Thoughts on Qualifications for a Women’s Bible Study Leader

Gang, what are your thoughts on the scripture support being asked for below? Thanks!

“What are the qual for a woman to teach a women’s bible study?

Specifically there’s a lady in my church that will be leading our ladies, but she doesn’t attend any functions outside of church, including Sunday School, all of which she used to do. Something’s off and I know my pastor is aware of this and has spoken to her. He just encouraged us to be like the Bereans and test everything, so that’s what I’m trying to do. I’m not opposed to going to him but need some scriptural support for my concerns. Seems like a person in her kind of role should have much more unity.”

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Tim White Kristen, for my two cents worth, anyone who “used to” but no longer, there is probably an offense left unresolved. It has to be that or pride (I don’t need it anymore). Either way, I would be concerned. As a pastor, I would have to investigate and intervene.

April 26 at 7:32pm · Like · 3
Kristen Rasor Agreed Tim. You have a good perspective. Wish I knew more about the situation.

April 26 at 7:40pm · Like · 2
Lea Ann Davis McCombs I would find out why she does not make herself accountable to church authority. I am finding a disturbing trend, especially among women for some reason, who set themselves up as “prophetesses” and “wise women”, yet they are not part of a local church body. Red flags go up in my spirit. God instituted the local church to keep us all accountable. Spiritual pride is a deadly enemy and one which we should all guard against. Anyone who is “too spiritual” for any local congregation is most likely drowning in spiritual pride and needs to be gently corrected and the teaching avoided.

April 26 at 7:51pm · Like · 3
Sarah Van Baale This might be the wrong approach, but I would just ask her quietly why she doesn’t come to church events, including Sunday School, anymore. Then again, I’m direct and don’t have a lot of time to beat around the bush wondering or trying to glean information from second hand sources. I’d probably say something along the lines of, “Are you doing okay? I noticed you don’t attend such and such anymore and was wondering if something was bothering you.” Then just listen and don’t repeat what you heard. It gives you the information you need without turning it into gossip. Who knows, maybe the lady really is hurting and needs a listening ear. She might also be full of pride. But until someone asks her personally and gets the information from the source, I’m not sure you’d ever really know why.

April 26 at 8:12pm · Edited · Like · 7
Ed Chait Ideally, it would be good to notice asap when someone in the family stops doing stuff and lovingly express our concern.

April 26 at 8:53pm · Like · 1
Patrick Thompson I think it would always be a concern for a chruch to have someone in a teaching positon that isn’t an abiding part of that church. Also, I would think the Pastor should be more involved. I would think the pastor would want to truly evaluate this further before allowing her to teach. Scripturally speaking, teachers have a greater accountability and if there are character or credibility issues, they should be resolved.

April 26 at 9:26pm · Like · 1
Marc Weiss This surely is a policy for the church to establish, honestly. We do not want to get caught up in “attendance” as that can lead to legalism – but at the same time, there has to be a standard. This is just for presentation only, but perhaps one of the requirements for leading a group would be serving in a role at church. This would encourage leaders to also be servants. Just a thought. We do something similar on our prayer team, since it is more “virtual” than anything else.

April 26 at 10:26pm · Like · 1
Marilyn Mcclintock I suggest Titus 2:1,3-5.