DOCSLIB.ORG

1 Timothy 3:1–7

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
1 Timothy 3:1–7 DEVELOPING L EADERSHIP STRETCH YOUR S ELF ! (1 TIMOTH Y 3:1–7) God has stipulated that men are to take the reflects the difference with this translation: “If lead in His church. Men are to be the elders and any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a the deacons; men are to lead in the pubic wor- fine work he desires to do” (emphasis mine). The ship services. I am not sure why God set it up NIV has “If anyone sets his heart on being an over- this way. I am confident that it is not because seer, he desires a noble task” (emphasis mine). men are smarter than women or have more abil- The second word translated “desire”2 in the ity. Nevertheless, for whatever reason, in God’s KJV is the usual word for “desire.” It can be spiritual arrangement, men are to be the leaders. used in a good sense (“want”) or a bad sense If we do not have Christian men preparing them- (“lust”). Here, it is used in a good sense. Our selves to lead, the Lord’s church is in trouble. emphasis will be on the first word translated One day, in a bookstore, I came across a book “desire” in the KJV, “aspires to” in the NASB, for Christian men by Gene A. Getz, titled The and “sets his heart on” in the NIV. All these Measure of a Man.1 At first, I was excited. Many terms are translated from a Greek word3 which books are available for women on how to be means “to extend, stretch out.”4 a Christian wife and mother, but it is difficult Most of us know what it means “to extend” to find good books on how to be a Christian and “stretch out.” Were you ever at a family husband and father. Then, when I scanned the reunion when the house was packed with rela- contents, I was disappointed. The chapters were tives? When meal time came, all of you sat based on 1 Timothy 3:1–7. I thought, “Doesn’t down at a table with the food everyone had the author know that those verses contain the brought. During that meal, at least one person qualifications for elders?” However, the more I had the following experience. The potatoes have thought about it, the more I have become were way over on the other side of the table, convinced that this passage does give God’s so he politely said, “Pass the potatoes, please.” meas ure of a man. In this lesson we want to look Nothing happened. Everyone was talking and at the wording of 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and encourage laughing as they began eating. “Pass the po- men to develop the characteristics described. tatoes, please!” Still nothing. Finally, he gave My challenge will center on the terminology up trying to be polite and reached far across in verse 1. Many of us are familiar with the KJV the table, s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g himself to reach rendering of that verse: “This is a true saying, the bowl. That is the idea behind the word on If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth which we are focusing. a good work” (1 Timothy 3:1; emphasis mine). I should also mention that the word is in the The KJV uses the English word “desire” (or “desireth”) twice in that verse, but in the Greek 2The KJV uses the Old English “desireth.” text, two different words are used. The NASB 3While this word, orego, was in common use in Paul’s day, this is one of the few times it is found in the New Testament. 1Gene A. Getz, The Measure of a Man (Ventura, Calif.: 4The Analytical Greek Lexicon (London: Samuel Bagster Regal Books, 1974). & Sons, Ltd., 1971), 291. 1 middle voice in the Greek. Most of us are un- Some Christians are satisfied to do the familiar with the middle voice. In the English bare minimum. Others reach a certain level of language, we have only the active voice (you do spiritual growth and are content to stay at that something) and the passive voice (something is level. The designation “elder” means “older”; done to you), but the Greek language has a third however, the emphasis is not simply on being voice: the middle voice. In the middle voice, older physically, but in becoming more mature you do something to yourself. Therefore, regard- in Christ. Let us all resolve “to grow up in all ing our featured word, the lexicon says that in aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ” the middle voice, it means “to stretch one’s self (Ephesians 4:15). out, to reach forward to.”5 A literal translation of 1 Timothy 3:1 might read something like this: STRETCH YOURSELF “If any man stretches himself out to the office of TO BE More GODLY overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.” Leadership is as dependent upon character All around us, we see individuals who are as it is upon qualifications. This is true of lead- s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g themselves to become the best ership in general. Examples could be given of they can be in various sports. We see people individuals who met the legal qualifications s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g themselves to achieve