Equal Worth, Different Calling

In our culture today, there is a great deal of confusion about the role of women in the church. As followers of Jesus, however, our responsibility is not to let culture determine what is true but to let the Word of God define truth.

The Bible is very clear and teaches without question that men and women are absolutely equal in value, dignity, and worth before God. Both are created in His image (Genesis 1:27), both are equally loved by God, and both receive the same salvation through faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:28). There are no second-class citizens or hierarchy in the family of God.

The issue is not one of value or ability. It is one of God's design. Throughout Scripture, God uses women in remarkable ways. Deborah led Israel, Esther saved a nation, Priscilla helped disciple Apollos, Phoebe faithfully served the church, Lydia opened her home for ministry, and the first witnesses of Christ's resurrection were women. God has always used gifted, courageous, faithful women to advance His kingdom.

At the same time, when it comes to the governing leadership of the local church, the Bible is equally clear. Passages such as 1 Timothy 2:11–14, 1 Timothy 3:1–7, and Titus 1:5–9 teach that the office of elder or pastor is reserved for qualified men. This isn't because men are smarter, more spiritual, or more valuable. It is because this is the order God established for His Church. That does not mean women are to be quiet and just sit on the sidelines. Far from it. So, the question is not what "feels" right to the world. The question is, "What does God's Word say?"

As pastor of McLean Bible Church for over 38 years, our church implemented and followed the biblical model that women are called to teach other women (Titus 2), disciple believers, evangelize, serve, counsel, pray, lead ministries, use their spiritual gifts, and make an enormous impact for Christ. MBC had women in various biblical leadership roles. They led the clothing ministry, the food pantry, the children's ministry, the women's ministry, the radio ministry, events, counseling, discipleship and more. In fact, the church would have struggled to function without the faithful ministry of godly women.

At the end of the day, every follower of Christ must decide whether we will shape Scripture to fit our culture or allow Scripture to shape us. My commitment has always been that "the Bible means what it says and says what it means." Even when God's design runs contrary to what the world is saying or trying to condone, His ways are always wise, always loving, and always for our good.