Men and Fathers should be the greatest spiritual influence of life to their wives so they can be the greatest influence over their children. Father should teach also, that is a child's greatest gift from parents. Should women teach?
Should men teach? What do you think?

In Christ: Phillip

U
UniqueWebRev Jun 4, 2007


HomeFree89 wrote:
Are women totally forbidden to teach when men are in the audience? Can someone please give me some Bible verses that will help clear this up?

What about women teaching at a Bible College?

Jordan


Well, Jordan,

Two days, and no one want's to pick this one up, for fear of seeming legalistic.

The only person who said it was forbidden for women to speak was Paul, and it was in the confines of a synagogue, or church.

[color=993300]1 Corinthians 14:34. 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.
35. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.


1st Timothy 2:7. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
8. I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
9. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
10. But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
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.
15. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
[/color]


I am woman, I am an ordained Minister, and an evangelist.

I teach all the time.

But because of what Paul said in the Bible, which I believe is the God breathed Word, I will not Pastor a church, which is a position of authority over men, until every man around me over 30 years of age that believes in Jesus is dead or in prison, and then only if called by God to do so. But then, God has not called me to Pastor a church. When and if He does, I'll consider it carefully, to make sure I'm hearing the right voice, take a look at the circumstances, and agonize a lot, because I don't want to be a Pastor.


Your teachers are I hope learned, and accurate in their teaching. The fact that they happen to be female is irrelevant to me, and obviously to some Bible Colleges.

Of course, it might not be to them, so you are wise to be careful not to offend your sisters overmuch, or even your brothers.


On the other hand, some denominations, Methodist, and Quakers, for instance, think no shame to be taught and pastored by a women.

It all depends, you see on whether people believe that the Bible is Inerrant or Inspired. And whether they think Jewish Law is more important that Jesus's Grace.

But if a woman is called by God to Pastor, best see if God prospers her before tarring and feathering her.

Or you might find yourself fighting God.


I believe that Gamaliel said approximately the same thing to the Sanhedrin at the time our Savior was under scrutiny.

They handed Jesus over to the Romans to be killed.

If they had been smart, they would have waited to see what God wanted. And in regard to Jesus, God allowed them to make a huge mistake, since
He had already promised the Messiah would come in two different guises at two different times.

They didn't read prophecy very well, but even if they had, they might have allowed it all to happen anyway. Or God would have blinded them, regardless, because Jesus had to die, or we couldn't be saved.

They knew the law well, and you must take into consideration that Paul was in line for one of their seats, and knew the law very well also, so well that Jesus had to make a personal appearance to Paul to convince the stubborn guy to think it over.

There were also cultural differences, and most women of the time knew almost nothing except what they had heard and been taught by their parents, or by their husbands, or by Paul.


Jesus is deemed to be less legalistic. But again, Paul is the one talking.

[color=993300]Galatians 3:15. Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
16. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
17. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
18. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
19. Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
20. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
21. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
22. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
23. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
26. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.[/color]


God's allowed to change His mind...and always has been. And Paul contradicted himself.

Nice, touchy subject, isn't it?


