Should Only Men Be Pastors? My Honest Reflection on a Controversial Topic

Should Only Men Be Pastors? My Honest Reflection on a Controversial Topic

From Truth Unites by Gavin Ortlund

May 11, 2026 · 29 min

About this episode

Gavin Ortlund reflects on the controversial topic of whether only men should be pastors, discussing Scripture and church history while affirming women's roles in ministry.

Gavin Ortlund reflects on one of the most debated questions in the church today, exploring Scripture, church history, and the theology of gender to explain why certain church offices are reserved for men while affirming the full dignity and ministry of women. Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville. SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunites FOLLOW: Website: https://truthunites.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/ X: https://x.com/gavinortlund Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

People in this episode

Host: Gavin Ortlund

Topics covered

  • gender roles
  • church leadership
  • theology
  • Scripture
  • women in ministry

Keywords

  • pastors
  • gender
  • church
  • theology
  • women
  • Scripture
  • ministry

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Truth Unites, Phoenix Seminary, Immanuel Nashville, Fuller Theological Seminary

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