I am writing in response to the publication of Kelly Dickerson Strum as co-pastor of Eau Claire Baptist Church (Jan. 21). I saw the publication and didn’t know what to think at first. After several days of prayer, I came to the conclusion to write and voice my opinion.
I went and looked in the Baptist Faith and Message to refresh my memory as to the stand Baptists take on women in the role as pastor (VI. The Church). I also went to the Baptist view of the scriptures (I. The Scriptures). I then went to the word of God to verify what the Baptist Faith and Message states (1 Timothy 2:12; 3:1). After my study, I found there is no biblical support for women to be ordained as a pastor of a New Testament church. As our Baptist Faith and Message puts it, men and women have gifts for service in the church, but pastor is not one of those women are gifted for.
If we are going to be Baptists who believe in the word of God as the inspired, infallible and inerrant word of God, then why are we promoting something contrary to what it specifically states? I know I will be labeled as someone in the Dark Ages. But if that is where I need to be in order to be in line with God’s word, then that is where I will stay. Being a father of four girls, I am not against women actively involved in the church, but there are some things that were not decided by me. If we become relaxed in one area of what we believe, what is the next compromise Baptists will be willing to make?
I don’t know what actions should be taken. But I believe we need to guard our beliefs and uphold the word of God as the standard as to how the New Testament church is to be operated.
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