By Briana Bass, Christian Romance Author, Devotional Writer & Certified Professional Coach

It’s a hot topic in some denominations. The general consensus among Christians is that women can mentor other women and raise children to be the next generation of disciples. We can lead Bible studies and teach Sunday School classes. We can even host Christian podcasts, write blogs and books, and speak at conferences.

But some Christians draw the line at ordination. They believe women should not preach from a pulpit, especially if they are preaching to an audience that includes men. This belief, held by both men and women, has long plagued our faith. A quick internet search reveals dozens of accounts of women who were barred from seminary on account of their gender.

Why are some women denied the opportunity to preach? Those who support this stance point towards the Bible. They often claim the Levitical priests of the ancient Israelites were men and that even Paul himself decreed women are to be silent in worship. So let’s take a look at what the Word actually says about women in ministry.

Don’t Put Words in Paul’s Mouth

“But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence” (1 Timothy 2:12 KJV).

This verse is often quoted, or misquoted, as proof that God does not permit women to be preachers. That’s not at all what this verse says. When read in context, Paul’s letter to Timothy is in response to false teachers promoting bad theology at Ephesus. These false teachers were both men and women and Paul instructs Timothy to correct them all.

The women that Paul says should not be teaching are these Ephesian women specifically who are spreading incorrect doctrine within their congregation. These women were likely not doing so maliciously, nor were the men who were doing the same thing. The early church was full of people trying to figure out what following Jesus looked like and how to live out their faith within and outside of Judaism and while under Roman occupation.

When taken out of context, however, this verse is wielded as a misogynistic weapon. The entire paragraph of 1 Timothy 2:11-15 is used to silence women and promote stereotypical gender norms. But Paul did not write a blanket statement to apply to all women for all time. His letter is a reaction to one congregation in ancient Ephesus. Yes, there are lessons we can glean, particularly in regards to poor doctrine and false theology. Barring women from preaching in twenty-first-century America is not one of those lessons.

Women Were and Are Faithful to Christ

Women followed Jesus, too. Mary sat at the Teacher’s feet and learned from Him. It is to Martha that Jesus declares he is the Resurrection and the Life, to which Martha confirms her belief that He is the Messiah. And it was Mary Magdalene who first saw the risen Christ the morning of the resurrection and proclaimed the good news to the disciples.

Don’t forget the story of the woman at the well. A Samaritan woman, she went to the well to draw water and left with Living Water, telling all of Samaria about Jesus. It was her testimony that led many to believe in Christ.

If the women who personally knew Jesus two thousand years ago were permitted to preach, then we have every right to follow in their footsteps and do the same today. As the Samaritan woman offered the Living Water of Christ to others, modern women should baptize new believers. As Mary absorbed Christ’s teachings so should women today be allowed to attend seminary. As Mary Magdalene told the disciples Christ had Risen, so we should stand before other Christians and tell of Christ’s miracles and everlasting love.

Preaching is Not Limited to Men

Men and women are not so different, so why should ministry be solely for men? We are all children of God, made in God’s image, members of a royal priesthood. At the very beginning of the Bible we read, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). We were all created to be equal, and in that equality, we all have the ability and the right to preach God’s Word, regardless of our gender.

Jesus treated women better than most men of His time treated women. He set an example. He included women in His ministry and encouraged them to spread His message. If Jesus promoted women in ministry, why shouldn’t we?