Blessings,

Forrest

D
Delwynmm Jun 4, 2007

THE HEART OF WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP - AN EXAMPLE FROM THE PROPHETESS / JUDGE DEBORAH

Lets take a look at what happened with the women in the Early Church. Something caused Paul to write some very stern words to them:
1 Corinthians 14:34 (KJV) 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.
1 Timothy 2:11-12 (KJV) 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.
There is one common factor with both these groups of women and that is the issue of being under authority. The Corinthian women were lacking in submission by speaking out of turn in church meetings. Paul told them that if they had questions, or opinions, it would be better for them to discuss these matters with their husbands at home instead of disturbing the meetings.
The Ephesian women were also becoming outspoken, and were obviously pursuing a dominant stance by positioning themselves over the men. Both groups of women were asked to be silent in the church gatherings because their disruption was creating havoc. These two groups of women failed to understand the importance of being under authority.
Anti-authority behaviour destroys the unity of the church. It also grieves the Holy Spirit and hinders the anointing.
Sadly, over the years, in some cases, there has been a misuse of authority where men have disregarded the important contribution of women in the home, church and society, and assumed a dominant stance and expected them to come under their harsh control. This is a far cry from God’s ideal. Then there is the other extreme where women have sought to free themselves from all restraints, and have risen up against every male authority figure. This also, is a far cry from God’s ideal. As a victim, and now survivor of spiritual abuse I am acutely aware of the fine line between Godly leadership and authoritarian control. Submission to authority, in either marriage or in a church setting ought never be forced upon a woman. Submission to authority is a voluntary response from the heart of a person who chooses to be accountable to those in leadership.
One can not deny that right throughout the Scriptures the majority of leadership positions were delegated to males. This is God’s divine order and we as women, need to embrace it as such and seek to work in with the males God has placed over us. But having said that, it is important we understand the Biblical definition of authority and leadership, as explained in the left hand column. In rare occasions such as in Deborah's case, where a woman is supreme, she, like Deborah needs to establish an accountability with Godly males in authority such as Laipdoth and Barak.
God’s ideal is for women and men to complement each other. In Luke chapter 8 it states that women accompanied Jesus in His ministry trips. I personally believe He included them because He understood how complementary females are to males.
When God chose Deborah, He also appointed a man to work together with her. His name was Barak, leader of the army. Deborah and Barak ministered harmoniously together. Barak’s name means: ‘to draw the sword like a flash of lightening.’ I see Barak as being a type of pastor. One of the pastor’s responsibilities is to speak forth the sword of the Spirit (which is the Word of God as explained in Ephesians Chapter 6).
Deborah worked on the strategy so the leader’s advancement was successful. Anointed handmaidens help their church leaders, not hinder them. Ideally male and female co-workers in the church work together on the same team, not opposing each other. In Deborah’s song, one line says ‘My heart is toward the governors.’ Leaders need women with the anointing who desire to bless their leaders, not rise up against them.
Because of Deborah’s right attitude, the male leader of the army acknowledged the anointing of God on her life. When Barak was discussing the call to arms with Deborah, he said that he would not go unless she accompanied him. I have heard it said that it was because he was timid. But that was not his character. On the day of the victory, he alone fearlessly led an entire army of ten thousand men. That doesn’t sound like a wimp to me.
I believe Barak asked Deborah go with him because he recognized and acknowledged the anointing of God upon her life. He understood how complementary she was to him as they carried out God’s purposes together.
Oh that the leaders in Christendom today would put aside their preconceived idea and recognize the anointing of God in women’s lives. Oh that the women would maintain the right heart-attitude towards their male leaders when stepping into areas of ministry under the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

U
UniqueWebRev Jun 4, 2007

Bravo Delwynmm!

I've heard these very things taught before, but didn't have the scholarship to speak as well of them.

And your point on authority in Barak & Deborah is brilliant.

Gentlemen...Please, pay attention.

Blessings,

Forrest

sermonindex Jun 4, 2007

This is a different take on it...

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
James 1.16 -17

Some may understand this and most probably will not. What are the gifts of the Spirit?

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 1 Cor 12.4

Word of wisdom
Word of knowledge
Faith
Gifts of healing
Working of miracles
Prophecy
Discerning of spirits
divers kinds of tongues
Interpretation of tongues

Take a close look but I do not read any version of the Bible (you want to read) where the Spirit only gives ANY of these gifts to the male species of men. And if prophecy is preaching, then it looks to be open to all!

Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Genesis 5:2 Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.

I know that all will not agree with me because they would have to rethink their whole belief system but if these gifts are for 'WHOSOEVER will' and there is neither male NOR female in the Spirit (Galatians 3.28), don't be so quick to be so adamently against women teaching. The Lord might have something for you one day that He may want to bring through a woman and if your ears are sealed shut, then you will miss what He has for you. And please don't say that He knows you and He won't do that!! :) He just might!

U
UniqueWebRev Jun 4, 2007

I knew in my heart of hearts this would happen...the guys won't say anything!

I guess, Jordan, they're leaving it up to us 'ladies' to teach you.

Well, the Word is the Word. Dividing it rightly is 'equal opportunity' difficult!

All blessings to you,

Forrest

E
enid Jun 4, 2007

Let's have another look at Genesis.

Genesis 3v16, 'To the woman He said, I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception, in pain you shall bring forth chilren, your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you'.

When did that change?

Maybe you have never noticed, but most of the world rulers are men.

Most pastors and evangelists are men.

It is as God says.

As for those women who are 'pastors', what are their husbands? The 'pastor's husband' doesn't have quite the right sound to it for some reason.

The fact is, the church has been poisoned with secular humanism, and it shows.

1 Tim 2v11-15 tells us the role of women. It talks about childbearing, so, with my limited knowledge, that does not seem to apply to the men.

