A Daughter’s Concern about Women Pastors
As the world deliberately encroaches on the Church by insisting on political correctness, and cultural change of its own making, conservative Christians are perplexed as to what should be done. Wanting to be loving and longsuffering, yet faithful to the clear teaching of Holy Scripture, sensitive souls are in anguish. The following letter was brought to my attention. It reflects the desire of a Christian daughter to oppose her mother’s liberal views concerning leadership of a local Methodist Church. Specifically, the daughter is concerned over women pastors.
Ironically, it is the mother who has embraced the world’s point of view, and is delighted that women are allowed to be pastors in the local church. It is the daughter who has embraced the historical and conservative positon of the Word of God. The Bible plainly teaches that women are not to be ordained as ministers of the gospel. Women are not to be formally recognized as a pastor over a local congregation.
With that background in mind, read this letter of a daughter’s concern.
July, 2018
Dear Mom,
I need to write to you in regards to a growing concern. I initially write because it is easier for me to articulate myself in writing rather than speaking. The concern is our differences regarding female pastors.
I know that we have addressed this in the past, but I believe this topic needs to be revisited. I am not asking, or expecting, that you change your view. But, lately, as we have been together on different occasions, you have made repeated approving remarks of your pastor. To me, your favorable remarks undermine my position, of which you are aware. I simply ask that you would consider my authority over my children, and refrain from the constant approving remarks regarding your female pastor.
I give you an analogy. You and your good friend strongly disagree in politics. You both are aware of your differences. When the gentleman prior to President Trump was in office, your friend rejoiced, but you could not because you fundamentally disagreed with her position. For her to keep on with laudatory remarks about a former President, of whom you strongly disapproved, would not help your relationship because you had no unity on this topic.
So it is with this issue of female pastors. You and I disagree. There really is no common ground regarding this topic.
Therefore, constant remarks reflecting open approval of your pastor only serves to provoke dissension, because I believe your comments undermine my authority and responsibility to teach my children.
On this matter of concern, the Lord has plainly spoken in His Word.
“Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing-if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control. The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife….” (1 Timothy 2:11-3:2).
“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-if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife…..” (Titus 1:5).
The Bible speaks simply and clearly. Pastors are to be the ‘husband of one wife’ – a man. This intention is a design from the very beginning of creation it was God’s intention that in the home and in the Church men are to lead, protect, provide, and women are to complement, help, and support their husbands. I believe this Divine design is not demeaning or chauvinistic towards women, but rather a loving blueprint from a wise Heavenly Father and Designer who has the right as Author to order His creation as He sees fit, and to manage the local Church according to the good pleasure of His will. Therefore, women pastors are going against God’s original plan, and how the Lord has ordained the local church to be structured. I do not feel comfortable with your rejoicing, changing God’s plan for His people.
I love you and I am thankful that you are my mom, and grandmother to my children. All relationships have difficulties, and this is one for us. I do not know what to do other than to agree to disagree, and to keep the controversial remarks quiet. I appreciate your willingness not to impose your ideas of Church leadership on this matter on your grandchildren when I believe your position is so clearly a violation of Biblical teaching. It brings confusion to the children, and stress to me.
Thank you for considering my request. I would be happy to talk in person, but thought it would be best to write first.
With love,