Beyond the Pale

 By Dr. Jeff Webb 

It is not coincidental, I believe, that the topic of this week’s Pause and Reflect has come to the surface within the last few days in the press: It and is shaping up to be one of the most discussed and heartfelt conversations in the global church in recent history. 

God has always called His people to seek His wisdom and discern His will carefully—especially regarding how He chooses to use His people for His glory. It just so happens that our current focus, during these opening weeks of Summer, highlights the role and ministry of women. Understandably, this has become a subject of significant discussion within the broader Christian community, particularly in light of recent comments and perspectives offered by respected leaders within the church. 

Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr. is a man for whom I have genuine respect. Since 1993, he has served as the ninth President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, in Louisville, Kentucky; President of the Southern Baptist Convention; President of Boyce College; Chairman of the Council of Seminary Presidents for the Southern Baptist Convention; and host of the The Briefing. Yet this week, I believe Dr. Mohler has interpreted certain passages of Scripture too narrowly. As your pastor, I feel a responsibility not to attack or diminish a brother in Christ, but rather to thoughtfully and prayerfully present another understanding of God’s Word—one that I hope encourages you to search the Scriptures carefully, seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and come to your own faithful convictions before the Lord. 

A recent assertion by Dr. Mohler has reignited a debate that has simmered within evangelicalism for decades. Mohler argued that if a woman expounds on (explains) Scripture or answers sermon-related questions on a church podcast, she is functionally acting as a pastor — a role he believes Scripture reserves exclusively for men. 

That claim deserves serious biblical scrutiny. 

Not because Christians should abandon biblical authority, nor because the church should erase God’s created order, but because such an assertion stretches far beyond what Scripture itself actually says. 

There is a profound difference between affirming biblical patterns of accountability and constructing theological fences Scripture itself never builds. 

The issue is not whether God has established order within the home and church. He clearly has. The issue is whether modern aggressive complementarianism has gone beyond biblical order and into functional restrictionism — limiting whom God may use to teach, exhort, explain, disciple, encourage, or proclaim His truth. 

Understanding the Debate 

Modern evangelicalism often frames this discussion around two camps: complementarianism and egalitarianism. 

Complementarians generally affirm that men and women are equal before God while maintaining distinct roles in the home and church. Egalitarians generally argue that ministry leadership should be open to both men and women without distinction. 

The problem is that these labels often obscure a more important question: 

Does every act of teaching, explaining, or discussing Scripture automatically constitute pastoral authority? 

If so, Scripture presents us with a problem. 

The Bible repeatedly portrays women explaining truth, proclaiming God's Word, discipling others, and exercising spiritual gifts. Yet Scripture never describes these activities as women improperly assuming the office of pastor. 

The issue is not whether God has established order. He has. 

The issue is whether we have expanded that order beyond what Scripture itself teaches. 

When Scripture Speaks for Itself 

Consider just a few examples. 

Deborah served as both judge and prophetess in Israel (Judges 4–5). The people came to her for wisdom and judgment, and Scripture presents her leadership as God's provision during a national crisis. 

Huldah was consulted by priests and royal officials when the Book of the Law was discovered (2 Kings 22:14–20). Her interpretation was accepted as authoritative, and Scripture records no concern that she was speaking beyond God's design. 

Priscilla, together with Aquila, explained Christian doctrine more accurately to Apollos, one of the most gifted teachers in the early church (Acts 18:26). The point is not that she became a pastor. The point is that she clearly possessed theological understanding and was encouraged to use it. 

Phoebe is commended by Paul as a servant, or deacon, of the church in Cenchreae (Romans 16:1–2). Many scholars believe she carried Paul's letter to the Romans to its destination. If so, she would likely have been expected to answer questions and clarify Paul's meaning. Yet Paul presents her ministry as worthy of honor, not suspicion. 

These examples are not exceptions hidden in obscure corners of Scripture. They are part of the Bible's repeated testimony that God uses women to advance His truth. 

Order Is Not Silence 

I believe Scripture establishes a pattern of accountability within both the home and the church. The qualifications for elders in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 should be taken seriously and not dismissed. 

But affirming male eldership is not the same thing as claiming every act of theological instruction constitutes pastoral authority. 

A woman teaching Scripture is not automatically functioning as an elder. 

A woman answering theological questions is not automatically functioning as a pastor. 

A woman writing, discipling, counseling, speaking, or defending biblical truth is not somehow violating God's design. 

Those categories are simply not identical. 

When we begin treating every theological contribution by a woman as an exercise of pastoral authority, we create restrictions that Scripture itself never creates. 

God Is God 

Perhaps the deeper lesson is one Scripture teaches repeatedly. 

God delights in using unexpected people. 

Deborah. Huldah. Priscilla. Phoebe. Mary Magdalene. 

Again and again, God raises up women to proclaim truth, preserve truth, explain truth, and advance His kingdom. 

Not because God is confused about order. 

But because God is sovereign. 

The church must be careful not to place limitations where Scripture itself leaves room for God's providential use of His people. 

We are called to obey Scripture faithfully. 

But we are not authorized to build fences beyond it.