Answer
The question of whether it is allowable to attend a church with a woman pastor is an important one, and it should be answered by looking at what the Bible teaches. The Bible is clear that men and women are equal in value before God (Galatians 3:28), but it also teaches that God has given different roles to men and women in the church and in the family. According to Scripture, the role of a church’s pastor or elder is meant to be filled by qualified men.
In 1 Timothy 2:12, the apostle Paul writes, “I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet” (ESV). This verse is part of Paul’s instructions to Timothy about how the church should be ordered. Paul is not just giving a personal opinion or responding to a cultural issue of his time. He grounds his teaching in the created order, saying in the next verse, “For Adam was formed first, then Eve” (1 Timothy 2:13). This shows that the instruction is based on God’s design from the beginning, not on temporary circumstances or cultural issues.
Paul gives the qualifications for church leaders in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9. In both passages, the role of elder or overseer (which is the same as pastor) is described using masculine nouns and examples. For instance, 1 Timothy 3:2 says, “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife” (ESV). This clearly points to a male leader. These qualifications are not based on the value or worth of an individual, but about God’s order for leadership in the church.
That said, women have many important roles in the church. They are called to teach other women (Titus 2:3–5), to serve in various ministries (Romans 16:1–2), and to use their gifts for the good of the body of Christ. But the role of pastor, which includes preaching to the whole congregation and having spiritual authority over men, is not one of the roles God has given to women.
So, should a Christian attend a church with a woman pastor? If a church is openly disobeying God’s Word in this area, it may be a sign that the church does not take the authority of Scripture seriously. While attending such a church might be allowable, it could lead to confusion or compromise over time. Christians are called to be part of a church that teaches and follows the Bible faithfully (2 Timothy 4:2–3). If a church is ignoring clear biblical teaching about leadership, it may also be compromising in other areas.
In love and humility, it is best to seek a church that honors God’s design for leadership and holds firmly to the truth of Scripture. God’s ways are always for our good and His glory.