Can a woman be an elder in the church?

         The Bible is our ultimate guide for understanding God’s design for leadership in the church. The question of whether a woman can be an elder is answered by looking at what Scripture teaches about elders and the roles of women in ministry. This guide avoids theology and focuses strictly on Bible passages.

1. The Role of an Elder

         In the Bible, elders are spiritual leaders who oversee the church. Their duties include teaching, guiding, praying, and managing church matters.

Titus 1:5-9 (KJV)

    "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city... If any be blameless, the husband of one wife..."

         This passage gives specific instructions for appointing elders. Paul says an elder should be "the husband of one wife," showing that the role was directed toward men.

2. Elder Qualifications from the Bible

         Paul also lists qualifications for elders in 1 Timothy.

1 Timothy 3:1-7 (KJV)

    "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife... one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity."

         Here again, the elder (or bishop) is described as a man who leads his household. The emphasis is on his ability to guide others spiritually and manage his own family.

3. Women's Role in the Church

         While the Bible restricts the office of elder to men, it also shows that women play powerful and valuable roles in the body of Christ.

1 Timothy 2:11-12 (KJV)

    "Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence."

         Paul’s instruction here is clear. He did not permit women to teach or have authority over men in the church. Since elders are expected to teach and exercise authority, this passage is often seen as guiding who can serve as an elder.

4. Women Who Served God Faithfully

         Despite this instruction, the Bible includes women who served faithfully and powerfully in ministry roles:

● Deborah (Judges 4:4-5 KJV)

    "And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time."

         Deborah was a judge and prophetess, showing God’s ability to use women to lead in national matters. But she did not serve as a priest or elder in the temple.

● Phoebe (Romans 16:1 KJV)

    "I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea."

         Phoebe was a servant (or deaconess) in the church. She helped in ministry but was not called an elder or bishop.

● Priscilla (Acts 18:26 KJV)

    "...whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly."

         Priscilla helped teach Apollos, a strong preacher. She did this alongside her husband, not as a church elder.

5. God’s Order for Church Leadership

         God values order in the church. Elders are tasked with leading, teaching, and overseeing spiritual matters. Scripture provides clear roles for men and women, not to limit either, but to ensure a godly structure.

1 Corinthians 14:34-35 (KJV)

    "Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak... for it is a shame for women to speak in the church."

         This verse shows a consistent biblical pattern of male leadership in church assemblies, especially in roles involving teaching and authority.

6. Equal Value, Different Roles

         Though Scripture assigns different roles, it never makes women less valuable.

Galatians 3:28 (KJV)

    "There is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

         This verse affirms equality in salvation and God’s love, even though church roles may differ.

         Based on the Bible’s clear teaching:

● Elders are described as men (husbands of one wife).

● Women are honored and used by God in many important ways.

● Teaching and authority roles over men are reserved for men in the church.

● Women serve in powerful supporting roles such as teaching other women, serving, and praying.

         The Bible is not silent on this topic. It honors both men and women, each with their special place in God's house. May we all serve according to God’s Word with humility and joy.

God bless you. 🙏