Should women be Elders in the Church?

Should women be Elders in the Church?

Why can't women be elders? 

Scriptures, such as 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9, lay out qualifications for elders (or overseers) that seem to describe men. The texts consistently use male pronouns and phrases like "the husband of one wife." That has led many in the historic and conservative evangelical tradition to conclude that the office of elder is limited to qualified men.

Let’s unpack the biblical basis and reasoning behind this view, without ignoring other perspectives:

🔹 Biblical Arguments for Male-Only Eldership

1. Creation Order and Headship

• 1 Timothy 2:12–13: “I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man... For Adam was formed first, then Eve.”

  • Paul grounds his instruction not in culture, but in creation order, suggesting it's a timeless principle.

• 1 Corinthians 11:3: “The head of a woman is man... and the head of Christ is God.”

  • Paul lays out a pattern of authority that reflects the Trinity and the created order.

2. Elder Qualifications Use Male Language

• Titus 1:6: “If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife...”

• 1 Timothy 3:2: “An overseer... must be the husband of one wife.”

  • The role of elder is connected to a man who leads his household well, which mirrors his ability to lead the church.

3. Eldership Involves Teaching and Authority

• In the pastoral epistles, elders are tasked with:

  • Teaching sound doctrine (Titus 1:9)

  • Refuting error (Titus 1:9)

  • Exercising authority and oversight (1 Timothy 5:17)

  • These functions are closely connected to male headship in the church, as outlined in 1 Timothy 2:12.

4. Jesus and the Apostles

• Jesus chose 12 male apostles. Even after His resurrection, the apostolic leadership remained male.

• While women played vital roles in the early church (e.g., Priscilla, Phoebe, Junia), none were elders or apostles.

🔹 What This Does Not Mean

• This view does not imply that women are less capable, spiritual, or valuable.

• It does not deny the significant leadership roles women held in Scripture:

  • Deborah (Judges 4–5) – prophet and judge

  • Priscilla – taught Apollos alongside her husband (Acts 18)

  • Phoebe – a deacon (Romans 16:1)

  • Junia – “outstanding among the apostles” (Romans 16:7, though debated)

Women are indispensable in ministry and the church, but elder (or overseer) is a distinct office tied to male leadership, under the headship of Christ.

🔹 Counterpoints (Briefly)

Some churches disagree, based on:

• Galatians 3:28 (“in Christ... there is no male or female”), interpreting this as abolishing gender roles.

• Cultural contextualization — some believe Paul's restrictions were due to 1st-century limitations, not divine principle.

• Alternative readings of words like “head” (Greek: kephalē) as meaning “source” rather than “authority.”

However, the complementarian view sees the elder’s role as rooted not in culture but in God’s design, for the flourishing of both men and women in distinct but complementary roles.

Would you like a chart comparing complementarian and egalitarian views on eldership? Or an outline of how churches with male eldership can better empower women in ministry?

Does the Greek and Hebrew bibles confirm that men should only be elders and pastors?

Yes, the Greek (New Testament) text does confirm that the role of elder (πρεσβύτερος, presbyteros) and overseer (ἐπίσκοπος, episkopos) is consistently described in masculine terms—grammatically, contextually, and theologically—throughout the pastoral epistles. The Hebrew (Old Testament) doesn't prescribe church governance but sets a precedent for male leadership in the priesthood and among elders of Israel.

Let’s break this down in terms of the original biblical languages:

🔹 1. Greek (New Testament) – Masculine Language and Structure

❖ 1 Timothy 3:1–7 (Qualifications for Overseers)

“If anyone aspires to the office of overseer (episkopēs), he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife (anēr mia gynaikos), sober-minded...”

• Greek phrase: anēr mia gynaikos – literally "a man of one woman."

  • Anēr is explicitly masculine, referring to an adult male (not a generic “person”).

  • This phrase is used in masculine form in Titus 1:6 as well, when describing elders (presbyteroi).

❖ Titus 1:6–9 (Qualifications for Elders)

“...if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers...”

• Again, “husband of one wife” is masculine in grammar and intent.

• The instruction ties leadership in the church to faithful leadership in the home—a recurring theme.

