November 25

The issue of women bishops has been a major news item this week. Now, it is not my intention to criticise another denomination, and as a Baptist I am more likely to be opposed to male bishops than supporting women bishops, but I believe it is a good opportunity to indicate the main reasons why Baptist churches endorse the full ministry and leadership of women.
It is biblical. The Bible narrates women doing all the activities which we expect from leaders. Leading worship: Myriam. Leading men: Deborah. Preaching: The many prophetesses of the Old Testament. Teaching: Priscilla. There is even a woman, Junia described as being “notable among the apostles.” Why should we stand in the way of women doing today, what they were allowed to do in Biblical times?
It is the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has called and gifted many women for service, why should we stand in the way of His work?
Some do point, however, to 1 Timothy 2:10-15 to oppose female leadership. In context, as leading New Testament scholar NT Wright indicates, this passage is probably urging that women be given full opportunity to learn and study Scriptures in submission to God so that they will not be deceived as Eve was. They should not exert unhealthy leadership over men as was common in the Diana cult in Ephesus. In contrast, Paul was willing to endorse healthy forms of female leadership in many other churches, which include all the roles and actions carried out by our pastors, deacons and other leaders.