Question of the monthThe QuestionI was raised in Baptist and Evangelical Free churches, and believed to this day that women were not to be pastors. After visiting my niece, who is a pastor, I began to write her about the wonderful tape she sent with me, but to "lovingly correct" her about her role. However, when I began searching the Scriptures, I was no longer convinced that was what they were saying! I also looked on an Assembly of God site, and I have to say, their scriptural support for the possibility of women pastors continued to make sense! I don't want to suddenly switch paths because it's what my itching ears want to hear. Can you help me gain a better understanding of what the Scriptures say about women's responsibility in the church? - Marlene, MN
The AnswerThe position of the EFCA is that ordination is for men only. This is according to our understanding of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, since we believe that the role of Elder / Overseer (or Bishop) / Pastor--these three titles are used synonymously in the Bible--is reserved for men. However, we also desire that women engage in ministry to the fullest extent that the Scripture allows. Because of this, we encourage women to participate in the varied ministry opportunities before them, including biblically-appropriate leadership positions (cf. Rom. 16:1; 1 Tim. 3:11), to God's glory and the edification of His people. The EFCA recognizes this by being willing to grant a Christian Ministry License to those engaged in vocational ministry. More information on this license, available not only to women but to men who are not ordained, is available in our "Steps Toward Credentialing" booklet (p. 6, IV.B.1). Please allow me to broaden the issue a bit at this point. On many biblical issues there are good defenses and rationales for its different sides. When this is the case, both positions cannot simultaneously be right. While both can be wrong, both cannot logically be right. We must, therefore, wrestle with the text, not opinions, feelings, wishes, society, cultural mores, etc. Proverbs addresses the issue of discerning between two brothers, but I think it applies here as well: "The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him" (Prov. 18:17). Often we believe something because it is the first position we heard. Then we hear another position and its rationale, and it can sound convincing because we have never had to think through an issue on our own. When in this position, we have three choices: to hold on to our old position without any further research; to switch positions, justifying the position with, "Well, it sounded good to me;" or we can dig into the Bible, researching relevant texts, striving to understand them, and earnestly seeking God. Some of the texts important to this issue are Gen. 1-2; 1 Cor. 11:2-16; 14:33b-36; Gal. 3:28; Eph. 5:21-33; Col. 3:18-19; 1 Tim. 2:11-15; and 1 Pet. 3:1-7. Also, check out the "More Resources" section of this page for more information on the topic. CBMW, for example, oftentimes publishes an annotated bibliography (books and articles) from both perspectives of an issue. More ResourcesThe Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood |
Previous QuestionsWhat is the origin of the EFCA's Distinctives? Are they an officially approved statement from the EFCA? If so, when and how were they approved? The doctrinal statement talks about "the personal and premillennial coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." What is meant by imminent? What is the Catholic Position on Justification and salvation outside the Church? What do the Scriptures say about women's responsibility in the church? |
