A video by the late Dr. Alan Cairns got me thinking tonight, and I take the same stand, as I delve into a small study for you guys.

Can a woman be a pastor in the New Testament church? Biblically, no. That’s my take, plain and simple, but let’s dig into why, because it’s a question splitting churches today. Were there prophetesses in the Old Testament, like Miriam or Deborah? Sure. Did Philip’s four daughters prophesy in Acts 21:9? Yes. Was Phoebe a diakonos (servant), maybe a deaconess, in Romans 16:1? Absolutely. But does any of that make them pastors or elders? Not at all.

Scripture sets the standard. 1 Timothy 2:11-12 says, “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.” Paul’s talking church here, didaskein (to teach) and authentein (to exercise authority) are pastor tasks: preaching doctrine, leading the flock. He roots it in creation, Adam first, then Eve (v. 13), not just his culture. This is God’s word, not a dated opinion.

Then 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 list elder qualifications, overseers, same as pastors. They must be “the husband of one wife” (mias gunaikos andra, a one-woman man). A woman can’t fit that; it’s not about ability, but God’s design. Titus 1:9 adds teaching and refuting error, authority tied to 1 Timothy 2:12’s limit. Every New Testament elder? Male. No women pastors show up. Churches adding them today step past scripture’s pattern.

Some point to Phoebe or Priscilla. Phoebe’s diakonos means servant; deacons help, they don’t preach or rule (Acts 6:2-4). Priscilla taught Apollos privately with her husband (Acts 18:26), not in the assembly.

Mary, Jesus’ mother, was amazing, no elder. It’s not about worth; it’s roles. Men pastor, like Christ heads the church (Eph. 5:23). Modern churches might go for women pastors, chasing a fresh feel or equality, but polygamy was rare back then, monogamy ruled, so “husband of one wife” isn’t cultural baggage: it’s God’s call for faithful men to lead.

We’ve seen folks leave for places with modern worship and women pastors. It’s sad, they’re drawn to a new vibe, but scripture doesn’t bend. Women serve powerfully, prayer, hospitality, prophecy, but the pastor’s office? The New Testament says no. Without that warrant, I stick to God’s word, not today’s trends.