Why would God gift a woman to teach and then forbid her to be a pastor? This is a common question raised by egalitarians. Can women be pastors and elders?  They assume that if a woman is gifted in the area of teaching, then she should not be automatically disqualified to be a pastor. First of all, the issue isn’t whether or not she can teach.  The issue is whether or not women are permitted to hold that position.  It is true that pastors need to be good teachers, but it is not true that anyone who can teach is called to be a pastor.  The requirements for a pastor are stated in Scripture.  He must be male Titus 1:5-6 and the husband of one wife Titus 1:6.  The issue isn’t about teaching ability.  It is about the biblical requirements for holding the office.  Besides, unbelievers are good teachers, too.  Does this mean they can be pastors?  Of course not.  The gift of teaching is only part of being a pastor, but that gift alone does not mean a person should or could be one.

Think about it.  The same logic they use would mean that unbelievers who are good at teaching could be pastors including children and even atheists.  But, we know that is not the case because there are other criteria required for being a pastor.  Therefore, the egalitarians should not restrict the requirement set for pastoring to a single issue, namely, teaching.

For more information on the office of Pastoring/Elder requirements please read the following article “The elder in the church“