Resources

Practical Questions about and Biblical Support for Women in the Church’s Ministry One question with which many (Baptist) congregations and search committees grapple is whether or not they should prayerfully consider calling women to serve on the ministerial staff of their churches. If and when they answer this question affirmatively, other considerations immediately follow. If our assembly were to call a woman, in what capacity might she serve? Could she be thought of and referred to as a minister or pastor and not only as a director? Would it be acceptable for her to minister to youth as well as to children and to men as well as to women? What about her offering prayers and sermons in worship services week in and week out? Might a woman serve our congregation as an Associate Pastor or Pastor? Should we license and ordain her? Is it appropriate for women ministers to dedicate babies and to perform wedding and funeral ceremonies? Are they to administer believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper?

Read the answers to these and other questions in a paper that Dr. Todd Still, Associate Professor of Christian Scriptures, Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University, has written. [ More ]

The 2007 State of Women in Baptist Life report is a 25 year retrospective of Baptist Women in Ministry. It highlights the contributions and notes the struggles of both the organization and the movement of women toward more expansive expressions of ministry. In Part I, the report offers a retrospective of the last quarter century. Part II makes the comparisons between the status and leadership of women in Baptist life “then” (1982-83) and “now” (2007-08). Part III provides updates from state women in ministry groups. [ More ]

The 2006 State of Women in Baptist Life report takes a more sociological approach that surveys the opinions and attitudes of Baptists and compares the place of Baptist women in ministry with the advancement of women in other professions, such as medicine, law, and teaching. The 2006 report continues to offer basic statistics about ordinations, church staff positions, leadership in other ministry positions such as chaplaincy and missions, and in Baptist agencies and governing boards. [ More ]

The 2005 State of Women in Baptist Life was commissioned by the Baptist Women in Ministry (BWIM) Leadership Team in order to clarify ongoing needs of Baptist clergywomen, bring to light growth and losses, and illuminate nationwide trends. It includes statistics regarding women and ordination; service as pastors and co-pastors; ministry on church staffs, and as chaplains, counselors, missionaries, and deacons; leadership in Baptist agencies; participation in theological education; and Baptist women making news in 2005. [ More ]

For further information about annual reports, contact Pam Durso at pamdurso@baptisthistory.org

The Ordination of Women among Texas Baptists and an accompanying response paper considers women in ministry among Baptists in Texas by surveying the typical questions raised over women’s leadership. Ann Miller, the author, looks at gender and the doctrine of God, and how Scripture has been interpreted in support of male leadership models. She then turns to the dramatic changes in Baptist life in biblical interpretation and actual ordination of women. Ultimately she finds that it is the autonomy of the local church that has allowed for women to be ordained. Rosalie Beck responds to Ann Miller’s paper by demonstrating the connection of ordination with preaching ministry, and the overall expansion of women’s roles in the typical Baptist congregation. [ More ] [ Response ]

Seeking the Word and Will of God on Women in Ministry is a paper, written by Dr. Jim Denison, pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas, which explores six biblical passages on the issue of women serving as deacons. It also considers the larger question of women in biblical leadership, reviews a very succinct history of this issue from the biblical era to the present, and then draws conclusions for their church. [ More ]

Baptist Women in the United States: A Selected Bibliography from 1970 to 2005.

Videos

Dr. Daniel Vestal, Executive Coordinator of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship reflects on his journey regarding women in ministry and how it has changed over the years. He discusses these markers in this journey, in which he learned to affirm and celebrate women in ministry: 1) a deconstruction and reconstruction of how he interprets the Bible; 2) encounters with women who are engaged in fruitful ministry; 3) experience with the global church; 4) an awakening to Christian spirituality outside of his Baptist and evangelical tradition; and 5) immersion in a community called CBF.

Rev. Ann Miller, Director of Pastoral Care for Cook Children's Hospital, speaks to her journey of thought and theology as it pertains to the encouragement of women serving in positions of ministry leadership.

Rev. Lillian Hinds, Senior Pastor of Meadow Oaks Baptist Church in Temple, Texas, speaks to her journey of thought and theology as it pertains to the encouragement of women serving in positions of ministry leadership.

Biblical Imperative for Women in Ministry: the New Testament Perspective: A New Testament examination of how Jesus' attitude toward relationships effects the issue of women in ministry; Dr. Lidija Novakovic, Associate Professor of New Testament at Baylor University; Waco, TX.

