Baptism, the Lord’s Supper and Women
It has been interesting to me to listen to the conversation about the changes that “need” to happen in the life of the International Mission Board. One of the changes that seems to be feared the most is the “need” for the IMB to restrict women from performing baptism and the Lord’s Supper. This position is eloquently defined in the 2nd White Paper that was issued by Dr. Keith Eitel. This 2nd paper was written with the assistance of Drs. Paige Patterson and Robin Hadaway. Dr. Hadaway is my current missions professor and it’s important that you understand that I highly value him and his wisdom. I love his cl!
asses and have gone out of my way to take more of his electives than any other professor because I enjoy his knowledge and teaching style. I do, however, disagree with him in this area.
I’ll be honest from the start. I see no problem with women accomplishing either of these tasks. Now, before you jump all over me and accuse me of being a liberal you should also know that I do believe that women are biblically restricted from holding the position of pastor. I do, however, see a distinction in that I do not see either baptism or the Lord’s Supper as an experience that is limited to leadership by a senior pastor. In all my years as a Southern Baptist (almost 30 now) and my 5 years in a Florida Baptist college, my time with the IMB, the two Southern Baptist churches that I’ve served and my 3 years at a Southern Baptist seminary, I’ve never once heard someone teach that women can not lead in these experiences. As such, it was confusing to me as I’ve heard, over the past 4 years, many complaining about the practice and demanding a change. So I’d like to hear from you. As I’ve continued to study I continue to see scripture affirm my thoughts that women are certain!
ly available to perform these two activities. I’ve yet to hear a cogent, compelling argument to the contrary. So I’m opening it up to you. I would like for you to help me understand your thoughts on the topic. Am I right? Am I wrong? If I am wrong, why am I?
I look forward to the dialogue.
Howdy! My name is Micah Fries and I am a husband, daddy and pastor who loves to discuss life, theology, culture and variety of other issues.
10 responses to "Baptism, the Lord’s Supper and Women"
I guess I really should have been in the Sunday evening service last night where the subject on the role of women in the church was preached on and discussed with a question and answer session for an hour and a half.
Unfortunately, I was busy watching kids in the nursery. Irony?
So, I guess I don’t have much to add on the topic right now. But I am interested to read others comments.
I agree with you Micah. I have no problem with family members baptizing either.
Micah
Great post. My question exactly. I, like you, would be willing to reconsider, if there is biblical evidence to the contrary. Otherwise, its just a matter of tradition, and not that important one way or the other.
I hope to see some dialogue on this subject forthcoming.
Blessings
Joel
South Asia
My initial thought is that we are all members of a royal priesthood, and if that doesn’t qualify someone to baptize, what possible could?
A good friend of mine had an ordination service yesterday to become a deacon in his church. Although I like the idea of people coming together to encourage and pray for someone who is dedicating themselves to service, part of me…is a little bit questioning about that. If we are already a holy, royal priesthood, why ordinations? I suppose they may serve some good purpose. Maybe someone can enlighten me about it.
The pastor in the service yesterday said it enabled him to do “formal” ministry. What is that? If I feed the poor now, do I minister “informally”? What would Jesus say about that.
Anyway, that is what I was thinking yesterday.
Charlie-
Those are really good questions, and one’s that I’ve asked myself. I am ordained but I have come to the conclusion that if I could “undo” ordination I would seriously consider it. I think we have taken a wonderful experience - being set aside by a church - and created something much different out of it.
I think there are two main reasons we have ordination today. The first comes from what I’ve just said. There is biblical precedent for a church to set aside a “called out” one, lay hands on them and pray over them. I think we’ve taken it and changed it dramatically. Beyond that I think for reasons of legality there needs to be some way to measure who can perform weddings and so ordination has become even more accepted.
In conclusion, I think I understand the background of ordination although I don’t endorse much of its current baggage. I also can appreciate the endorsement of a local church. Having said that, however, I absolutely reject the statement of the pastor that this enables one to do “formal” ministry.
Hope that’s helpful.
Does the Great Commission apply to women? I have always thought that it does.
Cate-
Wonderful point.
I’m not sure that we even should stop at baptism with regard to the role of women in the church. Good post and great point, Cate.
Nowhere in Scripture do I see the right to baptize or to administer the Lord’s Supper restricted to a certain group of believers. I may be off the mark here, but this emphasis on having a “proper” administrator seems to fit more with a sacramental view of baptism and the Lord’s Supper than with our belief that they are symbolic ordinances.
Your article is very informative and helped me further.
Thanks, David
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