Gender and Leadership
The Way Ahead
The issue of gender and leadership is an important one. Emotions run deep on both sides. It is difficult to think clearly about such an emotionally charged issue and to come to a commonly held position on the issue.
We don't have to agree. While this is an important issue, it is not important enough to be a test of faith or fellowship. Even if we are able to come to a firmly held position on the issue, that does not forbid us from hearing and loving those who may disagree.
However, at a practical level, we need to come to some resolution as to how this works out in our local congregation. Here are some suggestions.
First, we need to acknowledge that most roles are unquestionably open to both men and women. Men and women are equal and important members of the Body of Christ, and all, regardless of gender, should be encouraged to use their gifts to serve others and God.
Second, this issue provides an opportunity for us to love others who may disagree with us. It's easy to love those who hold the same position as we do. This issue allows us the opportunity to work together even when we do not completely agree.
The key question is, "Without a clear and unambiguous answer to this issue, what should we do?" Some have argued that the best option is to hold a male-only elder and pastor policy. Others argue that, because of the lack of clarity, we should open all positions to both men and women.
Practically, we could acknowledge that within our setting, the position of senior pastor is seen as a unique role with a different leadership function (leadership and primary teaching responsibility) than that of a church board member or even other pastoral staff.
Within our setting, therefore, it might be reasonable to agree that the senior pastor will be male, while all other positions (including board member and associate pastor staff) be opened to qualified men and women. This would require a motion such as the following:
Motion: To adopt the following position statement and make all necessary changes to our policies and incorporation to be consistent with this position statement.
Position Statement: Qualified men and women are eligible for all ministry positions at Richview Baptist Church with one exception: only qualified men are eligible to be Senior Pastor.
This position allows women greater freedom to serve at Richview, while still acknowledging that all the interpretive issues are not resolved, and that not all of us agree. It also places this debate in the right place: important enough that we make this an issue, but not so important that we make it the defining issue of our church.