❖ Greek Grammar Notes:

• Pronouns and verbs in the elder/overseer passages are all masculine.

• There is no example in the New Testament where presbyteros or episkopos is applied to a woman.

• Paul uses specific masculine words even though Greek had gender-neutral options he could have used if his intent were to include women.

🔹 2. Hebrew (Old Testament) – Male Spiritual Leadership Pattern

While the OT doesn’t have elders and pastors in the New Testament sense, there is a consistent pattern of male leadership in the spiritual life of Israel:

• Priests (Hebrew: kohen) were exclusively male, from the tribe of Levi.

• Elders of Israel (Hebrew: zaqenim) were adult men, heads of tribes or families.

• Prophets could be male or female (e.g., Deborah, Huldah), but the covenantal leadership of the nation—like Moses, Aaron, David—was male.

🔹 3. No Counter-Examples in Greek Scripture

• No female elders or pastors are named in the New Testament.

• While women like Phoebe (Romans 16:1, diakonos) served faithfully in the church, and Priscilla helped teach Apollos, they are never referred to as elders or overseers. 

Final Thought:

The original languages confirm the restriction of the elder/pastor office to men—not because of cultural bias, but because of God’s design reflected in both creation order and the grammar of Scripture. This doesn’t diminish women’s value or gifting, but rather upholds distinct roles for the good of the body and the glory of Christ.

Would you like help reviewing key Greek phrases or parsing one of these passages word-for-word?

Let’s walk word-for-word through one of the clearest and most decisive passages: 1 Timothy 3:1–2, using the Greek New Testament. This is where Paul outlines the qualifications for an overseer (episkopos, often used interchangeably with elder).

📖 1 Timothy 3:1–2 (Greek with Transliteration and Translation)

Greek Text (Nestle-Aland 28th Edition):

Πιστὸς ὁ λόγος· εἴ τις ἐπισκοπῆς ὀρέγεται, καλoῦ ἔργου ἐπιθυμεῖ.
δεῖ οὖν τὸν ἐπίσκοπον ἀνεπίλημπτον εἶναι, μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρα, νηφάλιον, σώφρονα, κόσμιον, φιλόξενον, διδακτικόν...

🔍 Verse 1 Analysis

εἴ τις ἐπισκοπῆς ὀρέγεται, καλοῦ ἔργου ἐπιθυμεῖ.
“If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.”

• εἴ τις = if anyone (indefinite, but the context and following grammar clarify the gender)

• ἐπισκοπῆς = overseership, office of overseer (feminine noun, but the role is occupied by a male)

• ὀρέγεται = desires, aspires (3rd person singular)

• καλοῦ ἔργου = a noble work (genitive phrase describing the role)

• ἐπιθυμεῖ = he desires, strongly wants

➡️ While the subject "anyone" is technically gender-neutral at first glance, Paul immediately clarifies the gender in the next verse with unmistakable masculine grammar.

🔍 Verse 2 Phrase-by-Phrase

δεῖ οὖν τὸν ἐπίσκοπον ἀνεπίλημπτον εἶναι...
“Therefore, the overseer must be above reproach...”

• δεῖ = it is necessary

• οὖν = therefore

• τὸν ἐπίσκοπον = the overseer (accusative masculine singular)

  • Gendered as masculine in Greek. Not gender-neutral.

• ἀνεπίλημπτον = above reproach, blameless

🔍 The Key Phrase: “μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρα”

μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρα
“a one-woman man” (commonly translated: “the husband of one wife”)

• μιᾶς = one (feminine genitive singular)

• γυναικός = woman or wife (feminine genitive singular)

• ἄνδρα = man or husband (masculine accusative singular)

🟩 This phrase cannot refer to a woman because:

• The word for man/husband is ἄνδρα (anēr), an explicitly male term.

• Paul could have used the generic term anthrōpos (which means human), but he didn’t.

• The phrase is idiomatic in Greek and literally means a man devoted to one woman—indicating male marital faithfulness, a trait required of overseers.

✅ Final Conclusion

The original Greek grammar, syntax, and vocabulary leave no room for interpreting this passage as gender-neutral or inclusive of women in the office of elder/overseer. Paul was precise, and the masculine terms are deliberate and consistent.

