A Message on Women in Ministry

From creation, all human beings, male and female, were masterfully fashioned in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Affirming the depth of His love, God purposefully drafts a calling for our lives that predates our very creation and existence (Psalm 139:13–14; Jeremiah 1:5; Jeremiah 29:11).

Jesus, who reveals to us the character of God (John 14:8–11), consistently and deeply valued women and elevated their status. He conversed with women, listened to their burdens, and engaged them in thought-provoking discourse, transcending cultural norms (e.g., Luke 10:38–42; John 4:1–39). Witnessing a woman in need, He granted her a new identity, calling her “daughter” and transforming her life (Luke 8:43–48). When a woman faced exploitation, Jesus redeemed her honor and safeguarded her very existence (John 8:1–11). In their moments of grief, Jesus stood with women, transforming their sorrow into joy (e.g., Luke 7:11–15; John 11:1–44). With unwavering love, Jesus declared women an integral part of His family (Matthew 12:49–50).

As a result, women are called to fulfill Jesus’ mission. As Jesus first invited people to join Him in mission, women responded to the call (Mark 15:40–41). Later, it was a woman, Mary, to whom Christ first entrusted the message of His resurrection (John 20:11–18). On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit filled both men and women, empowering all for ministry (Acts 1:12–14; Acts 2:1–4, 18). Paul affirms that women, such as the deacon Phoebe and Junia "of note among the apostles," exerted important roles in the work of the Church (e.g., Romans 16:1–7, 12; Philippians 4:3).

As disciples of Jesus, our mission is to carry the transforming gospel to the ends of the earth, empowered by the presence of Jesus (Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 1:8). For this mission, each person has been given special gifts, and each one of us are divinely shaped for ministry (Ephesians 4:11–13). Like interlocking pieces of a puzzle, every person contributes as an essential member of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12). In ministry, women and men find synergy, working harmoniously to guide and mentor people into truth (Psalm 68:11; Joel 2:28; Acts 18:24–26).

While men and women may share similar spiritual gifts, women can bring an array of unique qualities that enrich ministry. Such gifts as intuition and discernment, empowered by God, can enable women to navigate treacherous paths strewn with injustice (Genesis 31:1–16). Amidst a haze of pride and arrogance, women can frequently perceive real issues with clarity (1 Samuel 25). Women have held positions of trust and influence, given godly advice, and led fearlessly in the face of daunting adversity (Judges 4). Women often hold an unwavering commitment to spiritual disciplines, even in unconventional spaces, unleashing the power of prayer and hospitality and opening doors for the gospel (Acts 9:36–41; Acts 16:11–15). Bold to venture into uncomfortable conversations, women can share the transformative love of Jesus, becoming channels of hope (John 4).

A related conversation in the context of the Seventh-day Adventist Church pertains to the ordination of women to the gospel ministry. As co-workers with God (1 Corinthians 3:9), we ourselves are to work together in unity (e.g., John 17:20–23; Galatians 3:26–29; Ephesians 4:1–7; Philippians 2:1–2). When the early Christian church encountered differences in understanding, they came together and through productive dialogue and extended prayer, they reached a decision, which was then conveyed to the believers (Acts 15:1–35).

At Andrews University, we share in a commitment to equipping and mentoring women for ministry, including pastoral ministry, within the Church and in the world at large. At the same time, in the spirit of unity and as an integral part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, we respect the decision of the world church at the 2015 General Conference session which does not provide for the ordination of women to the gospel ministry. We acknowledge that there are different views on the matter of the ordination of women to gospel ministry, and as an academic and scholarly institution we will encourage thought and reflection in this area, and seek to provide scholarly insight to these continuing conversations within the Church on this topic, as we pursue a united focus on mission.

Women hold an indispensable place in the story of God’s redemptive work. In the glorious tapestry of God’s design, the intrinsic worth and contributions of women shine brilliantly. As a unified body with a variety of talents and gifts, we press forward together at Andrews University empowered by the Holy Spirit, offering the transformative love of Jesus to the world.

John Wesley Taylor V
President, Andrews University