As it is, the men probably have not answered this yet because they are busy at work, while we have time to idle on the computer.

Let us all do ourselves a favour, don't argue with God, because we can only lose.

Obey Him.

That's it.

God bless.

G
ginnyrose Jun 4, 2007

Forrest wrote:

I knew in my heart of hearts this would happen...the guys won't say anything!

Mind if I offer an explanation for this? This topic has been a subject of great discussion/debate on this forum in the past and can get very controversial. So, I would guess those who have been on this forum for a while are in no mood to get involved again. Like me.

My observation and opinion,

ginnyrose

E
enid Jun 4, 2007

ginnyrose,

You are right. It is a needless discussion.

No more involvement for me, unless absolutely necessary.

And even then...

God bless.

sermonindex Jun 4, 2007

Scripture is clear... 'nuff said.

Krispy

sermonindex Jun 4, 2007

Yes, we did have quite a few of these threads just a year ago and for that whole year backwards, so to speak.

You that were here 2 yr.s ago know what I believe, but I'm in a mood to waste my breathe again.

Krispy is right ... but that's a shortened version.

We had woman teaching in our Bible College ... but let me qualify the 'type' of woman there were and they were few.
They were old retired Missionaries like my favorite gal Elizabeth Elliott ... who knew how to teach without AUTHORITY.
Elizabeth Elliott had the perfect view of this matter.
She would never speak in a Church in the A.M. Service - not even if asked, because she felt, that was the time of opening the Word by the Pastor or whomever else the Pastor designated.

She only spoke on Sun Nights because the Pastor was sitting there, so that put her under him.

How many men have read her books or listened to her faithfully on the radio when she was on for all those years.
Well, she said, if they want to tune it or read, that is a choice they are making - and there is no authority pointed at them.

I truly believe that the "authority" part is even more important to view - hand-in-hand 'with' the teaching.

When I first joined SI in '05 I said, if SI had lady Moderators, I'd not sign on.

I feel us ladies on here are not 'teaching' but sharing our views and just the other normal parts of fellowship - encouraging or whatever. With some exceptions now and then.

To be truthful Forrest - Your sign on name through me. Can you understand why and not take offense at the same time ? It's a "here I am" type Title you've chosen ... that's why I visited you site before I posted anything to you two days ago. I saw you are not that brazenly authoritative on your blog site, so I wanted to give things time to get to know you.

Anyone can be ordained now a days. But ordaining woman is not my idea of Scripturally Right.
Women deaconess there were in the first Church but they were there to minister to woman's needs. Nice and proper like, I think. I don't want to share my personal problems with a male-deacon - that would be embarrassing.

There are very active woman in the Bible -- but just the authority over men and when teaching is not Kosher.

I'd like to talk with you some more - and not just because you have my only child's name. :-)

sermonindex Jun 4, 2007

When I first joined SI in '05 I said, if SI had lady Moderators, I'd not sign on.

This is interesting... before I joined SI I had belonged to another similar forum, and there were several women who were moderators.

Now, what I am about to say applies [b]only[/b] to these women of which I speak, and not necessarily to anyone else. It's one of those "if the shoes fit..." kinda things.

My experience with these women was most discouraging. We never discussed this particular topic, so they didnt get "catty" because of this. But what I discovered was they could not seperate their emotions and feelings from cold hard truth. And when dealing with people, things became very personal... and very public.

I was called judgemental and mean because I challenged a person who was encouraging everyone to see "Bruce Almighty" because this person said it was a "great Christian movie, with many Biblical applications". So I listed how many cuss words were in the movie, how many references there were to breasts and other female anatomy areas, etc etc... (My info came from a Christian movie review website. I still refuse to see this blasphemous movie)

Two of the female moderators went on a rampage against me... so much so that I left the board never to return. (and showed up here at SI a couple days later) And it was all about their feelings, and nothing about scripture.

After I left, I went back and just read what was being written... and they were gloating that they had run off a pharisee (meaning me). I didnt bother replying to their posts.

I am in no way saying that every woman would respond like that. I know that they wouldnt. I know my wife wouldnt. I'm only sharing my experience.

Make of it what you will. :-)

By the way, I've seen Mike and Greg have to ban people from here... and it is always done with a very sincere heaviness of heart. I can tell it breaks their hearts to have to deal with people when they need dealt with. What a difference.

Krispy

J
JesusIsMyLrd Jun 4, 2007

Here's a thought...

In Acts there is mentioned the man who had daughters who prophesied. In Acts it says that all who were in the upper room went out and preached (including women).

