Posted on 11/29/2023 7:39:13 PM PST by Morgana
In the New Testament narrative, the shepherd stands not merely as a symbol, but as a divine directive for church leadership, anchored in the person of Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd. His life, as depicted in John 10:11, is not just an example but a foundational model for pastoral leadership. This model delineates a role that is inherently sacrificial, deeply personal, and morally upright. It’s about protecting, guiding, and intimately knowing the flock, in the very manner of Christ.
The shepherd, synonymous with a pastor (1 Peter 5:2-4), embodies a divine calling—a sacred office explicitly outlined in Scripture. This is a role reserved for men, as established by the created order and reinforced through apostolic teaching. The qualifications detailed in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 are clear and unambiguous, consistently pointing to male leadership, a pattern that aligns with the entire biblical narrative. This isn’t a cultural adaptation but a scriptural mandate, defining the pastoral office as a distinct and solemn responsibility entrusted to men.
This office is more than a title, it is a profound commitment to emulate the Chief Shepherd. Those who hold this mantle bear a sacred duty to lead with truth, integrity, and Christ-like wisdom. By adhering strictly to this biblical directive, the church not only upholds God’s ordained structure but also manifests its unwavering fidelity to Christ and His Word. So then why does Kevin DeYoung’s church, a supposedly “conservative” PCA church, have such women pastors? And why are they disguising their pastoral role under the guise of a “Shepherdess Ministry”?
According to Christ Covenant Church’s website, the “Shepherdesses” at this church are “are godly, seasoned women who assist our pastoral staff and leadership in the soul-care of women, in the church, who are in crisis.” It continues, “A Shepherdess will offer encouragement to a woman in crisis with biblical counsel, a godly perspective, and friendship accountability. The goal for the woman who is struggling is to be restored to a gospel-centered walk with God, with her family, and with her church community.”
This is exactly the role of the shepherd, or pastor, in his biblical office. At best, this is seriously confusing language and gives the impression that women can carry out the role and function of a pastor.
It’s not that women can’t assist in these things, particularly with other women. But Christ Covenant has essentially created a church office that is modeled after the office of the pastor/shepherd and given it a feminized name. According to the website, the office of the Shepherdess also assists in matters of church discipline.
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I have no problem with conservative female shepherdesses, as long as they are pro life and teach only Biblical truth.
This is a good article and right on the money as to 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Those passages specify male shepherds, or elders as they are also sometimes called.
If they were Pro Life they would be Biblical
The are a member of TGA (the gospel coalition). It’s an organization of churches that believe in the “Third way”, as exposed by Tim Keller.
Replacement Theology, Liberal leaning, they have it all.
Pastors, Elders and Deacons can be found here:
https://christcovenant.org/about-us/leadership-staff/
Pastoral Interns here.
https://christcovenant.org/about-us/pastoral-interns/
Not spotting women in leadership roles (except the women’s and children’s programs.)
I presume you are offended by the women who come alongside women in crisis?
That’s right.
Kevin DeYoung is Reformed. Not liberal leaning at all, by any stretch. He also contributes to DesiringGod (John Piper) and 9Marks (Mark Devers).
None of those ministries are liberal, at all.
thx...
My denomination, Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee, is an ultra conservative denomination, but ordains women. Our pastor is a woman. But there is a male overseer (the equivalent of a bishop), who gives the ordained women permission to pastor and preach. She is a dynamite preacher, filled with the Spirit of God, and obviously called to preach. Liberal women preachers? I have absolutely no use for them, just as I have no use for liberal male preachers.
There’s no biblical support for this. The Bible does not allow women being ordained as pastors nor are they to preach.
If they’re teaching biblical truth they’re not going to be doing this.
On the surface, I’m not seeing the problem. These women are following Titus 2:4-6 that instructs older women to guide younger women.
If these women were guiding men, I’d have a significant problem.
True, true but then again read my first comment. How are they guiding them?
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