All of this is made weird by the strange interpretation (no local church women pastors!) that the SBC (and others) have made from the set of verses they have chosen to “proof text” this practice/dogma. Those verses include:
1 Corinthians 14:33-36 New International Version (NIV)
33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.
34 Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
Natural interpretation is women should not be allowed to make any noise at church nor can they speak - no women choir members, children’s SS teachers, children’s sermons, chatter when making food, prayers, talk about who needs help, nursery comforting, etc. Nothing talks about being a senior pastor, yet that what the SBC has made of this verse. If this much leeway/selected application is left for “interpretation", one could make the bible say just about anything.
1 Timothy 2:18-15 New International Version (NIV)
8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 9 I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.
11 A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15 But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.
Naturally interpreted this applies not only at church but everywhere. So that would mean no women bosses in business, denominational leadership, nurses, school teachers, government, toll booths (anywhere a woman might have some authority); women should only “learn in quietness” perhaps being “saved” (from this plight?) through childbirth.
1 Timothy 3:1-13 New International Version
Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Could be the best proof text (if you are into such things and you equivalence “overseers” and “senior pastors”). But note vs 11 - could apply only to deacons or to deacons and overseers but it is in context a list of qualifications for something. Remember SBCers don’t allow women deacons either.
And if you want to take all “he” ’s as only being applied only to males, much of the bible applies only to men.
----------- any other basis?------------------
I guess I should congratulate William for being open to a women SBC President.
William said:
There are some women I’d vote for {for SBC President} in a heartbeat. There are some I wouldn’t vote for in a millenium. Same for men.
Now if he becomes open to women pastors/deacons/anything else a man might do, I might be impressed.
Inerrantists have given up their claim on consistent biblical interpretation/application to life as their authority with this weird stance (no women pastors!). Truth is that "traditions of men" (shifting as this has been in both time and locality) is their real authority. I say let the Spirit speak to you and quit judging (or ruling on) how the Spirit might lead others.