The scriptures teach a plurality of men (elders/bishops/overseers) as the model of church government (Tit. 1:5).

As far as the Sunday School thing goes, it sounds like she is in more of an administrative position. That doesn’t seem like an issue, though there should be more of an accurate title.

You are right about the teaching/authority role of women in the church. They are not to have that position (over men) according to the verses you cited. Teaching of children and young and old women is fine, but the addition of “men” is not to be done.

We read… Quote: I asked them: “But whose church is this? Is this your church to be used at your discretion, or is this Christ’s church?”

Amen! I thank God for the final response of these church leaders to do the right thing. All of our decisions need to be standardized by the very word of God. When there are consequences to doing this, this is where our hearts are truly tested. Not only our own hearts but those that may be subsequently involved with these decisions being testing in a similar fashion.

We see in Deut 8:2 that the Lord test the hearts of his people… “You shall remember all the way which the LORD your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.

As a church leader, elder etc. that is responsible for leading the flock, the integrity and the alignment with Scriptural standards is what many in the congregation are watching to see if it is upheld. If this situation of the un-biblical marriage was not held to that standard, this church may very well find itself on a slippery slope of compromise and a serious challenge to upholding Scripture in another sense.

Praise God for the discernment exercised that can now be shown as an example to edify others…

This is where the rubber meets the road. We are called to do more than teach the Word accurately. As Pastor MacArthur says, we are called to OBEY the Word.

Regarding your first question: I Timothy 2:12-15 is very clear that a woman, no matter how godly, should not do two things (which are clearly reflective of leadership/eldership) teach men and exercise authority over men. So, if she does either of those two things for men in her position as Superintendant of Sunday School, then she is in violation of the command. Now, many modern superintendent roles are really coordinator roles. They just recruit teachers and organize classes. I don;t see a problem with that unless a woman is required to train male teachers how to teach. But a male teacher couold do that.

Let me also say this – church leaders will have to draw some practical lines that they will not cross in order to implement this clear principle. Each church will decide these details according to what they see as correct, and the lines will likely change as more study happens.

In our church, we would not have a woman teach an adult SS class where men are present. In fact, we would not have a woman teach a class of mixed Jr. High or Sr. High students, even though our society does not classify them as adults (men). The reason being that we do not want to set an expectation among the students that that is normative and acceptable.

Regarding your second question: I’m a pastor of a small church. But, we have a small group of BIBLICALLY QUALIFIED elders who share leadership responsibilities with me. I think this is biblical. The NT evidence suggests that virtually every local church had a plurality of leaders. That doesn’t mean that a pastor should not be seen as the “chief among the equals.” That is almost inevitable. But he needs to exercise humilty and restraint and respect the authority of the other leaders.

Bottom line is: a pastor should also be a man under authority. He should have accountability to his elders and vice-versa.

ONE CAUTION regarding both of these issues: try to be patient and biblically persuasive in a humble way when speaking to your pastor about this. It took me about five years to bring my present church around to biblical eldership. I’m still working on the details of it and learning all the time. I just patiently taught the Scriptures and let the Holy Spirit do a work in their hearts.

I also took lay leaders with me to the Shepherd’s Conference and as they saw biblcial eldership in action, they came to appreciate it and they asked for the change! Now, they wouldn’t think of leadership in any other way.

Maybe you could take your pastor to the Shpherd’s Conference and together study these issues bublically. He might like such fellowship with a man who loves him.

I would recommend Alexander Strauch’s books on eldership and leadership. Also, anything put out by MacArthur (he has two small booklets on Elders and Deacons) and TMS faculty is well worth reading.

Above all pray for your pastor to take the lead in these issues and stay with the church as long as he teaches the Word. Show your loyalty to the pastor and he will be more inclined to respect your opinion.

Bless you for caring about being biblical! May your tribe increase.

For Christ’s glory,
Steve Lamm

Merriam-Webster says that the definition of superintendent is “one who has executive oversight and charge”

Yet, 1Timothy 2:12-15 says 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

If I am interpreting Paul’s comments to Timothy correctly, then our Sunday School superintendent is basically ineffective. She is not permitted to teach the adult class because there are men there, she is not permitted to have teachers meetings because we have men teachers, she is not permitted to review the Sunday School lesson when all of the classes reconvene because there are men there as well.

Granted, she does not do any of those things mentioned above; she is still considered the Superintendent of Sunday School. The view of the church is that as long as we know that the pastor is over her, all is well.

In light of today’s article, I guess I have two questions.

First, should I bring the issue of Sunday School superintendent up to her. If I am right about 1Timothy, then I know that she will be really hurt by the thought of having to give up that position. I guess this is why I have not said anything to her thus far; she is a loving, faithful, committed Christian.

Second, our church believes that there should be only one pastor who rules. Should the church be ruled by one man? If not, how should I address this issue without bring disunity to the church?

Some reading this would probably say that I know what is right but I’m just afraid to act.

I would say that I want to be sure that I’m right because I love the church and I do not want to bring any harm our congregation.

Thanks,
Kelvin

I have a question about marrying. Can a pastor marry two unbelievers? Just wondering.