Can Women Be Biblically Ordained?
One of the biggest topics of debate among Baptist churches today is over the roles of women in ministry. The divisional question is this: ordination of women and women in ministry in light of Scripture.
NACM Position and Rationale
Naturally, these divisions result in 1) churches that ordain women, and 2) others that do not. The National Association of Christian Ministers supports the position that women are called to ministry, and therefore recognizes the ordination of women. The biblical rationale for this position is offered herein.
Members do not have to agree with this position to remain in membership. However, they must respect it within the fellowship in order to maintain unity.
Reading 1 Corinthians in Context
The most withstanding argument against women’s ordination comes from 1 Corinthians. Therefore, we use it as our text in defense of women’s call to ministry. To remain focused and brief, we present the evidence as clear points.
Additionally, the following mentions the gifts of tongues and prophecy. We are not making a case for or against the cessation of these gifts. We mention them only within the context of women serving as ministers.
The Letter and Its Conversation
1 Corinthians is a letter. Scholars hold that 1 and 2 Corinthians reflect three letters, so an earlier letter may be missing. This does not suggest the Bible is incomplete. We hold all 66 books of the Old and New Testaments as the authoritative word of God. If that earlier letter were available, it would be called 1 Corinthians and our current 2 Corinthians would be called 3 Corinthians. This confirms there was ongoing communication between Paul and the church. Nevertheless, we examine what we have.
Evidence from 1 Corinthians 7:1
1 Corinthians continues a conversation, as shown in 7:1:
“Now concerning what you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.” (1 Co 7:1 MKJV)
We still continue conversations this way today by letter, email, or text.
Flow of Chapters 12 through 14
1) Paul answers their questions about roles in the church.
2) He teaches on spiritual gifts in chapter 12, contrasts gifts with love in chapter 13, and contrasts tongues with prophecy and order in worship in chapter 14.
How to Interpret 1 Corinthians 14
Do 1 Co 14:34–36 Silence Women?
Verses 34 through 36 create confusion. Paul writes:
“Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak;
but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.” (1 Co 14:34 KJV)
Paul is not referencing God’s word here, since the 613 precepts of the Torah do not command women to be silent in church. We conclude Paul references cultural law and order in worship, which aligns with his teaching to obey governing authorities (Ro 13).
“And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home, for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.” (1 Co 14:35 KJV)
These two verses are not Paul’s instruction to the church. He repeats the position that was written to him, then responds with a corrective.
What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? (1 Co 14:36 KJV)
Women Who Speak the Word
God delivered His word through women and men. Examples include Deborah, Miriam, and Hannah. Joel 2:28–29 promises that sons and daughters will prophesy and that the Spirit will be poured out on male and female servants.
Joel 2:28–29: “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy… Even on the male and female servants… I will pour out my Spirit.”
Paul also gives directions for how women pray and prophesy in the assembly (1 Co 11:5) and invites the church to judge cultural matters (1 Co 11:2, 13).
Command for Order and Edification
For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged (1 Co 14:31 ESV).
If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord (see 1 Co 14:27, 38 ESV).
Forbid not to speak with tongues (1 Co 14:39 KJV).
Practical Next Steps
- Affirm Spirit-given gifts among women and men for the edification of the body.
- Apply order in worship that encourages learning and unity.
- Study the context of 1 Co 11 and 14 carefully. See 1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 14, and Joel 2:28–29.
Conclusion
We conclude that men and women have different roles in the spiritual authority of their homes. However, in the church we are one in Christ. “There is no male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28 MKJV). Christ is the Head of the church. Therefore, ordination of women is consistent with the witness of Scripture and the work of the Spirit.
Learn about ministry credentials with NACM: National Association of Christian Ministers.
References: 1 Co 7:1; 1 Co 11:2, 5, 13; 1 Co 14:27, 31, 34–36, 38–39; Joel 2:28–29; Gal 3:28; Ro 13.