Women in Ministry

The topic of women in ministry has been in the news for a while, especially in Southern Baptist circles. Our recent convention meeting has brought this topic to the forefront once again, and I’ve had several people ask me about it. I realize many of my readers are not Southern Baptists, and this topic may not be on your front burner, but I thought I’d take this space to address the Southern Baptist position on women in ministry and try to clear up any misunderstanding some may have on how we address this matter.

First, I want to point out that Southern Baptists do not have a political hierarchy serving over the churches. Rather, we function independently under God’s authority, submitting to the authority of the Bible. There is no “Baptist Pope” telling Baptist churches how to function, what to preach, etc. We function independently. We do, however, agree to cooperate together for the purpose of missions. Because we want to cooperate together to do missions around the world and to train pastors and church leaders, as well as do other things, there has to be some agreement as to some of our basic beliefs. These beliefs are spelled out in our “Baptist Faith and Message,” which has had a few updates since its inception in 1925.

Regarding women in ministry, the current discussion is not about whether women should serve in ministry. Southern Baptists overwhelmingly affirm that women are called by God and gifted for ministry. The discussion centers on whether Scripture reserves the office of pastor/elder/overseer for qualified men.

All believers are gifted and called by God to serve. It’s important that I mention this important doctrine first. Various scriptures address this issue, such as Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Paul wrote to the Corinthian church and told them all to serve, using their gift(s). First Corinthians 12:7 states, “But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good,” and verse eleven makes it clear that God gives out gifts “as He wills.” The bottom line is that all Christians, male and female, are commanded by God to serve, using his/her gifts for the benefit of the church and for the glory of God. The bottom line is that every Christian is called to ministry. First Peter 4:10 makes it clear that everyone has received a special gift, and we are commanded by God to use those gifts in ministry.

Southern Baptists embrace this teaching and urge all believers, male and female, to actively serve God in ministry. Some will do so from titled positions (Sunday School teacher, children’s worker, ministry positions on staff, committee members, etc.), while others will serve in non-titled positions as part of their relational connections with others.

It’s important to state up front that we (Southern Baptists) recognize the important role women serve in ministry, and we are grateful for it. The Bible offers examples of women in ministry such as Phoebe (Romans 16), Priscilla (Acts 18:26), Junia (Romans 16:7), and others, all of whom played important ministry roles in advancing the gospel.

So, what’s the issue? The Bible gives instructions on qualifications for those serving in the role of pastor/elder/overseer. The words seem to be interchangeable and refer to the person in a position like mine in the church. I am considered the Senior Pastor or Lead Pastor of my church. I serve as an elder in my church and provide leadership to the body of elders. My role is a leadership role, but specifically, I lead through preaching and teaching the Scriptures, among other things.

Because the Biblical qualifications specifically identify men as serving in the office of pastor/elder/overseer, Southern Baptists have historically understood that office to be reserved for qualified men. We affirm women in ministry, and we recognize everyone’s gifts and calling.

At our convention meeting a week ago, a constitutional amendment was proposed that would clarify this position. This position was already spelled out in the most recent update of the Baptist Faith and Message, but some leaders felt it was important to include it in our constitution as well. Therefore, a specific amendment was proposed and passed on its first reading. It will be voted on again at our next gathering in 2027.

This amendment does not devalue women, negate the role of women in ministry in the local church, or disqualify women from serving on the ministry staff. It simply states that a cooperating Southern Baptist church does not “affirm, appoint or endorse a woman serving in the office or function of a pastor/elder/overseer, specifically preaching to the assembled congregation.”

I’ve had people ask me why Baptists take this position. The short answer is that this is how the Bible addresses it, and we take a literal view of this doctrine. I know of other congregations that take a different position. I believe we should study the Bible and do our best to follow it, but I also know that it is easy for two people who love Jesus and want to follow God’s Word to end up on opposite sides of an issue. I would urge all of us to work together in love and unity. We should discuss our differences; that’s actually healthy and good, but we should do it in a loving way that promotes unity. The Bible is clear that our unity gives witness to our faith and provides evidence that we are disciples of Christ. Our unity testifies to Christ’s identity and mission as the Son of God, the Savior of the world.

Another important Baptist doctrine is called “The Priesthood of the Believer.” This doctrine includes the belief that every Christian is responsible to study the Scripture and “rightly divide” it so as to accurately follow it in life and ministry. I urge all of us to be faithful students of the Word of God.

While Christians may disagree on this issue, our ultimate goal should not be to win arguments but to faithfully follow Christ. We should approach Scripture with humility, study it carefully, and submit ourselves to its authority. As we do, we can trust the Holy Spirit to guide us into truth and enable us to serve together in ways that honor Christ and advance His mission.