Let’s now walk through Titus 1:5–9 — a key companion passage to 1 Timothy 3 — in Greek, with close attention to the grammar, vocabulary, and gender-specific language used to describe elders.

📖 Titus 1:5–9 (Greek with Transliteration and Translation)

Titus 1:5–6 (Greek Text)

Τοῦτο χάριν ἀπέλιπόν σε ἐν Κρήτῃ, ἵνα τὰ λείποντα ἐπιδιορθώσῃς καὶ καταστήσῃς κατὰ πόλιν πρεσβυτέρους, ὡς ἐγώ σοι διεταξάμην·
εἴ τις ἐστὶν ἀνέγκλητος, μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἀνήρ, τέκνα ἔχων πιστά...

🔍 Verse-by-Verse Analysis

Titus 1:5

“This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—”

• πρεσβυτέρους (presbyterous) = elders

  • Masculine accusative plural of presbyteros.

  • Always used in the masculine form when referring to church officeholders.

Titus 1:6

“if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers...”

• εἴ τις ἐστὶν = if anyone is

  • Like 1 Timothy 3, starts out sounding general, but the next clause makes gender clear.

• ἀνέγκλητος = blameless, above reproach (masculine adjective)

• μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἀνήρ = a one-woman man or husband of one wife

  • Same masculine construction as in 1 Timothy 3:2

  • ἀνήρ = man/husband, unmistakably male

  • γυναικός = woman/wife, feminine

➡️ Again, the elder must be male, faithful to one wife, leading a believing household.

🔍 Titus 1:7–9 – Further Qualifications for the Elder (Ἐπίσκοπος)

Titus 1:7

“For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach...”

• τὸν ἐπίσκοπον = the overseer (masculine singular accusative)

• The word "overseer" (episkopos) is used interchangeably with elder (presbyteros)—they describe the same role.

Masculine Attributes Required (All grammatically masculine in Greek):

• μὴ αὐθάδη – not arrogant

• μὴ ὀργίλον – not quick-tempered

• μὴ πάροινον – not a drunkard

• μὴ πλήκτην – not violent

• μὴ αἰσχροκερδῆ – not greedy for gain

📚 Word Study Table

Greek WordTranslationGenderNotesπρεσβυτέρους (presbyterous)eldersMasculine pluralNo feminine counterpart used for this officeἀνήρ (anēr)man/husbandMasculine singularNot a generic "person"; means maleγυναικός (gynē)woman/wifeFeminine singularAlways genderedἐπίσκοπον (episkopon)overseerMasculine singularUsed interchangeably with elder

🟨 Elder vs. Deacon Comparison

Now, let’s briefly compare the elder qualifications (Titus 1, 1 Timothy 3:1–7) with the deacon qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:8–13.

In 1 Timothy 3:11:

“Women likewise must be dignified...”
Greek: γυναῖκας ὡσαύτως σεμνάς (gynaikas hōsautōs semnas)

• This verse opens the door for female deacons or deaconesses, as the grammar changes:

  • γυναῖκας = plural for women, used explicitly here

  • Paul does not do this when speaking of elders.

✅ Summary and Conclusion

✔️ The Greek language of Titus 1:5–9 is:

• Grammatically masculine

• Specific and consistent

• Mirrors the structure and language of 1 Timothy 3

📌 There is no precedent or grammatical room in the Greek text for female elders or overseers. Every indicator—from nouns to pronouns to the logic of leadership—points to male-only eldership.

The Doctrine of God's Sovereignty

The Doctrine of God's Sovereignty is the biblical teaching that God is supreme in power, authority, and rule over all things—nothing happens outside His will, control, or plan. It means that God governs everything: the universe, nature, history, human decisions, salvation, suffering, and even evil—yet without sinning or violating His holy character.

📖 Biblical Foundations of God’s Sovereignty

1. God Rules All Things

“The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.”
— Psalm 103:19

God's rule is absolute, not partial. There is no part of creation where God is not in control.

2. God’s Will Cannot Be Thwarted

“I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.”
— Job 42:2

“He does according to His will... and none can stay His hand.”
— Daniel 4:35

His plans are unchangeable, unstoppable, and perfectly wise.

