It is possible that a closer look at our theology of ordination might help to resolve other delicate problems, among which is the issue of the ministry of women. Neglected for so long, this problem is at present a preoccupation of churches around the world. Each church, of course, will answer it in the light of its own understanding of the gospel, on the basis of its own assumptions. Still it cannot be said that a full solution has yet been proposed, even within such bodies as the World Council of Churches.¹

There is no question that the early church did not ordain women. Some maintain that deaconesses and widows had more than a mere commissioning (cf. 1 Tim 5:1-16), but it is generally held that ordination was ordinarily reserved for males. One must, however, inquire why women were not ordained. Is it to be explained by the sociological and cultural situation of the early church, or was it a binding practice for all centuries?²

The insights of Paul on the equality of the sexes and on the nature and status of womanhood have played a decisive part in the emerging role of women in the world.³ On the basis of the biblical concept of the priesthood of all believers, and on the basis of an exegetical study of the relevant scriptural data on the subject⁴ (which takes into full consideration the entire biblical tendencies regarding the man-woman relationship, and the role of women in the church), I have been led to conclude that there is no conclusive theological argument to deny the ordination of women to the gospel ministry. At the same time, however, since ordination is not only an answer to God’s call, but an acknowledged form of designation by the church to an appointed office, I wonder if it is wise to pass over too quickly the question as to whether the time is ripe for such an action. Would such a change be desirable while the church, as a whole, sensitive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, has not recognized God’s leading in that direction?

The opinions expressed in these papers are those of the authors, not necessarily of the Biblical Research Institute or the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.