As it has been brought up before, Paul says that women are forbidden to speak in church... and then he says why... becuase:
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."

The woman is the "weaker" vessel, as it says elswhere in God's Word, and so therefor, they are not given the position of a teacher, for they, as eve, are more easily lead astray... don't get me wrong, they CAN teach and prophesy... but UNDER the authority of a man, as an oversight.

I have great respect for Sisters in teh Lord, so don't get me wrong here. But, God has an order...

As for there being neither male nor female in God's Kingdom (Gal. 3:28) it seems to me that in the context of the rest of the passage, he is saying that there is not respect of persons with God, with reguards to salvation. To say that there is now no distinction between the sexes now that we are born of God could open the door to... !!!

Just a few thoughts. Don't have time to write more, or i would, but my lunch break is over!! :(

In Christ's love,
-nathan

sermonindex Jun 4, 2007

Amen Nathan. Good name. Reminds me of the Nathan that said to David, "you the man." (He was the first to coin that phrase, you know :)

Krispy, had many a "run-in" such as yours. One female Moderator, when we had a 9 page thread on OSAS that we all were enjoying and though we differed with each other ... it was all extremely civil. All Scriptures and Greek, etc. but because she had a bias and the Greek Grammar was proving her Greek wrong ... she went Nuts.

Ha, yes, literally nuts.
She first started to just delete pages from it, then moved it to the "Eschatology" board (for some not-known-to-anyone reason - except hormones we figured) and then she deleted the whole thread. And this was on an Apologetic Site. Hoy Vey !

Also, on another Site with many ladies Moderating .... they would post immensely long threads - Teaching us. But when an opposing viewpoint would come up from other lady members --- they'd get their husbands to come on and tell those female members that women shouldn't teach. (except their wives ? - HA)

Welp, Semper Fi and hope all's well with everyone here.

W
wallbuilder Jun 4, 2007

Why don't you ask Catherine Booth, Kathryn Kuhlman, Maria Woodworth Etter, Aimee Semple McPherson, Marilyn Hickey, Joyce Meyers, & Juanita Bynum (just to name a few) that question. ;-)

sermonindex Jun 4, 2007

Why don't you ask...

I'd rather hear what God has to say on the matter. PS - your list sure lost credibility at Joyce Meyer :(

In Christ - Jim

W
wallbuilder Jun 4, 2007

Krispy Kritter/Grannie Annie

It seems rather unfair to lump your individual experiences with female moderators with ALL women. I've had a few bad experiences with men, but that doesn't mean all men are bad. Is there a way to look past stereotypes and look at the individuals behind the scenario?

There have been/are some awesome women teachers/preachers who have impacted countless peoples lives for eternity. If Pastor Cho (of S. Korea) uses women as pastors (on purpose by the way, not as an afterthought because no men were available) then there must be good reason for women to be leaders, yes, leaders in the church today.

God Bless

W
wallbuilder Jun 4, 2007

Jim

I'm sure these women of God have thoroughly wrestled through this issue both in Scripture and with the male leadership in their lives. Trust me, I've heard/read alot of them and the struggle it was for them to actually obey God in this matter of ministering/teaching God's Word-and they all do with much authority. You can't deny the men and women who have been impacted by their ministries. That speaks for itself.

Everyone has their biases-if you don't prefer Joyce Meyer, oh well, many, many people do and are quite ministered to, especially those who have been abused.

Peace in Christ

sermonindex Jun 4, 2007

It seems rather unfair to lump your individual experiences with female moderators with ALL women. I've had a few bad experiences with men, but that doesn't mean all men are bad. Is there a way to look past stereotypes and look at the individuals behind the scenario?

Hi, and welcome to this forum.

Since you're new, do you mind if I offer some friendly, brotherly advice? Here it is:

"Read slowly, and read completely."

If you apply this advice, and go back and read what I actually wrote, you will notice that I made it abundantly clear that I was not "lumping" all women together. I made it clear that I was speaking [b]only[/b] of these two women, and no one else.

Also, my post was a response to something Annie said concerning forum and moderators. I did not apply it to teachers or the church.

As for my mentioning emotions and implying that women sometimes have trouble detaching themselves from their emotions... well, thats a fact. I need not try to convince you of that. And that does not mean that some men dont ever have that problem either.

I'm excited to see you joining in the discussion. Just be sure to actually read everything someone posts... it helps to keep one from making conclusions that are baseless.

:-)

Krispy

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