success for political offices but who, because of un- in the business world. How few are stretching godly lives, showed themselves unfit to hold themselves spiritually! The challenge of this those offices. This principle is even more true lesson is to s-t-r-e-t-c-h yourself to be all you regarding spiritual leaders. What a shameful can be as a Christian, to be the best child of spectacle it is when a self-proclaimed spiritual God you can be.6 My remarks will be primarily leader has his immoral life exposed! directed to my brothers in Christ, but those of The necessity of being godly men is found you who are sisters in the Lord will find much several times in our text. In verse 2 we read that you can apply to yourselves. these words: “must be above reproach.” This STRETCH YOURSELF does not mean “perfect,” but it does mean that TO GROW SPIRITUALLY an individual is trying his best to live a God- pleasing life. These words relate to his reputa- In verse 6 we read that an elder is not to be tion within the church. Then verse 7 says that “a new convert.” “New convert” is translated “he must have a good reputation with those from the word from which we get “neophyte,” outside the church,” in the community. which means “new plant.”7 None of us should The terms in verses 2 and 7 do not refer sim- be satisfied to stay “new plants”; we need to ply to outward appearance, but to inward quali- grow. The writer of Hebrews reprimanded his ties that are reflected outwardly. In the parallel readers with these words: passage in Titus 1, we have words like these in For though by this time you ought to be teach- verse 8: “good,” “just,” and “devout.” ers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and STRETCH YOURSELF not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word TO LEARN SELF-DISCIPLINE of right eousness, for he is an infant. But solid One of the hardest things for any of us to food is for the mature, who because of practice learn is self-discipline. The wise man wrote, “He have their senses trained to discern good and evil (Hebrews 5:12–14). who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who cap- tures a city” (Proverbs 16:32). Even the apostle 5 Ibid. Paul struggled with this. He said, “I discipline 6Even if a Christian man becomes all he can be, this does not guarantee that he will be qualified to become an my body and make it my slave, so that, after elder, but it does guarantee that he will make the greatest I have preached to others, I myself will not be contribution to the Lord’s cause of which he is capable. disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27). 7Neophyte combines neo (“new”) and phuo (which can refer to a growing plant). (The Analytical Greek Lexicon, First Timothy 3:2 notes that an elder must be 276, 431.) “temperate.” Greek scholar J. W. Roberts wrote, 2 “The original word means a non-drinker, a com- not quick-tempered (see Titus 1:7). We must plete abstainer even from the mild use of wine. contend for the truth (1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy The secondary meaning is that of soberness or 4:7; Jude 3; 1 Thessalonians 2:2), but we are not sanity of mind.”8 The word refers to one who has to be contentious individuals. Some Christians learned self-discipline in all areas of his life. cause trouble wherever they go. They sow strife; Next, this verse says that an elder must be they sow suspicion. We are not to be like that. “prudent.” The KJV has “sober,” and the NIV Instead of being pugnacious and conten- has “self-controlled.” This does not mean that tious, we are to be “gentle.” The word rendered an elder can never laugh, smile, or have a good “gentle” in this verse is difficult to translate.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 1 an Exegetical Study of 1 Timothy 6:3-12 with Special
    AN EXEGETICAL STUDY OF 1 TIMOTHY 6:3-12 WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL BY SIFISO T. DLAMINI A THESIS SUBMITTED FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER of THEOLOGY AT THE SOUTH AFRICAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY SUPERVISOR: DR. R. D. FALCONER DATE: AUGUST 2018 1 The opinions expressed in this thesis do not necessarily reflect the views of the South African Theological Seminary ii DECLARATION I hereby acknowledge that the work contained in this thesis is my own original work and has not previously in its entirety or in part been submitted to any academic institution for degree purposes. ___________________________ Sifiso T. Dlamini August 2018 i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to express my gratitude to my wife Fundo Dlamini for her encouragement and support which have been invaluable to me during the completion of this research project. For clear guidance and wisdom, I also want to thank my supervisor, Dr. Robert D. Falconer. I know it was not always an easy task, but the commitment and character of Dr. Falconer served to inspire me. ii ABSTRACT The prosperity gospel (PG) is a widespread theology among certain denominations of the Christian church. The essence of this theology is the teaching that Christians have a right to wealth and health through positive confession and is based on a selection of texts in the Bible. The prosperity gospel, on closer examination, is the result of a very particular view of the Bible. The Bible is primarily seen as a faith contract between God and believers. Along this way, God is manipulated by the believer to fulfill his or her wants or desires.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Timothy 3:16
