Stop Chasing Glory

An opinion piece on women in the pulpit, inspired by the ongoing debate in the SBC.

I’ve been watching the firestorm that is the Southern Baptist Convention’s proposal on women preaching and pastoring over the last week in its entirety from both sides of the pew.

• Bible verses that tell women to stay silent (1 Timothy 2:12), no teaching over men (1 Tim. 2:13), the role of overseer as husband with one wife (1 Tim. 3:2)…
• Bible verses that show women as messengers of the gospel (Matthew 28:7), Priscilla explaining the way of God to Paul (Acts 18:26), and the admonition for women to cover their heads when praying or prophesying (1 Corinthians 11:5). 
• Male commentarians illustrating why women are imperative to the structure and teaching of the church, but not intended to be the shepherd of the congregation.
• Female preachers and pastors calling for outrage for trying to take away their pulpit and platform. 

The following perspective comes from a woman with a Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies from Liberty University who tends to a complementarian viewpoint. My “opinions” as they are, are formed from my own theological understandings of the women’s role in sharing the gospel. 

Like with many things in the Bible, modern culture often tries to shove them as belonging to another time. But Biblical truth isn’t bound by time constraints.

You either believe its the inerrant word of God or you don’t. 

So you either follow it, or you don’t.

I know that’s pretty black and white, but much of scripture is clear.

We just don’t like to hear it. We don’t like the way it makes us feel, so we decide that some pieces don’t apply to today.

That’s rubbish. 

For the women outraged over the idea that the pastorate is a place for men and follows God’s order (1 Tim. 2: 13), this is what I have to say:

Your position is one of pride. 

Ouch, but hear me out.

I used to lead worship. It was glorious, and it was absolutely pride inducing. To stand on stage and be part of ushering others into the presence of God is a powerful feeling. Perhaps this is why the Christian worship industry is currently undergoing so much exposure of sin. Worship theory suggests that Satan was the worship leader in heaven (see Ezekiel 28), and often warns leaders of becoming too prideful.

Why shouldn’t this extend to women standing on a stage, sharing and teaching God’s wisdom with others? 

I’ve delivered a sermon to women’s groups, it’s an amazing feeling. 

But feelings  aren’t theology. 

When we assume that giftedness transcends truth, we are committing the sin of pride of self. 

Why does it matter what you are called? Why does being labeled a pastor and arrogantly preaching to men outside of God’s word matter? Wouldn’t the correct perspective be to teach those we’re called to teach (women and children), and not boast publicly? 

Women have always been gifted with the knowledge and wisdom of God, each to their own. 

But that doesn’t mean we need to step out of order to feel like our contribution matters. 

Addendum: I am aware that this opinion piece treads into pride itself. My message is addressed towards women, to encourage them to embrace their own callings and worry less about praise and position.