Can women be pastors—and how should Christians think biblically about leadership in the church?

In this episode of Theology Is Fun, Dr. Corey Abney and Dr. Ben Skaug begin a thoughtful, Scripture-driven conversation on one of the most debated issues in the modern church: women serving as pastors and elders.

Rather than reacting to cultural pressure or internet arguments, the discussion carefully defines key theological frameworks and traces the issue back to Scripture, creation, and the New Testament’s understanding of church office and authority.

The conversation explores:

1. The difference between egalitarianism and complementarianism, and why definitions matter
2. Why this debate centers on specific church offices—not leadership or gifting in general
3. How the New Testament uses elder, overseer, and pastor interchangeably
4. Why Paul grounds church leadership roles in creation, not cultural convenience
5. How Genesis, the Fall, and responsibility shape the pastoral office
6. Why Galatians 3 speaks to salvation, not church roles
7. How bad interpretations—on either side—create confusion and unnecessary division
8. Why honoring biblical roles does not diminish the dignity, value, or influence of women

This episode aims to bring clarity without hostility, conviction without arrogance, and truth without caricature—while acknowledging the sensitivity of the topic and the real harm caused when Scripture is ignored or misapplied.

If you’ve ever wondered how Christians should approach this issue faithfully, humbly, and biblically, this conversation provides a grounded starting point—without taking itself too seriously.

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🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts

📖 Part 2 continues the discussion on where and how women are called to lead and serve in the church

Listen on Apple Podcasts – podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theology-is-fun/id1808965100

Listen on Spotify – open.spotify.com/show/4EZUfXCbWCbSs6VpbAYSEb

Follow Dr. Corey Abney on Instagram

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Follow Dr. Ben Skaug on Instagram

instagram.com/ben.skaug

Learn more about Bell Shoals Church

instagram.com/bellshoals

Watch full sermons from Dr. Corey Abney

youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLbG1nVw0Ymu2gj1-OkB9WyX9vgWaOtot