    1 Timothy 3:16 Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. ( NIV ) 1. Although the above verse in the NIV does not support the Trinity, there are some Greek manuscripts that read, “God appeared in the flesh.” This reading of some Greek manuscripts has passed into some English versions, and the King James Version is one of them. Trinitarian scholars admit, however, that these Greek texts were altered by scribes in favor of the Trinitarian position. The reading of the earliest and best manuscripts is not “God” but rather “he who.” Almost all the modern versions have the verse as “the mystery of godliness is great, which was manifest in the flesh,” or some close equivalent. 2. In regard to the above verse, Bruce Metzger writes: [“He who”] is supported by the earliest and best uncials…no uncial (in the first hand) earlier than the eighth or ninth century supports theos ; all ancient versions presuppose hos or ho [“he who” or “he”]; and no patristic writer prior to the last third of the fourth century testifies to the reading theos. The reading theos arose either ( a) accidentally, or ( b) deliberately, either to supply a substantive for the following six verbs [the six verbs that follow in the verse], or, with less probability, to provide greater dogmatic precision [ i.e., to produce a verse that more clearly supports the Trinitarian position].”1 3.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Timothy 3.1-7 Exegetical Paper
    ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! QUALIFICATIONS FOR OVERSEERS! IN 1 TIMOTHY 3:1-7 ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! AN EXEGETICAL! PAPER ! ! ! ! ! ! BY STAN MCMAHAN! ! ! ! ! ! Introduction Writing to Timothy, his apostolic assistant, Paul outlines the qualifications for church officers in 1 Timothy 3:1-13. Timothy had been charged with the spiritual oversight of the church at Ephesus, and one of his tasks was to look after the ordination of new elders and deacons. Paul begins, “If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task” (1 Timothy 3:1). First affirming the godly desire to be an overseer, Paul follows up with a list of qualifications for those who have this desire. The aim of Paul’s list is made clear in the wider context of 1 Timothy. Paul expresses his reasons for writing the letter in various ways: he says both that he is entrusting a charge to Timothy to “wage the good warfare” by “holding faith and a good conscience” (1:18) and that he is writing so that Timothy would know how to “behave in the household of God” (3:15). Of course, these aims correlate, as the letter’s focus on trouble in the church makes clear (1:3-4, 6-7, 19-20; 2:8-15; 4:1-3; 6:3-5, 20-21). Timothy’s work in God’s household will mean waging war against all that is out of accord with “love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1:5). This description of healthy spiritual life pulses at the heart of the letter.
    [Show full text]
  • THE PROFILE of a PASTOR a Sermon Based on 1 Timothy 3:1-7
    Presbyterion 19/2 (1993) 67-76 THE PROFILE OF A PASTOR A Sermon Based on 1 Timothy 3:1-7 Daniel M. Doriani* We are all so prone to stuff ourselves with our own importance, that the wise will make the most of an opportunity to be humbled. For many of you, seminary offers you your last best chance to be humbled, to be a "nobody." The opportunity to be a nobody is like the advantage that comes to those with average looks. In their youth, the beautiful and the athletic "learn" that they can get through life with a wink and a nod, a home run and touchdown. But average men and women learn at an early age that, for them, it takes more — hard work, discipline and perseverance. By the time we reach our late 30s or 40s, almost everyone is average looking. Faces are no longer handsome, beautiful, or plain; they either do or do not have "character." In the 40s almost everyone runs slowly, and the mere absence of a bulging gut may pass for athleticism. Winks and nods accomplish nothing, and suddenly the average person, who knows the value of hard work, has the advantage. Being a nobody, an unknown, has similar advantages. Some are obvious. For example, to be a restaurant critic — short hours, good benefits, no heavy lifting — one must arrive in the city's finer restaurants unknown, or at least unrecognized. The restaurant critic is the one columnist whose face must never appear in the paper, for the critic needs to know how the restaurant treats her when she is just another customer, a nobody.
