One of the most divisive and debated issues in the church today is the role of women in ministry. Specifically, should women be allowed to preach and teach in the church? Some Christians say yes, while others say no. What does the Bible say about this issue? How should we understand and apply the relevant passages? In this reading, we will try to present a balanced and respectful overview of the arguments on both sides. We will also offer some suggestions for how we can pursue unity and peace in the midst of diversity and disagreement. The Case Against Women Preachers Those who oppose women preachers usually base their position on two main passages: 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and 1 Timothy 2:12-15. These passages seem to clearly prohibit women from speaking or teaching in the church. Let’s take a closer look at them. 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church. This passage comes in the context of Paul’s instructions on how to use spiritual gifts in an orderly and edifying way in the church. He addresses various issues such as tongues, prophecy, interpretation, and evaluation. In verse 34, he abruptly shifts his attention to women and tells them to remain silent in the church. He appeals to the law (possibly referring to Genesis 2-3 or Numbers 30) and to cultural norms as his reasons for this command. He also implies that women can learn from their husbands at home, rather than speaking or asking questions in the public assembly. The main argument from this passage is that women are not permitted to speak or teach in the church because it violates God’s created order and design for male headship and female submission. It also goes against the customs and expectations of the society at that time, which would bring shame and dishonor to the church and its witness. 1 Timothy 2:12-15 I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through childbearing…if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety. This passage comes in the context of Paul’s instructions on how to conduct oneself in God’s household, which is the church. He addresses various issues such as prayer, worship, leadership, and false teaching. In verse 12, he states his personal prohibition of women teaching or having authority over men in the church. He appeals to creation (Adam was formed first) and fall (Eve was deceived) as his reasons for this prohibition. He also makes a puzzling statement about women being saved through childbearing, which has been interpreted in various ways. The main argument from this passage is that women are not permitted to teach or have authority over men in the church because it violates God’s original plan and purpose for male leadership and female support. It also reflects the consequences of sin and deception that entered the world through Eve’s transgression. The Case For Women Preachers Those who support women preachers usually base their position on two main principles:equality and giftedness. They argue that women are equal to men in dignity, value, and status before God, and that women have been given spiritual gifts by God that enable them to serve and edify the church. Let’s take a closer look at these principles. Equality There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28) This passage comes in the context of Paul’s argument that justification is by faith alone in Christ alone, not by works of the law or circumcision. He shows that all who belong to Christ are Abraham’s offspring and heirs of God’s promise. In verse 28, he declares that there is no distinction or discrimination between different groups of people in Christ. He specifically mentions three pairs of categories that

were often used to separate people in his culture: ethnic (Jew/Gentile), social (servant /free)and gender (male/female).He asserts that all are one in Christ Jesus. The main argument from this principle is that women are equal to men in Christ, and that there is no basis for excluding or restricting them from any role or function in the church. They claim that the passages that seem to prohibit women from speaking or teaching are either culturally conditioned, contextually limited,or misinterpreted. They also point to other passages that affirm the dignity and value of women, such as Genesis 1:27, Proverbs 31:10-31, Luke 8:1-3, John 4:1-42, Romans 16:1-16, and Philippians 4:2-3. Giftedness In the last days, God says,I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants,both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. (Acts 2:17-18) This passage comes in the context of Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples and they began to speak in other languages. He explains that this is the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy about the last days,when God would pour out his Spirit on all people, regardless of age, gender, or status. He specifically mentions that both sons and daughters,and both male and female servants, would prophesy by the Spirit. The main argument from this principle is that women are gifted by God to serve and edify the church,and that one of the gifts they can exercise is prophecy, which involves speaking God’s word to his people. They claim that the passages that seem to prohibit women from speaking or teaching are either referring to a specific situation or problem, or addressing a different issue than spiritual gifts. They also point to other passages that show women exercising their gifts in the church,such as Acts 18:24-26, 21:8-9, 1 Corinthians 11:5,and Titus 2:3-5. How to Pursue Unity and Peace As we have seen, there are strong arguments on both sides of this issue, and sincere Christians may disagree on how to interpret and apply the relevant passages. How then can we pursue unity and peace in the midst of diversity and disagreement? Here are some suggestions: *Recognize that this is a secondary issue, not a primary one. The core doctrines of the Christian faith are not at stake here. We can agree to disagree on this issue without compromising our commitment to Christ and his gospel. *Respect each other’s convictions and conscience. We should not judge or condemn those who hold a different view than ours. We should not pressure or coerce them to change their position. We should not question their faith or intelligence. We should not mock or ridicule them. We should treat them as brothers and sisters in Christ who are seeking to follow him faithfully. *Learn from each other’s perspectives and insights. We should not ignore or dismiss those who hold a different view than ours. We should not assume that we have all the answers or that we have nothing to learn from them. We should listen to their arguments and evidence with an open mind and a humble heart. We should seek to understand their reasons and motivations. We should appreciate their contributions and strengths. *Seek common ground and cooperation where possible. We should not avoid or isolate those who hold a different view than ours. We should not create divisions or factions in the church over this issue. We should look for ways to work together for the glory of God and the good of his people. We should focus on what unites us rather than what separates us. We should celebrate our diversity as a gift from God rather than a problem to be solved. Conclusion Should women preach in church? This is a question that has no easy or definitive answer. It is a question that requires careful study of the Scriptures, prayerful discernment of God’s will, respectful dialogue with other Christians, and gracious submission to God’s authority. It is also a question that challenges us to love God with all our mind and heart,and to love our neighbor as ourselves.