Women in Ministry | Episode 6 | Season Three

In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Rev. Dr. Wanda Walborn discuss the cultural debate around women in ministry. As a longtime female minister and teacher, Rev. Dr. Walborn brings a unique perspective to the ongoing discussion regarding the role of women as biblical teachers, ministers, and shepherds. Her own story regarding the challenges she faced and the changes she experienced personally as she navigated this long-standing dispute are eye-opening and inspiring for all shepherds leading churches and ministries.

Key Highlights:

• Jesus Empowering Women: Jesus called and trained women alongside men. The first preachers of the New Testament era were women, as evidenced by Jesus appearing first to women on the resurrection morning and instructing them to share the good news with the disciples.
  

• Biblical Interpretation and Context: Addressing common passages like 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 14, we discuss the cultural context of these scriptures. Paul’s instructions were directed toward specific circumstances in the early church, particularly relating to issues in Ephesus and the influence of the Artemis cult.
  

• The Historical Role of Women in the Church: From Deborah as a judge in the Old Testament to female apostles like Junia in the New Testament, women have held influential and authoritative positions in Scripture. This indicates that God’s plan includes women in leadership. Rev. Dr. Wanda Walborn highlights how, despite historical shifts in the church that limited women’s roles, the early church and organizations like the Christian and Missionary Alliance (CMA) originally supported women in various leadership roles.
  

• Theological Perspectives on Gender Roles: The episode explores the differences between complementarian and egalitarian views, advocating for a balanced approach that recognizes the equality and partnership of men and women in ministry.
  

• Practical Advice for Churches and Pastors: Encouraging leaders to create space for women to exercise their gifts, Rev. Dr. Wanda Walborn shares insights into developing a culture where both men and women thrive. It’s about nurturing gifts, whether they belong to men or women, and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to grow and lead according to their God-given calling.
  

Additional Resources:

• Simpson College

• Nyack / Alliance University

• Christian Missionary Alliance

• Women in the Church

• How I Changed My Mind about Women in Leadership

• The Making of Biblical Womanhood

• Rick Warren: Why I changed my mind on women in church leadership

• Dr. Wanda Walborn

Scripture references:

• 1 Timothy  2:11-15 NKJV

• 1 Corinthians 11:5-6 NKJV

• 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 NKJV

• Ephesians 5:21 NKJV