PTM WEEKLY UPDATE -- MAY 5, 2008

Women in ministry?

Q. I serve as an elder in our church. We are we faced with a difficult problem. A widow (pastor's wife) has asked for us to support her in serving and ministering to shut-ins and those who can not attend regular services. The big question is about communion. In our denomination, it is widely accepted that women have no role in leadership and in this case, this lady should not be allowed to serve communion. However, women do serve in elder and deacon roles in some congregations, out of necessity. We have a small faction in our elder group that suggests we are breaking God's word if we allow this woman to serve. The pastor and many of the elders believe she should be empowered to minister personally to these people. How can I convince the group scripturally?

A. This question (like so many others) seems to come down to this: 1) the presupposition that one brings to the table is the real issue. Can the status quo assumption be questioned -- or will those who hold it allow it to be questioned? Can those who hold it agree, at the very least, to subject it to a critique, with the proviso that if it is biblically sound it will simply become more of a firm belief? 2) if such an understanding is not on the table, then we are wasting words and discussion, for even if we are able to "prove" a point, "one who is convinced against their will is of the same opinion still."

The Scripture is not dogmatic on either side, as far as I am concerned. If one believes that women should "keep silent" -- then one will find such a view in Scripture, adopting a hermeneutic to fit the conclusion one wishes to find. If one believes that women should be able to teach, and even pastor, then one will be able to adapt passages to fit with such a conclusion.

That may sound cynical, but I am afraid it is the state of much of North American Christianity on this issue. In our Plain Truth magazine online archives you can find what I believe to be a "fair and balanced" short article titled "Women in the Pulpit" that addresses the major concerns -- in our January-February 2007 issue. The article also lists several books on the subject for in-depth study.

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