10/31/2024
Should a woman preach, teach, or lead in the church?
Dr. David S. Norris wrote (2018):
"I have met two sorts of people who don't believe in women ministers: those who simply have not met a woman effective in ministry and those who have biblical questions; specifically, questions as to whether the Bible prohibits a woman from pulpit ministry."
On the first perspective—for those who haven’t yet seen women effectively serving in ministry—proximity can change things. When people encounter capable, anointed women teachers, preachers, and leaders, it often shifts perspectives that may have been largely tied to familiarity and comfort.
Side note:
Men, please don't judge every female preacher by one or two bad experiences, and we ladies will extend the same courtesy to you MOGs. Not everyone is polished and everyone has a bad day.
As for those with scripture-based questions, I understand the journey. Getting the whole picture can't happen in one discussion post. It requires thoughtful (even rigorous) study. Many who question women in ministry do so with the sincere intent of honoring Scripture's authority, and I share that desire wholeheartedly.
However, navigating the interpretation process means considering the cultural and historical contexts that have and continue to influence the reception, transmission, and understanding of the inerrant, inspired Word of God.
Closing thought:
The UPCI (the organization I am credentialed with) is blessed with highly respected scholars, many of whom have devoted years—even decades—to studying and articulating core doctrines. I believe they are committed to ensuring our teachings (even those still being refined) are biblically sound and firmly based in apostolic tradition.
I trust their scholarship, but that doesn't mean abdicating our own responsibility to study and handle the Word correctly. Scripture commends a "Berean" approach that values learning from knowledgeable leaders while also diligently studying God's Word for ourselves. If, in our studies, we encounter conclusions that differ from our best scholarship, we would do well to explore the issue further and hopefully remain open to adjusting our perspectives if we found stronger biblical support for a different view.
