In the PCA, can women serve as elders?

In the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), the role of elders is restricted to men, as per the denomination's interpretation of scripture. This understanding is rooted in a complementarian view of gender roles, which holds that men and women have different, complementary roles in the church and home. Specifically, passages such as 1 Timothy 2:12 and Titus 1:5 are often cited to support the position that the office of elder is reserved for qualified men.

This theological stance has been officially adopted by the PCA, affirming that both elders and deacons are to be male roles within the church structure. Therefore, the conclusion that women cannot serve as elders or deacons aligns with the PCA’s doctrinal standards and its interpretation of biblical guidance concerning church leadership. Understanding this context clarifies why the correct answer reflects the PCA's policies on leadership and governance within the church.