We joyfully affirm that both women and men are created in the image of God and equally called, gifted, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve in every area of ministry within the church. This conviction flows from the grand narrative of Scripture, which reveals God’s redemptive intent to restore partnership and mutuality between women and men in His mission to the world.
Biblical and Theological Foundations
From the beginning, Scripture affirms the equal dignity and vocation of women and men. In Genesis 1:26–28, God creates both male and female in His image and blesses them with shared authority to “rule” over creation. There is no hierarchy in this original design. Hierarchical dynamics emerge only as a result of sin in Genesis 3:16—not as God’s intention, but as a consequence of the fall.
Throughout the biblical narrative, God’s redemptive work continually moves His people back toward this original vision of mutuality. In the Old Testament, God raises up women to lead and speak for Him—such as Deborah (Judges 4–5), Huldah (2 Kings 22), and others who served as prophets, leaders, and teachers of the people. More than mere situational necessities, these examples reflect the inbreaking of God’s kingdom values into a patriarchal culture.
In the Gospels, Jesus intensifies this trajectory by consistently including, affirming, and elevating women. He teaches them openly (Luke 10:38–42), honors their faith (Mark 5:34), and commissions them as the first witnesses and messengers of the resurrection (John 20:17–18; Matthew 28:9–10). This was not incidental—it revealed the shape of the new community being birthed in Christ, and was a movement toward the restoration of mutuality lost in the fall.
In the early church, women pray and prophesy (Acts 1:14; Acts 2:17–18; 1 Corinthians 11:5), teach (Acts 18:26), lead house churches (Acts 16:14–15; Romans 16:3–5), and serve as deacons (Romans 16:1–2) and apostles (Romans 16:7). These are not exceptions; they are evidence of the Spirit’s outpouring on all flesh. These texts reflect the intended shape of the church’s life across generations, not a fleeting exception to a supposed norm of male leadership.
While a few New Testament passages have been interpreted to restrict women (e.g., 1 Timothy 2:11–12; 1 Corinthians 11:1-16, 14:34–35), these must be read in their original context (see below) and in harmony with the broader biblical witness. The thrust of Scripture is clear: in Christ, barriers between male and female are broken down (Galatians 3:28), and the Spirit gives gifts to all believers without regard to gender (1 Corinthians 12:4–11).
Leadership in the New Testament is never based on domination or entitlement. Jesus redefines authority as servanthood (Mark 10:42–45), and the church is called to reflect His example (John 13:14–15). The call to ministry and leadership flows not from one’s gender but from character, gifting, and the Spirit’s call.
Interpreting Restrictive Passages in Context
1 Corinthians 11:1–16
This passage addresses cultural practices related to head coverings in worship. Paul affirms that women are praying and prophesying in the church (v. 5), which shows that their active participation in public worship was accepted and expected. The mention of “head” (Greek: kephalē) in verse 3 has often been interpreted as implying authority. However, kephalē can also mean “source,” suggesting Paul is emphasizing origin rather than hierarchy. Paul’s language about interdependence in verses 11–12 underscores mutuality: “in the Lord, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman.” Far from restricting women, the passage affirms their full participation in worship, while addressing specific cultural dynamics in Corinth.
1 Corinthians 14:34–35
This passage instructs women to be silent in the churches, which appears to contradict Paul’s earlier affirmation of women prophesying (1 Corinthians 11:5). A likely explanation is that Paul is addressing a particular situation—perhaps women disrupting the service with questions, as was common in oral-learning cultures. Regardless, the larger context of 1 Corinthians affirms orderly worship, not universal silence for women. Paul’s concern is not gender-based restriction, but maintaining peace and order in worship (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40).
1 Timothy 2:12–15
Paul says, “I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.” This is often cited as a universal prohibition. However, the Greek term translated “assume authority” (authentein) is rare and can carry a connotation of domineering or abusive control—very different from healthy leadership. Paul is likely addressing a local problem in Ephesus where false teaching was spreading (1 Timothy 1:3–7), and women—perhaps newly converted—were particularly susceptible (cf. 2 Timothy 3:6–7). The reference to Adam and Eve points to deception, not to divine hierarchy. Rather than issuing a timeless command, Paul appears to be correcting a specific situation to protect sound doctrine and church health.
Elsewhere, Paul endorses women teaching and leading, which suggests this passage is situational, not prescriptive for all time.
Our Conviction and Practice
In light of Scripture and the Spirit’s witness, we affirm:
- Women may serve in all aspects and roles of ministry and leadership in the church, including preaching, teaching, pastoring, church planting, and church governance (Romans 16:1–7; Acts 18:26; 1 Corinthians 11:5).
- We will support women in discerning and fulfilling their God-given callings (Philippians 4:2–3; Acts 2:17–18).
- We encourage Christian households to reflect the gospel through Christ-like love, mutual submission, shared responsibility, and Spirit-led partnership (Ephesians 5:21–33; Colossians 3:18–19).
For Those Who Differ
We recognize that there are followers of Jesus who sincerely hold differing views on these matters. While we are committed to an egalitarian conviction, we welcome those who hold complementarian perspectives as long as they express their views in a spirit of humility and grace and do not promote division or undermine the ministry of women in the church. As Paul urges in Romans 14:19, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
Conclusion
The gospel of Jesus Christ brings freedom, dignity, and calling to all people—male and female. In the church, we believe God’s design is not one of hierarchy, but of partnership in love and mission. When women and men lead, serve, and disciple together, the church becomes a more faithful reflection of God’s kingdom. Our desire is to be a Spirit-led community where the gifts and callings of all believers are affirmed and released, and where Christ is honoured in every role, relationship, and act of service.
