DOCTRINES
& POSITIONS
Women In Ministry
Women and Spiritual Gifting
We affirm that the Holy Spirit distributes gifts to both men and women for the edification of the Church (Acts 2:17–18; 1 Corinthians 12:7). Women are clearly affirmed in Scripture as operating in prophecy
(1 Corinthians 11:5; Acts 21:9), teaching (Acts 18:26; Titus 2:3–5), and leadership and ministry service (Judges 4–5; Romans 16:1–7). These gifts are not exceptions but biblical norms, exercised under proper authority and accountability.
Teaching and Prophetic Ministry in the Local Church
Women may teach and prophesy within the local church in ways that build up the body, align with sound doctrine, and operate under the oversight of church leadership.
Scripture assumes women speaking in gathered worship contexts, provided such ministry is exercised with order, humility, and submission (1 Corinthians 11:5; 14:26–33). Teaching roles are affirmed, particularly in discipleship, instruction, and theological clarity, while remaining consistent with the church’s governance structure.
Leadership, Eldership, and Authority
We affirm that governing authority and eldership in the local church rests with qualified men and their wives, consistent with the order of creation (1 Timothy 2:12–13), the biblical model of spiritual headship (1 Corinthians 11:3), and the responsibility of eldership to guard doctrine and shepherd the flock (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1).
At the same time, women may serve in significant leadership capacities, including ministry leadership, prophetic oversight, discipleship, administration, and mission. Leadership is understood as functional and service-oriented, not limited to titles.
Ministry in Order, Not Competition
We affirm that men and women are called to serve together, not compete. Authority flows from Christ, is stewarded through spiritual headship, and is expressed through shared ministry. Women in ministry are not acting independently of authority but within the covering and structure God has established.
This reflects the pattern of the Trinity itself—equality of essence with distinction of role.
Paul’s Instructions on Silence: Context and Application
Paul’s instructions regarding women “keeping silent” (1 Corinthians 14:34–35; 1 Timothy 2:11–12) are understood as situational and corrective, not a universal restriction.
In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul addresses disorder in public worship. The same chapter commands people—including men—who possess the gift of prophecy to remain silent under certain conditions that create disorder (1 Corinthians 14:28, 30). Silence is therefore situational, not gender-exclusive.
In 1 Timothy 2, Paul addresses certain false teachings circulating in Ephesus and instructs women who may have attempted to promote such teachings to learn quietly—an invitation to theological formation in a culture that often denied women education. Their attempt to have theological questions answered publicly may have been redirected to private learning within the home rather than open questioning during the gathered assembly.
These passages therefore uphold order and sound doctrine, not the silencing of women’s gifts.
We believe this position honors the whole counsel of Scripture, protects biblical order, and allows the Church to fully benefit from all the gifts Christ has given to His body.