Women in Ministry

Scripture plainly teaches, both in the Old and New Testaments, that God has only called men to serve in the offices of elders and deacons in His church (1 Tim. 3:1–7, Tit. 1:6–9). Of course, not all are called to ordained ministry, but those who are, are indeed men. 

This basic qualification, which is just one of many, is not an arbitrary or cultural thing, but is according to nature and how God has given men and women different and unique gifts. 

Now based on this practice, some may accuse us of believing that only men then do the work of ministry.

But this could not be further from the truth. 

If an outsider were to observe an average week in the life of our congregations—whether on the Lord’s Day, in the church office, in our homes, our schools, or out and about in the community—they would see many hands at work, many of them being the hands of fruitful women. 

They would see women in their homes. Loving their husbands, pouring out their lives for their children, and adorning all things with beauty. 

They would see women in the community practicing hospitality, organizing baby showers, bridal showers, park days, meal trains, Bible studies, teaching children, and welcoming newcomers to town. 

And they would see women encouraging one another, as the Apostle Paul wrote to Titus, “admonishing them to love their husbands, to love their children, to be self-controlled, pure, homemakers, kind, obedient to their husbands—that the word of God may not be blasphemed" (Tit. 2:4–5).

Without these strong and godly women engaged in the work of ministry, our churches would be a mere shell of what they are now.

Therefore, the exhortation this morning is simple. Keep up the good work. Do not grow weary in doing good. Continue to do all these things and more—for the glory of God and the joy of His people.