    [Show full text]
  • 1St Timothy 3:8-13 in the Same Way, Deacons…
    Post Tenebras Lux Featuring the Teaching Ministry of Thomas R. Browning A Study of 1st & 2nd Timothy 1st Timothy 3:8‐13 In the Same Way, Deacons… I am reading from 1st Timothy chapter three, verses eight through thirteen. If you’re using one of the pew Bibles, the passage is located on page 992…1st Timothy 3:8‐13. This is what God’s Word says: ESV 1 Timothy 3:8…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. 10 And 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. Father, we come to you this morning confessing to you our great need. Father we need and we desire that the Holy Spirit come now and take the things of Christ and make them real to our hearts…to come and take the written word and as its true author and therefore its infallible teacher to instruct us in the truth of your Page 1 © 2016 Thomas R. Browning Post Tenebras Lux Featuring the Teaching Ministry of Thomas R.
    [Show full text]
  • Setting the Example Godly Leaders Are Needed to Lead Healthy Churches
    Session 3 Setting the Example Godly leaders are needed to lead healthy churches. 1 TIMOTHY 3:1-13 MEMORY VERSE: 1 TIMOTHY 3:13 READ 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:6-9, First Thoughts (p . 34), and Understand the Context (p . 34) . Compare the passages for additional insight into qualifications for church leadership as outlined by Paul . STUDY 1 Timothy 3:1-13, using Explore the Text (pp . 35–39) . Familiarize yourself with PACK ITEM 9 (Handout: Models of Church Structure), focusing on the roles of elders and deacons . Review PACK ITEM 4 (Poster: 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:6-9) . Using a trusted Bible commentary, research the various interpretations of 1 Timothy 3:2: “the husband of one wife ”. PLAN the group time, looking for ways to incorporate the Suggested Music Idea (p . 42) in the session . Use the ideas under Lead Group Bible Study (pp . 40–41), and More Ideas (p . 42) . Prepare to emphasize the importance of healthy church leaders without allowing gossip about current leaders . GROW from the weekly podcast on Ministry Grid (MinistryGrid c. om/ExploreTheBible) . GATHER the following items: Personal Study Guides . A whiteboard and a marker . Prepare to display: PACK ITEM 4 (Poster: 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:6-9) . Make copies of the following to distribute to group members: PACK ITEM 7 (Handout: 1,2 Timothy; Titus Time Line); PACK ITEM 8 (Handout: Memory Verse Bookmark); and PACK ITEM 9 (Handout: Models of Church Structure) . Date of My Bible Study:_________ 33 © LifeWay 2018 FIRST THOUGHTS KEY DOCTRINE Organizations rise and fall with leadership.
    [Show full text]
  • Staying on Course Believers Must Be Nourished on God’S Word So They Will Know the Truth
    Session 4 > 1 Timothy 4:1-13 Staying on Course Believers must be nourished on God’s Word so they will know the truth. False teachings about the gospel are at times subtle and not so easy to recognize. They contain enough passion and half-truths mixed in so that the errors sound believable. Sometimes, though, false teachings are so blatantly false that no believer should have difficulty spotting them. Years ago on a long-distance trip, I was motoring along the highway and listening to the radio as I drove. This was back in the days before satellite radio and digital dials, so as one station faded out I turned the knob until another station came in clearly. During one stretch of the journey, I began listening to a radio preacher delivering his message of the day. He spent the first ten minutes of the program cajoling listeners to send sacrificial donations to his ministry. Taken aback by the speaker’s brazen fundraising effort, I nevertheless kept listening, assuming that he would soon get to his message from God’s Word. Sadly, the speaker’s main message disappointed as well. Most of it was only loosely connected to the Bible. When the speaker did occasionally quote a Bible text, his interpretation and application of the text were questionable. Yet, it was a blatant claim the speaker made near the end of his message that disturbed me most. He raised an issue that equally devoted Christians have debated for a long time and then gave his conclusion on the matter without any biblical support.