Biblical Imperative for Women in Ministry: the Old Testament Perspective: An exploration of various scriptures giving evidence as to the Old Testament roles of women in ministry; Dr. Susan Pigott, Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Logsdon School of Theology, Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX

Biblical Imperative for Women in Ministry: the Church Today: A pastoral perspective as to the role of women in ministry in today's culture; Dr. George Mason, Senior Pastor, Wilshire Baptist Church, Dallas, TX

Biblical Basis for Women in Ministry: Biblical basis for women in ministry based on the Pauline tradition; Dr. Sharon Dowd, former Associate Professor of Religion, Baylor University, Waco, TX

The Role of Women in the Pastoral Staff Team: Examines how women bring a "sacred balance" to pastoral ministry and the church staff; Dr. Burt Burleson, University Chaplain at Baylor University, Waco, TX

Links

Baptist Women in Ministry (BWIM) have as their mission “to be a catalyst in Baptist life, drawing together women and men in partnership with God to illuminate, advocate, and nurture the gifts and graces of women. We seek to be proactive in our advocacy for women, support of women in ministry, and education about women in ministry through resume services, Vocare newsletter, internships and mentoring, speakers for churches and groups, scholarships and continuing education stipends, and other opportunities.”

The Baptist World Alliance Women’s Department; their mission statement is “to encourage and celebrate unity in Christ among Baptist women of the world and work towards peace and reconciliation, justice and development through prayer, witness and service.”

Baptist Women for Equality; their mission/vision is “we value women and their response to God's calling in their lives and will put up no barriers to women serving God in the same capacity as men do.”

Christians for Biblical Equality is a non-profit, evangelical organization comprised of individual and church members from more than 80 denominations who maintain a high view of Scripture. They believe that the Bible, properly interpreted, teaches the fundamental equality of men and women of all ethnicities and all economic classes, based on the teachings of Scripture as reflected in Galatians 3:28: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Books

Baptist Women in America (published by the Baptist History & Heritage Society, Volume XL, Summer/Fall 2005, Number 3) contains ten articles, written by a variety of authors, relating to Baptist women in America.

Baptist Women around the World (published by the Baptist History & Heritage Society, Volume XLI, Winter 2006, Number 1) contains ten articles about Baptist women’s presence and influence globally.

Beyond Sex Roles: What the Bible Says about a Woman's Place in Church and Family by Gilbert Bilezikian: This biblical and theological study offers an accessible examination of the key texts of Scripture relevant to understanding female roles, affirming full equality of the sexes in family and church. This third edition has been revised throughout. Pastors, church leaders, students, and those interested in issues relating to gender and church life will value this classic work on the egalitarian viewpoint.

Courage and Hope: The Stories of Ten Baptist Women Ministers by Pamela and Keith Durso, editors: This is a collection of essays about Baptist women who have served in the ministry for over thirty years. Among these women are pastors, church staff members, missionaries, mission organization leaders, and professors. Each story offers insight into its subject’s calling, ministry experiences, obstacles, and the mentors and encouragers who supported her.

Making Room for Leadership: Power, Space and Influence by Marykate Morse: This book spells out servant leadership in fresh and down-to-earth terms, recommended to all would-be leaders and especially those who teach leadership, not only because it's new and groundbreaking, but because it's based on a very old truth. If we are going to lead like Jesus, then we too must know how to use the power of space and body in a way that empowers others. This is an important book, breaking new ground and speaking biblically and practically to a blind spot in our leadership.

Preventing Ministry Failure by Michael Todd Wilson and Brad Hoffmann: Research indicates the difference between failure and long-term effectiveness in ministry rests in the mastery of seven key areas of competency. These seven concepts serve as the “foundation stones” for the Preventing Ministry Failure conference. Ministers deficient in one or more of these areas are more vulnerable to burnout, moral failure and forced termination. Preventing Ministry Failure conferences equip ministers with the skills necessary to sustain long-term effectiveness in ministry, turning common stumbling blocks into foundation stones.

Putting Women in Their Place: Moving Beyond Gender Stereotypes in Church and Home: by Audra and Joe Trull: Twelve respected authors address key questions for Baptists desiring a biblically based and theologically sound discussion of gender issues. For students and teachers, laity and clergy, this text will serve as a basic introduction of the proper place of women in church, home, and society.

