More on Identifying Women Bible Teachers

This article was first published in French at TPSG. I wrote it as a companion to a podcast episode I recorded in French on the subject. While it is similar to the previous article I wrote for SOLA, it also contains elements I added afterward.

The Bible calls all believers to make disciples. Our manual is, of course, the Scriptures. And our task is to work side by side as brothers and sisters to carry out our mission to the world. The LORD has gifted some men and women in particular as Bible teachers. The challenge for many pastors, however, is to identify them. This can be especially challenging when it comes to identifying women teachers, as pastors seldom if ever witness firsthand a woman teaching Scripture. My goal is, therefore, to help my brothers in leadership discover these women Bible teachers in their assemblies. 

It Began with a Simple Question

In May 2021, I asked on the FB group #Trasnmettre: “Are there complementarian churches in the French-speaking world that have a full-time, paid women's ministry director?” Not surprisingly, the answer was no. Shortly thereafter, Yanick Ethier (Director of TGC Québec/SOLA) reached out to me, offering me a (very part-time) job at SOLA as its Women’s Ministry Director. I have been serving in that capacity since October 2021.

The Mandate

My mandate is simple: To inspire and equip women in expository teaching, in order that they may better make disciples in the home and in the Church.

The Means

Along with a team of women I have been coaching over the past couple of years, we are launching weekend workshops for women in expository teaching. The first one will be held at Église Espoire in Longueuil, Québec, Friday, May 20- Saturday, May 21.

The Motivation

My heart’s desire is to partner with local churches by providing resources that will enable them to better carry out their work. I also want to help lighten busy pastors' loads by equipping gifted women in their ranks who will exercise those gifts among the women and children in their midst. 

 

5 Practical Steps

Pray for wisdom.

God has already prepared good works in advance for these women to walk in (Eph. 2:11). You can be the key to helping her unlock those spiritual gifts to enable her to do so.

Examine character.

Knowledge can be acquired. A gifted Bible teacher should possess a grasp of the fundamentals, but also model humility, teachability, and overall godly character (Ti 2, 1 Tim 3:11, 1 Tim. 5:9-10). 

Witness a Passion for Scripture

Is she passionate for God's Word? Does she attend church faithfully (even when it’s inconvenient)? Does she go further and participate in prayer meetings, adult Sunday School, and home groups held throughout the week?

Start with Those Already Serving

Does she already teach in some capacity? Be it as a Sunday School teacher, a substitute or assistant Sunday School teacher, a women's Bible study leader, or even a schoolteacher. 

Observe Those Asking and Answering Questions

Who are the women actively engaging during mixed Bible studies? Who asks intelligent questions, gives good answers, and shows an interest in deeper study? Who takes notes during the sermon and offers helpful feedback afterwards?

Make an Announcement

You may be surprised at the number of women who come forward if you announce a training for women interested in developing their teaching gifts. But keep in mind that many women may be reticent to come forward. Some might perceive it as presumptuous or self-promoting to aspire to teach God’s Word. These may need special encouragement. 

 

These are a few more tips, abridged and adapted from an excellent article entitled "Welcome Women who Can Teach - Don't Fear Them" at 9Marks by Adrienne Lawrence:

1. Tone matters.

I was reminded of this recently when I heard a pastor speak disparagingly of a woman whose views he did not share. Men don't realize how humiliating and damaging it is to all women when respected pastors talk that way about another woman. There must be a way to disagree with a woman and yet do so gently and respectfully. 

2. Invest in them theologically.

Here are some ways to do this that don't require a lot of extra time or programs.

·       Gather women leaders regularly and provide theological training. Consider bringing them together to read a book or article or for a one-time discussion on a particular theological topic and its relationship to their area of ministry.

·       Are there times when the men of your church meet formally or informally for theological education? Consider opening up these opportunities to women.  

3. Communicate clearly about your church's practice of complementarianism.

Explain how your church came to these positions and where you see them in Scripture. If women understand your position, chances are they will be better allies.  

4. Find ways to use their teaching in your church.

Women who can teach are sometimes hesitant to create opportunities for fear of looking pushy. So come alongside them and identify opportunities for them. 

SOLA's Upcoming Workshop

Those who live in Québec can encourage women in their church to attend our upcoming workshop, on May 20-21, 2022. Those on the other side of the Atlantic can rest assured that we plan to film this workshop and make it available afterwards. And since this is only the first of what will be ongoing workshops, we also plan to have the technology in place to be able to offer hybrid in-person/online workshops in the coming months. Stay tuned for more information!