3. God’s Sovereignty in Salvation

“He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world…”
— Ephesians 1:4–5

“It depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.”
— Romans 9:16

God elects, calls, justifies, and glorifies according to His eternal plan, not man’s merit.

4. God Uses All Things for His Glory

“All things work together for good, for those who love God…”
— Romans 8:28

Even evil and suffering are under His control, though He is not their author. God can redeem what is broken for eternal good.

🧠 Theological Definition

📌 A.W. Pink:

“To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is the Almighty, the Possessor of all power in heaven and earth.”

📌 John Frame:

“God’s sovereignty means He has the right and power to do whatever He decides.”

Sovereignty involves three key truths:

1. God has the right to rule (authority)

2. God has the power to rule (ability)

3. God exercises that rule wisely and righteously (wisdom + goodness)

✝️ The Cross: The Ultimate Display of Sovereignty

“This Jesus... delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed…”
— Acts 2:23

The worst event in human history—the crucifixion—was God’s sovereign plan for salvation. God's sovereignty doesn’t just tolerate suffering—it uses it to bring redemption.

📦 Summary Table: The Doctrine of God's Sovereignty

Aspect                   What It Teaches
God's Rule             He governs the universe, nations, nature, people
God's Authority      His will is supreme and finalGod's
Providence            He orchestrates events to fulfill His purposes
God's Grace          Salvation is God's sovereign act, not man’s choice
God's Mystery       He is sovereign even over evil, yet without sinning
Our Response       Worship, trust, humility, and obedience

🙏 Why It Matters

• It gives comfort in chaos — nothing is random.

• It deepens humility — we are not in control.

• It fuels evangelism — God saves through our obedience.

• It produces worship — because only a sovereign God is worthy of trust.

“God is not merely sovereign de jure, but de facto: He is actually ruling, not merely entitled to rule.”
— John Frame

Blessings,

Dante 

Is there a distinction between being a Christian and a Disciple of Jesus Christ?

1. Christian: A Follower by Name

The term “Christian” originally meant “little Christ” and was first used in Antioch (Acts 11:26) to describe those who followed Jesus. Today, it broadly refers to anyone who identifies with the Christian faith, whether by belief, culture, or association.

However, not everyone who calls themselves a Christian necessarily lives as a disciple. Some may believe in Jesus but not actively follow His teachings in their daily lives.

2. Disciple: A Devoted Follower

A disciple (Greek: mathētēs) means “learner” or “follower”—someone who is committed to learning from, obeying, and imitating Jesus in every aspect of life.

Jesus gave clear conditions for discipleship:

• Deny self and take up the cross (Luke 9:23).

• Love God above all and love others (Matthew 22:37-39).

• Obey His commands (John 14:15).

• Make more disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).

Key Differences

Christian
Believes in Jesus
Can be cultural or nominal
May not live by biblical teachings
Identifies as part of Christianity

Disciple
Follows Jesus actively
Committed to spiritual growth
Strives to obey God’s Word
Lives a transformed life daily

Conclusion

While all true disciples of Jesus are Christians, not all who call themselves Christians are truly disciples. Jesus calls His followers not just to believe, but to follow, obey, and grow in faith.

 

Growing as a disciple of Jesus Christ is a lifelong journey of deepening your relationship with Him and living according to His teachings. Here’s a practical guide to help you grow in discipleship:

1. Develop a Strong Relationship with God

A. Daily Prayer:

• Speak with God throughout your day, not just in the morning or before bed.

• Pray with sincerity—Jesus said, “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.” (Matthew 6:6)

B. Read and Study the Bible:

• The Bible is God’s Word and the foundation of discipleship (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

• Start with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) to learn directly from Jesus.

• Meditate on Scripture (Psalm 1:2) and apply it to daily life.

2. Obey Jesus’ Teachings

A. Live Out the Great Commandments:

• “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.” (Matthew 22:37)

• “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)

B. Deny Yourself and Take Up Your Cross

• Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

• This means surrendering personal desires for God’s will and trusting Him.

3. Be Transformed by the Holy Spirit

• The Holy Spirit guides and empowers believers (John 16:13).

