“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23)
Women in pastoral ministry navigate a complex landscape. They face questions about their authority, assumptions about their availability, and sometimes encounter men who confuse pastoral warmth with personal invitation. The challenges don’t always mirror what male pastors experience. They’re often different, sometimes more subtle, and occasionally more dangerous precisely because they’re unexpected.
There are women in ministry who have had to end counseling relationships abruptly, establish firm boundaries in situations that felt harmless at first, or even leave positions because a man—or multiple men—couldn’t respect the professional and spiritual nature of their role.
The statistics on clergy sexual misconduct show that while male pastors are more frequently reported as perpetrators, female pastors are not immune to temptation, boundary violations, or being targeted by manipulative individuals. Whether single or married, young or experienced, women in ministry must be vigilant about protecting their calling, their integrity, and their witness.
The remedy, as Scripture reminds us, is constant alertness. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
Many a woman in ministry has sabotaged her own calling through relational compromise, just as many have been victims of predatory behavior from men who saw their position as an opportunity rather than respecting it as a sacred trust.
Here are seven types of men that women in pastoral ministry should watch out for—not out of fear, but out of wisdom.
7 Men Female Pastors Should Watch Out For
These descriptions aren’t about condemnation. They’re about awareness and boundaries, and protecting your calling, your marriage (if applicable), and your church.
1. The Man Who Questions Your Authority
He doesn’t believe women should be in leadership. He challenges your decisions, undermines your teaching, and uses theological arguments to diminish your role. While this might seem like a doctrinal issue, it can also become personal and emotionally manipulative.
Warning: Constant criticism can wear you down and make you vulnerable to anyone who offers affirmation, even inappropriate affirmation.
Response: Stand firm in your calling. Don’t try to win his approval. Establish clear boundaries and involve church leadership if his behavior becomes disruptive.
2. The Man Who Wants To Rescue You
He sees you as needing protection, guidance, or emotional support. He positions himself as your defender, your mentor, or your “covering.” His intentions might start sincerely, but this dynamic creates unhealthy dependency and blurred lines.
Response: Thank him for his concern, but make it clear you have appropriate support systems in place. Redirect his helpfulness toward the broader ministry, not toward you personally.
