Beth Moore (and John MacArthur’s comments) have sparked a controversy, reminding us of a great controbersy: the role of women in the church.
Most of us on SI have a problem with women serving as (teaching men) pastors, based upon ! I Timothy 2:11-15 and other passages.
But where would we draw the line as far as participation (separation) goes?
By pastor, I mean a pastor who teaches men. The choices do not allow me enough room to add deatils like “pastors who teach men.” But that is the assumption of the choices.
The issue of a pastor of women or a children’s pastor is not address by this poll.
Poll Results
Where would you separate over women pastors?
I would not join a church that had or allowed a woman pastor and would never participate in any event with a woman pastor. Votes: 16
I would not join a church that had or allowed a woman pastor but I might attend a community prayer event, etc. Votes: 13
I would not join a church that had or allowed a woman pastor but I might attend a conference featuring them. Votes: 3
I would attend a church that allowed female (teaching men) pastors, as long as the pastor was a man. Votes: 0
I don’t believe in women pastors, but I would not leave a church over it. Votes: 0
I think women pastors are not ideal, but we should accept this as okay. Votes: 0
I believe that women pastors are fine (assuming they are trained & have character). Votes: 0
I am in flux or contemplating the issue and not sure where i stand. Votes: 1
Other Votes: 1
Discussion
NewTo be clear
Beth Moore specifically is not a “woman pastor who teaches men.” At most she is at present officially an independent teacher of the Bible, targeting women, but who many men listen to. That is not a problem technically in my view if she stays in that lane. If I was at a conference I would listen to her if there was nothing else to go to.
Now, if an “official pastor” who is a woman started speaking at any event, I would leave. I have done so already. There is a city-wide attempt to organize the churches in town to pray for our neighbors specifically to reach the city for Christ. Several of the training events have featured women leaders in their churches. I have left more than one training event.