"Women's Ministry in the Local Church"

I’ve recently began to think about the issue of the role of women in the church. This is obviously a controversial subject to say the least, and I will not be laying out my personal views on the subject here. But I had received Ligon Duncan and Susan Hunt's book, "Women's Ministry in the Local Church," at the first Together For The Gospel Conference in ‘06 and I had not read it before. Thinking that this book was fitting my theological quandary, but I was wrong. I should have read the title a little closer.

The book is not about the question of women elders or pastors, but is rather an exhortation to have specific ministries for/to women in the local church. Though I was disappointed that it did not meet my immediate need, I was nonetheless satisfied by it’s content. Duncan lays out a Biblical argument of why ministry to women is important and should be done in the local church.

And with this in mind, it perhaps does relate to my original purpose for picking up this book.

When the issue of women in ministry comes up, those who are against it are against women doing any form of ministry at all. Though there might be some with this view, I don’t think it accurately characterizes those who hold such a view. Regardless, it must be emphasized that a church without the women participating somehow will surely crumble. Some of the best ministries in the church are ran by women. In my experience (solely in Baptist life) the two best ministries involving women include WMU and the hospitality committee (we Baptist love our committees). WMU has been instrumental in mission projects and evangelism. Hospitality committee is crucial to helping a family deal with a loss of a family member. These two ministries are almost solely run by women and have been instrumental in the furthering the gospel and comforting it’s members.

And this is why this book is so important. It emphasizes ministry to women in the local church. This is a book, as the author argues, about the church, not so much about women. It is a call for the local church to evangelize and disciple the women of the church.

So wherever you stand on the issue of women in ministry, we should all be able to agree on the fact that women are a vital part of the church. And though this is an issue dividing the American Church, let us not forget that both sides must, and I believe do, affirm the importance of women both in the home and in the church. I know I would be lost without my wife by my side.