Religious Institutions and Women’s Leadership: New Roles Inside the Mainstream by Catherine Wessinger: This book documents the movement of women into positions of leadership and ministry in mainline American Judaism and Christianity and evaluates how this trend will reshape traditional religions in the U.S. The contributors compile data formerly found only in diverse scholarly and denominational publications to offer an enlightening interdenominational, interdisciplinary comparison of women’s struggles for a central role in mainstream religious leadership and ministries.

10 Lies the Church Tells Women by J. Lee Grady: The gospel was never intended to restrain women from pursuing God or to prevent them from fulfilling their divine destiny. In his revised and updated book, which includes testimonials, Lee Grady boldly proclaims the truth of the gospel—that men and women are appointed by God and empowered by Him. Readers will discover: why Jesus went out of His way to minister to and disciple women; how the apostle Paul, who told women in Corinth to “be silent,” also empowered many women to be church leaders; How "the Proverbs 31 woman" has been misinterpreted to deny women opportunities in the workplace; and how the gospel of Jesus empowers women to claim their spiritual inheritance.

The Woman’s Retreat Book: A Guide to Restoring, Rediscovering, and Reawakening Your True Self—in a Moment, an Hour, or a Weekend by Jennifer Louden: This book gives women a do-it-yourself guide for creating solitude. Because women tend to nurture relationships more than they nurture themselves, it is often a challenge for women to carve out the space and time they need for private renewal and reflection. Louden offers women inspiration and specific advice on how to retreat within their own homes, as well as how to create rejuvenating weekends and vacations. She even devotes a full chapter to the most pivotal stage of any retreat--the successful re-entry into home, family, and community.

What Paul REALLY Said About Women: An Apostle’s Liberating Views on Equality in Marriage, Leadership, and Love by John Temple Bristow: For any person who reveres Scripture but who struggles with traditional interpretations of passages concerning women and who fears that a desire for equality between the sexes is a violation of Biblical principles, this book is a must.

Why Not Women? A Fresh Look at Scripture on Women in Mission, Ministry, and Leadership by Loren Cunningham and David Joel Hamilton: This book provides a detailed study of women in Old Testament writings, Jesus’ ministry, and the letters of the apostle Paul; historical and current global perspectives; an exploration of the value and roles of women in Greek and Roman history and literature, Jewish rabbinic literature, the early church, current cultures, and the church today; an examination of the fruit of women in public ministry; and a hard-hitting revelation of what’s at stake for women, men, the Body of Christ, God’s Kingdom, and the unreached.

Women & Christianity, Volume 1: The First Thousand Years by Mary T. Malone: This books brings to light both the persistent courage and the innovative quality of women’s lives. Dr. Malone’s perspective not only offers a critical analysis of previous conventional histories, but emphasizes the importance of women’s contributions to the creation of Western culture. Women Deacons and Deaconesses; 400 Years of Baptist Service by Charles W. Deweese: Divided opinion on the topic of this book has caused controversy in Baptist history and life. Most Baptist individuals and churches have strongly opposed women deacons. However, thousands of Baptist churches include women in their deacon bodies and find that they make invaluable contributions. This book presents arguments on both sides of the topic but lands squarely in support of women deacons.

Women in Christian History, A Bibliography compiled by Carolyn DeArmond Blevins: For much of Christian history, the role of women in the life of the church both local and universal has been downplayed, overlooked, or simply denied. Such a state of affairs of course also denies the testimony of the church’s Scriptures regarding the key role women played in Jesus’ own ministry and that of the early church. The reach of this bibliography is wide, from the earliest church to present times, across every ethnic and national boundary, and throughout virtually every segment of the church, Catholic and Protestant and stripes in between and beyond.

Women in the Church: A Biblical Theology of Women in Ministry by Stanley Grenz and Denise Muir Kjesbo: This book offers an in-depth theological study of women’s roles in the church, one of the most bitterly contested issues of our day. Carefully considering the biblical, historical, and practical concerns surrounding women and the ordained ministry, this book will enlighten people on all sides of the issue. The authors make no secret of their bold conclusion: “Historical, biblical and theological considerations converge not only in allowing, but also in insisting, that women serve as full partners with men.” Thorough and irenic, this book takes an intense discussion to a new plane.

Women’s Place in Baptist Life by Carolyn D. Blevins: This book, published by the Baptist History & Heritage Society, encourages women to 1) ask questions and be willing to find unexpected answers, 2) study their diverse heritage and learn from it, and 3) answer God’s call to use their abilities.