PASTOR: is a man called by believers to lead a local congregation and minister to them from the Word of God. The term is used interchangeably with the term "Bishop" in 1 Timothy 3. If there be any doubt of this, notice in Ephesians 4:11 (both written by Paul) that Bishop is not used when noting the officers given unto the church for our edification (encouragement) and help, although Pastor is.
1 Timothy 3 includes the sometimes controversial qualifications of a "Bishop" or Pastor as the leader of a congregation. Among them is the phrase "the husband of one wife" which refers to a Pastor being a MAN and only having been married to one woman, his current wife. Though there is a long list, this one tends to be the matter of contention among divorced men and / or women who wish to assume the office. Regardless of personal choice, the bible remains clear. Also worthy of mention is the fact that a NOVICE or new preacher not be placed in this office. Paul clearly meant for a man of some measure of experience assume this role, though not necessarily a person of age, since he personally had placed Timothy.
In regards to a women not being allowed to be Pastors of a Church, 1st Timothy 2:11-15 tells us why:
ReplyDelete11. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 15. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
Eve was deceived by Satan, while Adam was not. After Eve sinned, Adam knowingly sinned, so that he would not be separated from her, and loose her. This shows us that Doctrine should be in the hands of men, not women.