    [Show full text]
  • L8: 1 Timothy 3:1-13: the Bishop & Deacon
    L8: 1 Timothy 3:1-13: The Bishop & Deacon Sermon Intro: Review/Summarize • True saying • Man desiring the office of a bishop • A good work Sermon Preview: • The continuing qualifications of a bishop • The continuing qualifications of a deacon Sermon: (1 Timothy 3:1) This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. (1 Timothy 3:2) A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; • "A bishop then" ○ based upon the initial criteria of the true saying, that is, ▪ A man ▪ Desire the office ○ Identifies if that man desiring the office "be": • "blameless" - not sinless perfection, but no blotch that would compromise the use of the office • "the husband of one wife" - not an adulterer or fornicator ○ Doesn't mean man has to be married ○ Implications of single man - not flirty • "vigilant' - watchful/circumspect ○ Acts 20 • "sober" - under the influence of the Spirit - selfless, servant ○ Rom. 12:3 ○ Php. 2 ○ Titus 2 • "of good behaviour" - conduct, manners, carriage of one's self, external Page 1 • "of good behaviour" - conduct, manners, carriage of one's self, external appearance, particular character - restrain, govern, subdue (Rom. 6:22, Rom. 8:5) • "given to hospitality" - not only open his home, but cultivates in behavior a sanctifying and edifying environment - spiritual hospital - assessing physical and spiritual needs of others • "apt to teach;" - fit, suitable, ready, quick, qualified ○ To instruct, to inform, to communicate to another the knowledge of that of which he was before ignorant ▪ Not with good words and fair speeches ▪ Not with enticing words of man's wisdom ○ Can teach and is fit and suitable to do communicate the truths of God's Word ▪ 1 Tim.
    [Show full text]
  • Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:1-13 by L.G
    Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:1-13 By L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson ( Uniform Sunday School Series ) for Sunday , March 13 , 2011, is from 1 Timothy 3:1-13 . This commentary also includes some scripture references that will help you understand the mystery Paul wrote about in 1 Timothy 3:9 . Five Questions for Discussion follow the Bible Lesson Commentary . The International Bible Lessons can be read at http://internationalbiblelessons.org . At the request of readers, the Bible Lesson Forum ( http://biblelessonforum.com ) Bible Lesson Commentary now includes the scripture text from the New American Standard Bible—Updated (NASU ) and the King James Version ( KJV ), in addition to the New Revised Standard Version ( NRSV ). 1 Timothy 3:1-13 — NRSV 3:1 The saying is sure: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. The title “bishop” is sometimes understood to mean “overseer,” “elder,” or “leader.” Paul indicated that it is okay to aspire to church leadership responsibility, and churches have a variety of leaders; such as, pastors, evangelists, elders, and deacons. Wanting to serve the Lord in a leadership role should be a noble aspiration to serve others, and not a means of private gain or self-centered authority over others; as Jesus declared, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35). 2 Now a bishop must be above reproach, married only once, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher, Prior to selection, a church leader must have a demonstrated history of serving the Lord Jesus Christ and the church with good character traits and wise decision making.
