In our series “This Is How We Do Church,” Pastor James unpacks the biblical role of a pastor—to equip, direct, and correct—and explains why Victory Life empowers women as pastors while reserving eldership for men. Using a clear hermeneutic (how we interpret Scripture), he shows how the Bible distinguishes between gifting (ministry functions given by the Spirit) and governance (church oversight and authority).

What you’ll learn

Hermeneutics 101: why sincere Christians sometimes land in different places—and how we read Scripture responsibly

The pastor’s role: equip, direct, correct (Jer 3:15; 2 Tim 4:2)

Gifting vs. Governance:

Gifting: the Spirit gives gifts without regard to gender (Gal 3:28; Eph 4:11; examples: Priscilla, Phoebe, Junia—Acts 18; Rom 16)

Governance: elders guard doctrine, discipline, and direction in a way patterned after creation order (1 Tim 2:12; Titus 1:6; Eph 5:23; 1 Cor 11)

Why healthy order releases ministry rather than restricting it

A pastoral invitation: don’t do life alone—belong to God’s family and grow

Key Scriptures
Jeremiah 3:15; Matthew 28:19–20; Ephesians 4:11–13; 2 Timothy 4:2; Galatians 3:28; Acts 18:24–26; Romans 16:1–7; Titus 1:6; 1 Timothy 2:12; Ephesians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 11

We're glad you are joining us today! For more resources or to connect with our church, download our app or visit us online at www.victorylife.church