RE: Voices: Women pastors: The title should match the call
Hannah Brown recently penned an article in which she argues if a woman is called to be a pastor, she should not be denied the title of “pastor.” Her premise contains a critical flaw, however.
The problem is not simply one of labeling a particular calling, but whether, according to Scripture, a woman can serve in certain church-related capacities. In other words, are there gender-specific roles that devolve exclusively upon men in Christian church polity?
Hannah’s article cites no scriptural support for her proposition.
Baptists typically lump “pastor” with “elder” and “overseer.” Assuming this is accurate, then 1 Timothy 2:12-3:7 limits this office to male leadership. The actual function in view here is authoritative teaching for the preservation of sound doctrine (1 Timothy 2:12; Acts 20:28-31).
This is not to say women are incapable of teaching or of fully functioning in the gifts with which they are imbued by the Holy Spirit. There is, however, good scriptural support for an office called “pastor” reserved for men only.
As believers, we have a sacred, solemn and at times challenging duty to carefully examine God’s holy word and allow it to inform us regarding matters such as what Hannah has raised. A careful examination of Scripture compels us to refrain from conferring any title, irrespective of gender, if this runs contrary to Scripture.
I have been praying for Hannah and hope, if she reads my response, she is spurred on toward further study in God’s word and not angered or discouraged. More importantly, I want her to develop a biblical framework from which she can defend her beliefs. We may still disagree at the end, but hopefully we’ll walk away more confident of what we know about God and his plans and purposes for us.
Bud Bennett
Bryan, Texas
RE: Voices: Our response to the 2023 BGCT annual meeting
Calvary Baptist Church in Waco is a spiritual place for me. It hired me as a music intern as a Baylor undergraduate (1968), provided a strong home base when I taught at Baylor (1972–1977) and married me (1976). Its beautiful baptistry stained glass matches our wedding flowers of 47 years ago this month.
The beacon of Calvary Baptist Church in Waco continues to light the dark of night in myriad lives and hearts.
“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Beam, beacon of Calvary, beam! Amen.
Susan Borwick
Winston-Salem, N.C.
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