Women in the Ministry

There is quite a bit of controversy in the Christian Church concerning the issue of women in ministry. Should women have a place in the hierarchy of the church council? Should women be allowed to deliver sermons before a congregation? Should women be ordained?

The answers vary from denomination to denomination, and often from church to church. Most church bodies present a position on the subject in their belief structure, and list biblical passages supporting that decision. Unfortunately, the Bible tends to contradict itself in various sections, making it difficult to pinpoint a biblical reason for the No Women In Ministry rules that dominate the Baptist, Non-Denominational, Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Pentecostal, and other Christian denominations.

The Southern Baptist Convention, which dictates the behavior and belief systems of many Baptist churches, says that women can work in Ministry, as long as they do not hold a position higher than a man. For example, a woman can be a youth minister, but she cannot serve as a Minister. Likewise, she may be allowed the position of council treasurer, but not council president. Men are the only gender allowed leadership roles within congregations.

The Pentecostal church, however, recognizes only men as qualified for church roles. Women are allowed as members of the congregation, of course, but not as pastors, youth pastors, or even council members. Occasionally, women are allowed to work as church secretaries, but they are not considered an integral part of the church’s structure. They do not minister or offer counsel to others.

The Methodist church is widely divided on the subject, and it varies by church. In some instances, women are recognized for ordination, and are permitted to attend seminary and become Masters of Theology. In other cases, they are expected to assume the lesser roles in the church hierarchy, and the preaching is left to men only.