    [Show full text]
  • The Question About 1 Timothy 3
    THE QUESTION ABOUT 1 TIMOTHY 3 Some believe 1 Timothy 3 prohibits women from serving in pastoral ministry. A study of the Greek will clarify the opposite. First of all, this passage is descriptive, not prescriptive. The entire letter is written about leadership issues in the church at Ephesus. Here Paul may well be responding to a question Timothy may have asked him about a man who aspired to become an overseer/bishop (episkopos). The passage does NOT say that only married men can serve as overseers. If that were the case, even Paul could not have applied, because he was single! It just says that if a man wishes to serve as the overseer, he should be a man of good repute who demonstrates his Christian character in the way he leads his own family. It is interesting that the Greek term used for his role in the family is not the same word used for his role in the church; there the term means ‘to take care of’, which is what pastors do – take care of the flock. Also, note that women deacons are addressed in v.11; it can also refer to deacons’ wives, because the Greek for wife and woman is the same word, but the list of qualifications applies to women who serve the Lord. Ruth Tucker addresses this passage in her book, Women in the Maze. 1 After quoting 1 Timothy 3:1-4 (NIV), she says this: The King James Version and other translations have rendered the second phrase of this passage: “If a man desire the office….” This has given strength to the argument that this passage applies explicitly to the male gender.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Timothy 6 Resources
    1 Timothy 6 Resources GODLINESS AND PASTORAL CARE Click chart to enlarge Charts from Jensen's Survey of the NT - used by permission Another Overview Chart on right side - 1 Timothy - Charles Swindoll THE PASTOR'S PRIMER: PAUL'S PRACTICAL PASTORAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING THE LOCAL CHURCH 1 Timothy 1 1 Timothy 2-3 1 Timothy 4 1 Timothy 5 1 Timothy 6 TIMOTHY'S TIMOTHY'S CHARGE… INSTRUCTIONS… Concerning Concerning Concerning Concerning Concerning Sound Prayer Last Days Widows Conflict & Doctrine & Church Apostasy & Elders Contentment Danger of Public Worship Antidote Pastoral Duties Instructions for False Doctrine Church Officers for Apostasy Toward Others the Man of God Warning Worship Wisdom Widows Wealth Written in Macedonia Circa 62-64AD GORHAM ABBOTT 1 Timothy 6:8 Finding happiness in a miserable world HENRY ALFORD (Read his fascinating brief biography - Henry Alford and Phil Johnson's related comments) James Rosscup writes that Alford's series on the New Testament "contains much that is valuable in the Greek New Testament...though all of the Greek New Testament words have been changed to English throughout." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works). Charles Haddon Spurgeon (see his comments in following entry on Alford). Editorial Note: If you are not proficient in Greek, you will find this work considerably more useful than the following work by Alford, because in this volume he translates the Greek and Latin into English. While the "The Greek New Testament" is longer (e.g., English version of 1John = 66 pages compared to Greek version = 9 4 pages in part because the latter includes comments of more technical nature), the substance of the commentary is otherwise similar to that found in the "NT for English Readers".
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Timothy 3: Who Can Be an Officer? an Exegetical and Historical Study
    Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary 1 TIMOTHY 3: WHO CAN BE AN OFFICER? AN EXEGETICAL AND HISTORICAL STUDY A Paper Presented at the 14th Annual Scholarship Symposium Andrews University By: Jose N. Briones February 9, 2017 1 Introduction During the 20th Century, the restoration of women in professional and relational settings was championed by the voices of both male and female alike. Theologians, politicians, psychologists, doctors, and pastors, women started to take roles where they had not been before, due to the push of the feminist movement and other historical contributions, such as war and the creation of new job categories. While the restoration is not yet fully complete, given that there are countries where women do not enjoy the liberties of suffrage, education, and professional equality, women today enjoy more freedoms than they did 150 years ago. Around the mid-20th Century in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, a conversation started to develop as to whether women could occupy the office of the pastor and serve as ministers of the gospel in the same capacity as their brothers in Christ. This conversation was influenced by the restoration of women in the professional settings of society.1 The discussion brought much biblical study and deep engagement among scholars, pastors, and members alike. The church’s official position since then reflects that women can serve in “all service and positions of leadership.”2 However, women in the position of pastoral leadership are unable to be ordained, which limits them to ascend to higher positions of leadership, such as conference president, division president, or general conference president of the church.
    [Show full text]