Is it Scriptural for a woman to hold a spiritual position of authority?


There is much debate on this subject. I'll try my best to show you what I believe the Bible is saying to us.

I'll answer your question by taking a look at how God used a woman in the Old Testament. Her name was Deborah and she was one of the greatest women of the Bible. Deborah was one of twelve judges that God used to oversee and rescue the nation of Israel following the death of Joshua. Let's read the Scriptures that describe this great woman of God.

Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites came to her to have their disputes decided.
(Judges 4:4-5 NIV)

Deborah is not only called a judge (overseer), but also a prophetess. She was ordained by God to lead Israel, and to move in the spiritual gift of a prophet.

If God used this woman to lead His people, and to be a prophetess over them, we can conclude that God isn't against a woman operating in spiritual positions. One thing I learned long ago about God, He is consistent. If He used a woman to do this spiritual job, then He will use other women.

There are other Scriptures that are frequently used to prove that God is against women being in spiritual positions within the church. My understanding as I listen to these arguments is that these verses are being pulled out of context. They're not being interpreted in light of what is said in other Scriptures throughout the Bible.

If you read your Bible, you'll discover that women were used of God many times in both the Old and New Testaments.

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