Women Teaching as Elders

Can a Woman Teach at First Family Church?

FFC’s Biblical Observations and Beliefs about a Woman’s Role in the Church

Our Position

Let’s be honest – when we talk about the role of women in the church, most of the time we end up with more questions than answers. Add to that the extremes we’ve seen on both sides of this issue, and sometimes our questions turn to knee-jerk reactions. It seems we can hardly find a reasonable way to put God’s teaching into practice.

At First Family, we desire to be clear and plain in our communication of the Scriptures, especially regarding an issue where much confusion and distortion abound. And when it comes to women teaching in the church, we believe that when the church meets as an official assembly, God requires gifted and called men to lead and teach. As long as this scriptural directive is followed, we believe there is opportunity for men and women alike to instruct, lead, and serve in the body of Christ.

Our Support

Some supporting texts that form the foundation for our position, and a proper understanding of them, will give you further insight.

1Corinthians 11:5 indicates women are permitted to speak the Word at many times and places. So there is a place for women to edify, teach and pray. That passage, however, must be interpreted in light of 1Corinthians 14:34, which forbids women to speak in the official assembly. As John McArthur explains, ―Women are permitted to pray and proclaim the Word, but not when the church meets for its official worship service. That in no way marks women as spiritually inferior (cf. Gal. 3:28) — not all men proclaim the Word in the assembly, only those called and gifted to do so." (Different by Design by John McArthur, emphasis added)

Furthermore, Paul’s instruction in 1Timothy 2:11 also addresses women teaching in the official assembly of the church. It also lays out the way in which women are to be learners: they are to “quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness.” "Submissiveness" means "to line up under," so in the context of the official worship service, then, women are to be quiet and be subject to the church leadership.

In addition, Paul’s use of the present infinitive didaskein (1 Timothy 2:12) translated "to teach" could better be translated "to be a teacher." Again, John McArthur gives us insight into the original intent of the language: "By using the present infinitive instead of the aorist, Paul does not forbid women to teach under any circumstances, but to fill the office of a teacher, leading and teaching in an official capacity when the church gathers." (Different by Design by John McArthur, emphasis added) The thread of "officialness" runs repeatedly through Paul’s instructions.

The chapters of 1Corinthians 11-14 lay out several principles for a biblical church service, three of which are order in the assembly, distinction between the sexes, and clarity with the gifts. These three values not only matter when it comes to how we "do church" (the use of the gifts), but also in who "does church" (the role of men and women). These chapters make it clear that God’s original order of authority (i.e., God, Christ, man, woman) and distinction (male and female) are to be ever so clear when the church gathers in an official capacity. (1Cor. 11: 1-16; 14:26-40).

Based on the above Scriptures, FFC sees no biblical room for women holding the office of pastor/teacher or teaching in the official corporate gathering of the church.

Our Caution

At this point you’re probably wondering, “So can women teach a class at First Family?” or “Can a lady lead a Lighthouse (i.e., small group)?” To be biblically precise and accurate, yes. Even more precisely, the Bible specifically encourages older women to teach younger women. It also gives many examples of women teaching children. However, because the Bible specifically warns against women usurping the official teaching authority God ordained for qualified men (1Timothy 2:12), and in an effort to develop future elders among our men that will provide a strong base of leadership for years to come at First Family (1Timothy 3:1-2 and 2Timothy 2:2), the Elders at First Family Church desire that qualified men step up and lead the way when it comes to teaching the church in other arenas as well, arenas where men are in attendance, including equipping classes and Lighthouses. In some cases, this may include co-teaching roles for a husband and wife which is also consistent with Scripture. Asking men to "lead the way" across the board is not a non-negotiable mandate, but a preference we feel enables our church to pursue the healthiest environment for everyone involved.