I agree with pretty much everything that has been said thus far. And we are brothers and sisters in Christ and can and should learn from each other. Amen and amen! Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” And we all agree that Scripture has the final say.

So with that said, here's my stance. Please feel free to question me, I won't at all get offended.

With much love.

 Yours in Christ Jesus, Our blessed Lord and Savior to whom be Glory forevermore!

Delanie

PS: note I am using large chunks of Scripture for Context. But I'd advise you don't just take my word for it Read the Bible.

 Women are not qualified to be pastors.

1 Timothy 2:8-3:13

“8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. 11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”

Titus 1:5-9

“5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”

1 Corinthians 14:33- 35

33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.

As in all the churches of the saints, 34 the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. 35 If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.”

I know it is not culturally acceptable, and I don't care what the culture says; the Bible says so, and I believe It. The Bible is sufficient for all of life and for godliness. The Bible is the authoritative Word of God. And who is right my feelings, or God's Word?

Jeremiah 17:8 “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”

All the qualifications for pastors, elders, deacons, etc. are for men, “He must be” and so on and so forth, are used. And women are not men. Therefore we cannot be pastors, elders, etc.

Women in leadership roles:

Women can lead other women, and children.

Women cannot lead men. [see 1 Timothy 2:12]

Women can help their Husbands, Fathers, and Elders in ministry. Priscilla and Aquila, Miriam and Mosses etc. being there while a pastor is counseling another women. So that no evil has the chance to be seen or slandered of.

Women cannot lead groups of men and women. Because women cannot lead over men. Now they may help there Husband, Father, or elder lead. But the woman does not lead.

Women may be evangelists and “Preach” the Gospel in that sense. But women are not to preach in the pulpit to the congregation. And they are not to teach/lead over men.

Now onto Deborah:

Yes. Deborah was a godly leader, and did much good. We all agree? Amen!

But the fact that Deborah was a leader in Israel was a sign of God's judgment upon the Nation. That there was no men there to lead, and a woman had to do their job. And just because it happened and God lead a straight path with a crooked stick, does not make it acceptable and optimal for women to lead over men. In the listing of the Judgments on Judah and Jerusalem.

Isaiah 3:12

“My people—infants are their oppressors,     and women rule over them.O my people, your guides mislead you     and they have swallowed up the course of your paths.”

 Therefore women being leaders over a nation is a sign of God's judgment upon that Nation.

On men and women prophesying and speaking in tongues.

I believe that the gift of tongues and prophesy have ceased. That they stopped with the Apostles and were to show that the prophets and Apostle etc. were truly from God.

But that is another conversation all together. Either way this is what the Bible says.

1 Corinthians 14:26-40

“26 What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. 27 If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. 28 But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. 30 If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.

As in all the churches of the saints, 34 the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. 35 If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.

36 Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached? 37 If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. 38 If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39 So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But all things should be done decently and in order.”

What is God's purpose for women?

God did not just make us to look pretty. He made us to Glorify and enjoy Him forever. We are to be helpers to our husbands and/or fathers. So that the Gospel may Go to the ends of the earth and that Word of God may not be blasphemed. And there is so much glory in that! Praise the Lord!

Titus 2

“1 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.”

Proverbs 31:10-31

“10  An excellent wife who can find?

    She is far more precious than jewels.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,

    and he will have no lack of gain.

12 She does him good, and not harm,

    all the days of her life.

13 She seeks wool and flax,

    and works with willing hands.

14 She is like the ships of the merchant; 

   she brings her food from afar.

15 She rises while it is yet night

    and provides food for her household

    and portions for her maidens.

16 She considers a field and buys it;

    with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

17 She dresses herself with strength 

   and makes her arms strong.

18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.

    Her lamp does not go out at night.

19 She puts her hands to the distaff,

    and her hands hold the spindle.

20 She opens her hand to the poor

    and reaches out her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,

    for all her household are clothed in scarlet

.22 She makes bed coverings for herself;

    her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates 

   when he sits among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them;

    she delivers sashes to the merchant.

25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,

    and she laughs at the time to come.

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,

    and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

27 She looks well to the ways of her household

    and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;

    her husband also, and he praises her:

29 “Many women have done excellently,

    but you surpass them all.”

30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,

    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,

    and let her works praise her in the gates.”

I hope and pray that this makes sense. God has graciously given men and women different roles. And that is to be embraced and gloried in. May we all strive with all our zeal and might to be faithful to God in where He has called us and to fulfill Matthew 28.

May God bless you all richly!💕

Bottom-Line-Up-Front (BLUF): We may have differences in our view of scripture but I know our goal is to learn together what the Bible teaches. I love everyone who comments here as Christ loves me. 😃

I'd like to restate, respectfully, what I said in the Youtube chat. I don't think we disagree completely, necessarily, but I want to make my "opinion" plain. 😁 A woman can be a leader among a group of women, among of group of men and women (specifically a role model for women in that group) and in ministry alongside her husband.

"It was not uncommon for a married woman to minister in partnership with her husband."

“Your sons and daughters will prophesy... Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days” (Joel 2:28,29; Acts 2:16–18).

That women as well as men are to prophesy is indicative of their inclusion in the ministries of the new covenant age.

Miriam was a prophet to Israel during the Exodus, alongside her brothers Moses and Aaron (Exodus 15:20). Deborah, both a prophet and a judge, directed Barak to lead the army of Israel into successful combat against Israel’s oppressors (Judges 4 to 5).

Conclusion/Summary: Pentecostals believe that unmarried women can still lead (be a servant like Jesus' example) and the Assemblies of God has a position paper on it. I don't necessarily agree with everything they say but it's a good read and has more biblical points to make)

My wife is a leader with me at our church and primarily focuses on relationships with the women in this ministry.

I would normally run to- CHECK FOR CONTEXT before making any sort of comment on any quoted scripture, but here, you include it all! Simple stuff, not hard to understand, but hard to apply if you listen to the "socially acceptable" world-view of today. Thank you for simply pointing out what God had (and still has) established.