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In his article, Women in Ministry: Practical Application of Biblical Teaching, Randy Stinson presents the concept that because women aren’t allowed to have authority over men, they are only ordained by God to be teachers and given authority of other women and children.

Stinson states that there are two meanings to the word leading in relation to women in ministry. One is having authority over a group of believers such as a pastor or elder. The other is having the responsibility to coordinate group efforts. In this regards, it’s his belief that women should be able lead other women and children, but should not instruct men.

He quotes 1 Timothy 2:11-15 as proof that women should not have authority or leadership in the church.

Stinson interprets this passage of scripture as Paul restricting women from being able to teach men and having authority over men. He then goes so far to say that “a woman is prohibited from holding any office or position in the church that would require her either to teach Scripture or Christian doctrine to men, or to exercise authority over men.”

He also goes on to say that because of his findings that a woman cannot be an adult Sunday School teacher or Bible study leader because “given her position in the class, it is likely that class members would view her as having a position of authority over the group”.

This concept is carried over to praise and worship services and women leading those services. Stinson says that we should question if she would provide doctrinal commentary, biblical, and/or theological reflection between songs?

He seems to focus on 1 Timothy 2:11-15 as his reoccurring primary support for his findings. I find it odd that he keeps revolving around this sole passage of Scripture. He does mention Titus 1:9 and 1 Peter 5:1-3. He mentions them only because he’s trying to outline the biblical definition of an elder, overseer, and pastor. He also mentions Titus 2:3-5 saying that if a woman was to co-team a Bible study or Sunday School class, it would “diminish the effort she gives to ministering to women in accordance with Titus 2:3-5.”

I find several things hard to agree with in Stinson’s article, but his main argument is the foundation for the rest. The foundation he lays with 1 Timothy 2:11-15 is out of context.

One must examine the words submissiveness and man mentioned in this passage using Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance along with Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionary. The root of the Greek word used for submissiveness is ὑποτάσσω or hupotassō. It means to obey and submit self unto another. The next word ἀνήρ or anēr is defined as man, but also, fellow, husband, and sir.

A reoccurring theme in Paul’s letters is the relationship between a husband and his wife. God’s institution of marriage is so powerful and meaningful that Paul brings it up with almost every church that he interacts with. If we were think back to the Corinthian church, we see that there was a specific problem of women usurping their husbands’ authorities. I believe the same is true in this case with Timothy. Paul even directly mentions Adam and Eve’s relationship in verse 14.

So, a wife is not to instruct or rule over her husband. This does not rule out a teaching ministry. Nor does it rule out preaching or pastoral ministry for women (Titus 2:4), but, rather, their ministry and leadership should come under the protection and direction of their husbands. A fine example of this is in the book of Acts with Aquila and Priscilla. We see this couple throughout the book of Acts as working together to minister as the Holy Spirit leads them. Priscilla, no doubt, has her own contributions to the ministry. However, she always performs this ministry in conjunction with her husband’s approval and support.

A woman should always remember to remain submissive to her husband while in leadership, not because she is inferior or is inadequate intellectually. However, it should be observed in obedience to God’s institution of marriage and as a means of avoiding confusion and maintaining order.