Should I Leave a Church with a Woman Pastor?
I knew deep down that I had to leave the church I had been attending for years. The pastor had been a great leader, but she was a woman. And as a traditional Christian, I had always believed that women should not be pastors.
Over time, I began to question my beliefs. I started reading the Bible for myself, and I couldn’t find any evidence to support the idea that women should not be pastors. In fact, there were several examples of women who played leadership roles in the early church.
Women in the Early Church
In the book of Acts, we read about Priscilla and Aquila, a married couple who were missionaries and church planters. They taught Apollos, a well-known Christian leader, about the gospel.
In the book of Romans, Paul mentions Phoebe, a deaconess in the church at Cenchreae. Deacons were responsible for overseeing the practical needs of the church, such as distributing food to the poor.
And in the book of Philippians, Paul mentions Euodia and Syntyche, two women who were leaders in the church at Philippi.
These are just a few examples of women who played leadership roles in the early church. There is no evidence to suggest that they were not qualified to do so.
The Bible and Women Pastors
There are some people who argue that women should not be pastors because they are not as qualified as men. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. In fact, many women have the same qualifications as men, and some even have more experience.
The Bible also does not say that women are not qualified to be pastors. In fact, there are several passages that suggest that women can be pastors.
For example, in the book of Joel, God says, “I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.” (Joel 2:28)
This passage suggests that women can have the same spiritual gifts as men, and that they can be used by God in the same way.
In the book of Acts, we read about Philip, a deacon who was sent by the apostles to preach the gospel in Samaria. Philip had four daughters who were all prophets. (Acts 21:8-9)
This passage suggests that women can be used by God to lead and teach others.
My Decision
After much thought and prayer, I decided to leave the church I had been attending. I couldn’t in good conscience stay in a church that did not allow women to be pastors.
I believe that women are just as qualified as men to be pastors, and I believe that God can use them in the same way. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served in a church with a woman pastor, and I believe that she was a great leader.
Tips and Expert Advice
If you are struggling with the question of whether or not to leave a church with a woman pastor, here are a few tips:
- Pray about it. Ask God for guidance and wisdom.
- Read the Bible for yourself. See what the Bible says about women in leadership.
- Talk to your pastor. Share your concerns with your pastor and ask for their perspective.
- Visit other churches. Get to know other churches in your area and see how they handle the issue of women in leadership.
Remember, this is a personal decision. There is no right or wrong answer. Pray about it and seek God’s guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can women be pastors?
Yes, women can be pastors. There is no biblical evidence to support the idea that women should not be pastors. In fact, there are several examples of women who played leadership roles in the early church. - What does the Bible say about women in leadership?
The Bible does not say that women should not be in leadership. In fact, there are several passages that suggest that women can be leaders. For example, in the book of Joel, God says, “I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.” (Joel 2:28) - Why did I leave my church?
I left my church because I believe that women are just as qualified as men to be pastors. I couldn’t in good conscience stay in a church that did not allow women to be pastors.
Conclusion
The decision of whether or not to leave a church with a woman pastor is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer. Pray about it and seek God’s guidance.
Are you interested in learning more about women in leadership? If so, check out the links below:
- Council of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: Women in Leadership
- The Gospel Coalition: Women in Ministry
- Ligonier Ministries: Women in Ministry
