Voices: Calling for a way forward for women in ministry

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The conversation started on a Sunday morning, before the congregation sang its first hymn in worship.

“I want to learn more about women in ministry,” our 80-year-old organist told me. “I want to hear your thoughts and to share my own.”

With that exchange, the meeting was set. We sat together in my office in earnest excitement later that day.

Before we even talked about Scripture and church history, she said: “I think we are behind in Baptist life. I see the struggle women are facing with their calling, and I believe there is so much more the church can be doing through the affirmation of these women. Instead of keeping ourselves behind, I want to encourage a way forward.”

So, we dove in.

Studying Scripture together

We discussed Scripture, both the passages that affirm God’s calling of women into ministry and those that have caused contention within Baptist circles. We talked about the ministry of Jesus, how he broke down social barriers by communicating with women and encouraging them to share the gospel. We spent time thinking about Mary at the tomb, the deaconess Phoebe and the work of Priscilla.

When it came time to discuss the difficult passages of Scripture, she listened intently. For every verse, I explained the contextual issues needing to be unpacked if we are to be faithful readers of God’s word.

We would pause, reflect and discuss our thoughts. She took notes, and we would move on to the next verse with excitement continuing to grow.

With every passage explained, with each piece of historical context, and with the joy of seeing God’s calling for women into gospel ministry in the narrative of Scripture and creation, she prepared to give me her idea for a way forward.


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“First, I just want to make it clear,” she said. “I do not think God is calling me into ministry. I am 80 years old. God is not asking me to preach from the pulpit or go to youth camp anytime soon. But I am excited with the possibilities of women in ministry. I want to be able to encourage and impassion up-and-coming ministers to follow the calling God is putting in their lives.”

She leaned in and said, “If anything, I hope my words encourage you and your wife. I am proud of you both.”

My wife has a Master of Divinity degree and is following her own calling into ministry.

“If we want to stop being behind the times of change,” she continued, “and if we want to stop forcing these godly women behind the scenes, we must look for a way forward—a ministry where both men and women serve together and champion the gospel message in the years to come.”

Three affirmations

She came prepared, passing me a paper with her thoughts typed on it.

“I know what I believe. First, I know women and men are created equally in the image of God,” she read. “We are all loved and known by our Creator. I believe this movement of change in churches and hearts will bring an absolute rising of the gospel throughout the world.

“Imagine the love, grace and hope that can be shared in abundance when the people of God no longer hinder this divine calling for women to serve in leadership and ministry.”

“Second, women need to be encouraged and equipped for this long struggle to serve Baptist churches from the pulpit,” she spoke with fervor. “Our denomination must learn to acknowledge the calling God continues to place in a multitude of women as they serve in gospel ministry.

“While the act of controlling women called by God has been an easier task in the past, it is time to realize the dangers of trying to control the God who has called them. The history of obedience in these women has been to God’s calling, not to humanity’s calling.”

“Third, this is a world mission. This calling for a way forward is not just a small step toward the proclamation of God’s word. This need for women in ministry is an opportunity for unifying the church.”

I joined her enthusiasm; there is work to be done.

She continued: “This troubled world waits for a vast representation of educated, impassioned and courageous women called by God to stand behind the word of God and go and preach the blessed love and life of our savior Jesus Christ.”

At the end of our talk, I sat amazed. There are those in our congregations who know the time is now to open the doors and champion the ministries these women can bring to the table. Just as our 80-year-old organist is encouraged by this possibility, so must we be ready for this way forward.

As she put perfectly, “We must be ready when that pulpit is first filled without restriction for the hallelujah chorus to ring among the heavens.”

Hunter Brown is a graduate of Logsdon Seminary and is the youth minister of First Baptist Church in Muleshoe, Texas. The views expressed are those solely of the author.


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