• Ask God daily for the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

4. Get Involved in Christian Community

• Join a Bible-believing church for fellowship and accountability (Hebrews 10:25).

• Find a mentor—someone mature in faith who can disciple you (Titus 2:1-8).

• Be active in serving—help the poor, encourage others, and use your gifts for God’s kingdom (1 Peter 4:10).

5. Make Disciples

• Jesus commanded, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)

• Share your faith with others—through words and actions.

• Disciple someone by helping them grow in their faith just as others help you.

6. Trust God in Trials and Persevere

• Discipleship is not always easy. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

• Keep trusting Him, even in difficult times (James 1:2-4).

Here is a simple plan for your journey:

1. Bible Reading Plan for Discipleship

Start with a structured plan to build a strong foundation:

30-Day Plan on Discipleship

📖 Week 1: Knowing Jesus

• Day 1: John 1:1-18 (Jesus, the Word made flesh)

• Day 2: Luke 9:23-27 (Denying yourself to follow Christ)

• Day 3: Matthew 11:28-30 (Jesus gives rest)

• Day 4: John 15:1-11 (Abiding in Christ)

• Day 5: Philippians 2:1-11 (The humility of Christ)

• Day 6: John 3:1-21 (Being born again)

• Day 7: Reflection & Prayer

📖 Week 2: Developing Spiritual Disciplines

• Day 8: Matthew 6:5-15 (The Lord’s Prayer)

• Day 9: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (The power of Scripture)

• Day 10: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (Praying without ceasing)

• Day 11: Romans 12:1-2 (Renewing the mind)

• Day 12: Psalm 1:1-6 (Delighting in God’s Word)

• Day 13: James 1:22-25 (Being doers of the Word)

• Day 14: Reflection & Prayer

📖 Week 3: Obedience & Growth

• Day 15: Galatians 5:16-26 (Walking in the Spirit)

• Day 16: Matthew 5:1-12 (The Beatitudes)

• Day 17: Colossians 3:12-17 (Putting on the new self)

• Day 18: Ephesians 6:10-20 (The armor of God)

• Day 19: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (The greatest commandment: Love)

• Day 20: James 2:14-26 (Faith and works)

• Day 21: Reflection & Prayer

📖 Week 4: Making Disciples & Endurance

• Day 22: Matthew 28:16-20 (The Great Commission)

• Day 23: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 (Ambassadors for Christ)

• Day 24: Acts 1:8 (Being witnesses)

• Day 25: Romans 8:18-39 (Nothing can separate us from God’s love)

• Day 26: Hebrews 12:1-3 (Running the race with perseverance)

• Day 27: 1 Peter 3:13-17 (Defending your faith)

• Day 28: John 16:33 (Take heart, Jesus has overcome the world)

• Day 29: Psalm 23 (Trusting in God’s guidance)

• Day 30: Reflection & Next Steps

💡 Pro Tip: Keep a journal to write reflections, key lessons, and prayers as you read.

2. Books on Discipleship

📚 Great books to help you grow:

1. The Cost of Discipleship – Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Deep dive into following Jesus wholeheartedly)

2. Mere Christianity – C.S. Lewis (Strong foundation for faith and discipleship)

3. Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream – David Platt (Challenges cultural Christianity)

4. Multiply – Francis Chan (How to make disciples and grow spiritually)

5. Celebration of Discipline – Richard Foster (Spiritual disciplines to grow closer to God)

3. Practical Ways to Grow in Discipleship

✅ Join a Bible Study Group – Being part of a small group helps with accountability.
✅ Serve in Ministry – Whether in your church, community, or mission work.
✅ Find a Mentor & Be a Mentor – Learn from mature believers and help others grow.
✅ Share Your Faith – Evangelism is part of discipleship (Matthew 28:19).
✅ Memorize Scripture – Helps in daily struggles and spiritual growth (Psalm 119:11).

4. What’s Next?

Would you like help with:

• Finding a church or mentor? Get more involved with brothers at MOF or your local men’s Bible study

• Recommendations for discipleship podcasts or devotionals? (Check out the Legacydads Podcast :))

• A prayer plan to go along with your Bible study?

Blessings,

Dante