To Affirm Role of Women in the Church

Official Workbook overture source text

5-35 
To Affirm Role of Women in the Church 
WHEREAS, Holy Scripture clearly teaches that the pastoral office 
is reserved for qualified men, and therefore prohibits women from 
publicly preaching, teaching, or leading worship in the assembled 
congregation (1 Timothy 2; 1 Corinthians 11; 1 Corinthians 14); and 
WHEREAS, The Synod has repeatedly affirmed this biblical 
teaching and opposed the ordination of women into the pastoral 
office as contrary to the Word of God (1971 Res. 2-04; 1977 Res. 
3-15; 1986 Res. 3-10; 1998 Res. 3-25A); and 
WHEREAS, The Synod has also consistently maintained that these 
scriptural prohibitions do not apply to women voting in their 
congregations or serving on boards and committees at the 
congregational, district, or Synod level (1969 Res. 2-17; 1986 Res. 
3-09; 1995 Res. 3-05; 2004 Res. 3-08A); and 
WHEREAS, The Synod has urged against practices such as women 
serving as elders or assisting in the distribution of the Lord’s 
Supper, due to potential confusion with the distinct functions of the 
pastoral office (1989 Res. 3-10; 2016 Res. 5-14); and 
WHEREAS, The Synod has stated that the public reading of 
Scripture lessons by women is not forbidden by Scripture, while 
encouraging congregations to act with care and sensitivity in such 
matters, recognizing this as an area of Christian judgment (1989 
Res. 3-14); therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod again unequivocally reaffirm its 
opposition to the ordination of women to the pastoral office as 
contrary to the clear teaching of Scripture; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod reaffirm its doctrinal and practical 
positions regarding women’s suffrage and participation in boards, 
committees, and commissions of the Synod, as well as appropriate 
forms of service in the public worship life of the church; and be it 
further 
Resolved, That the Synod encourage women to exercise their 
Spirit-given gifts in faithful service within congregations, districts, 
and Synod structures to the glory of God and the building up of 
Christ’s Body; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod commend the faithful service of 
women throughout its history and in the present , and actively 
encourage women to serve the church in various commissioned and 
lay vocations, including but not limited to: teachers, directors of 
Christian education, directors of Christian outreach, directors of 
family life ministry, directors of parish music, deaconesses, parish 
assistants, and directors of church ministries (Bylaw 2.6.1.1), as 
well as many unpaid roles of leadership, mercy, witness, and 
support; and be it finally 
Resolved, That congregations, districts, and agencies of the 
Synod be urged not to restrict the service of women beyond what 
Scripture clearly prohibits, in faithful adherence to the resolutions 
and doctrinal positions of Synod. 
South Lake 
League City, TX 
Ov.