Women in Ministry: Biblical and Ellen White Perspectives

The official ordination of women to the gospel ministry is not a practice supported or encouraged in the inspired writings. While women are called to a wide variety of essential spiritual roles, there is no statement from the pen of the Lord's messenger that encourages their formal and official ordination to the gospel ministry for public labor such as is ordinarily expected of an ordained ministerDG 255.1.

The Role of Women in Ministry

• The Gospel Ministry Defined: Gospel ministry is defined as taking people where they are and helping them in every possible way, including ministering to the sick and afflictedMM 238.1.

• Essential Labors: Women have a noble work to perform, often laboring alongside their husbands to visit homes and reach families in ways men cannotDG 110.3+1.

• Specific Appointments: Instruction was given regarding the setting apart of God-fearing women for special duties in local churches where circumstances call for such actionDG 255.1. This refers to the ordination of women to the work of a deaconessDG 249.1+1.

• Effective Missionaries: The Samaritan woman at the well is a representative of practical faith, having proved herself a more effective missionary in bringing a whole city to Jesus than the disciples had beenChS 97.2.

• Talents and Capabilities: Every woman has a work to do for the Master, and their capabilities are entrusted talents that should be wholly consecrated to His serviceDG 130.4+1.

Cautions and Priorities

The question of ordaining women to the gospel ministry was not a high priority, as the greatest needs of the church were identified as unity, deeper spirituality, and true conversionDG 255.4+1. There was a specific caution expressed regarding the perils that a general practice of ordaining women as gospel ministers would expose the church to from a gainsaying worldDG 255.1.

The Standard of Ordination

• The Original Pattern: When Christ ordained the twelve, it was the first step in the organization of the church, appointing them to be with Him and to be sent forth to preach Mark 3:14TT 12.3.

• Success through Consecration: Personal consecration and sanctification to God will accomplish more through simple methods than any imposing displayDG 130.4+1.

• Divine Fitness: If human hands are never laid upon a worker in ordination, the Lord will still provide fitness for the work to those who ask in faith and remain consecratedRH March 24, 1910, par. 15+1.

Biblical Principles of Service

All followers of Christ are called to be laborers together with God 1 Corinthians 3:9. The highest motive for every worker, whether ordained or not, is to deny self, take up the cross, and follow the Redeemer Matthew 16:24+1. True greatness in the sight of God is found in humble service, for He is no respecter of persons but accepts all who work in sincerity and humilityLS 211.3+1. Every member of the church is encouraged to act a part in the great work of soul-winning, reflecting the light of the Sun of Righteousness to a world in darkness6T 114.3+1.