Article 21 - Current Issues

Women and Ministry

We believe that in the body of Christ men and women stand spiritually equal and constitute the Church universal.

We believe women have had and always will have their God-given gifts and roles within this body. Accordingly, as the primary role of believing men is to be husbands and fathers, so the primary role of women is to be wives and mothers. Modern secular feminism has destroyed the importance of these positions and blurred the differences between men and women. We encourage women to have personal ministries, but the Scriptures are clear that male leadership is called to the local church positions of deacon, elder, and pastor-teacher. No amount of debate can water down what the Bible says about the individual and distinct callings of both sexes, in regard to gifts and positions. We equally encourage women to pursue diplomas but the role of pastor-teacher is Biblically reserved for men. 1 Tim. 2:9-15; 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 2:1-8; II Cor.14:34-35

Openness of God

We repudiate what is known as the Openness of God theory that says, in so many words, that God does not know the future. He is "open" to the free choices people make, and then responds to their free agency. This view violates the omniscience of God. It also violates the fact that in sovereignty, He has ordained all things! As difficult a doctrine as this is, it is still clearly stated in Scripture. The view of the Openness of God should be considered a heresy!