The Word on Women in Ministry

THE WORD

ON WOMEN IN MINISTRY

BY CATRINA HENDERSON

It’s funny how this ‘age old’ debate is not that old and not really even a debate; not in Scripture anyway. It doesn’t appear in the Hebrew Scriptures. Jesus never spoke on it. None of the prophets, priests or Kings addressed it. But yes, Paul brings it up, sort of. There are two much debated Bible passages that have received a lot of attention, and even these have only been enflamed in recent centuries, due in part to cultural bias in, dare I say, patriarchal societies. It seems that across history (post biblical) we have drawn a very long bow from Paul’s two passages to church cultures that marginalise and disqualify women - something Jesus never did. Even Paul, in several other passages, writes as though women in ministry is normal.

The questions most often debated, ‘Are women allowed to be involved in ministry or leadership? Can a woman have authority in a church? If so, how much and over whom? Can women preach or teach in church? If so to whom?’ if we are honest, sound a little reminiscent of an argument amongst the disciples (who is the greatest?) that Jesus answered by referring to servant and a child (Luke 22:24-26). Let’s talk briefly about leadership. The word ‘leader’ did not exist in the English language until the 14th Century so has since been read back into Scripture, and used to refer a wide range of roles, many of which women are found performing in Scripture. There were women judges, rulers, disciples, prophets, apostles, teachers, patrons amongst others. Interestingly, ‘leader’ as a noun, title or position, is not as apparent in Scripture, as is the verb, “to lead,” an activity that denotes serving, guiding, protecting, going before people. ‘Ministry’ in Scripture is also quite different from how many of us view it today. We have narrowed it to refer to a position, a platform, and even preaching. The tussle seems to be over who can have these roles. Maybe this is a good time to recall Jesus referencing a child! Ministry in Scripture is largely about service and rendering services, such the distribution of food, aid or offerings as well as practical ceremonial service in the tabernacle and Temple. Jesus’ best examples what this kind of ministry

looks is when He de-robes and kneels before the disciples to wash their feet. Yet this is not what we are jostling for. Let’s stay with Jesus for a moment. He didn’t flaunt or misuse His authority, or demand to be allowed to use it. Nor did He disqualify others from having authority. In fact He delegated His authority to His disciples (without gender specification) when He commissioned them. He also didn’t disqualify women from following Him, listening to His teaching, funding His ministry or proclaiming the gospel. His longest recorded dialogue was with a woman; a Samaritan woman at that, and she spread the good news to an entire city. From His presentation as an infant, to the Prophetess Anna at the Temple, to His first appearance as the Resurrected Lord, to two women, Jesus demonstrated no gender bias or discrimination. The Holy Spirit that He promised would come, fell upon men and women in the upper room, anointing them all, sons and daughters alike. The gifts, and possibly more importantly, the fruit of the Spirit are available to all. Paul himself, declares, “There are no longer Jew nor Greek, male nor female, slave nor free,” (Gal 3:26-29). From Eve’s inclusion in the creation mandate, through to women prophets like Hulda or Stephen’s daughters, Deborah the judge, Junia the Apostle, Priscilla the teacher (who taught Paul!), all the way to the women Paul writes to who have churches in their homes, there is a host of extraordinary women in biblical ministry throughout the Scriptures. While we are busy getting tangled in two, largely misunderstood, passages, we may well be missing the point. Maybe the point isn’t who can preach or lead or be the greatest! Maybe the point is that God’s Spirit has been poured out upon ALL flesh and as the Father sent Jesus so now we have been sent, as disciples to bear His image and His Fruit, to love God and love our neighbour and to be a light to the world, not just light up a pulpit. None of that is gender specific. I am aware that I did not directly address the two Pauline passages that many use to disqualify women from ‘ministry’. It was a deliberate omission. Although, I likely gave it proportionately more attention than the Scriptures do, or even than Paul did! However, these are important passages that need to be understood and grappled with diligently. In light of that, here is a link to some excellent resources compiled by the very learned Reverend Professor Jacqueline Grey, and to a Masterclass on Women in Leadership she recently taught in. Many thanks Jacqueline, for generously sharing these with us.

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Catrina Henderson is a self-confessed Bible nerd, usually found in a book or out on the road in her runners. She is also an ACC pastor who was Principal at Hillsong College, before pioneering and leading Hillsong Israel. Now back in Australia, Catrina is loving serving on the team at Alphacrucis College and being a part of the Glow Church family.