WHY NOT ORDAIN WOMEN?

 

There has been much hoopla in the local media and among local preachers because of the recent ordination of a woman by a local church. I can't help asking, "Why all the fuss? Why not ordain women?"

 

Certainly, the Word of God forbids such a thing! This is not a matter of Bible interpretation, but of Bible belief! This is not a matter of a man saying, "God has not and will never call a woman to the work of the gospel ministry." It is a matter of God saying it! Just read 1 Cor. 14:34-35; 1 Tim. 2:11-12; 3:2, 4).

 

Still, I raise the question - Why not ordain women? If churches, under the leadership of preachers who determine their doctrine by popular opinion, ignore what God says about almost everything else, why should they balk at the ordination of women?

 

Preachers and churches in 20th century America, for the most part, ignore and even denounce the doctrine of Holy Scripture regarding God's sovereignty (Psa. 115:3), divine predestination (Eph. 1:3-11), the election of grace (1 Thess. 2:13), Christ's effectual redemption of his elect (John 10:14, 25; 17:9. 20), and salvation by God's irresistible grace in Christ (Psa. 65:4; 110:3).

 

Yet, they get in a ruffle when someone ordains a woman! Anyone, except the willfully ignorant, can see through their charade. If they were really concerned for God's glory and the souls of men, they would preach the gospel of God's free and sovereign grace in Christ. In churches where the gospel is believed the ordination of women is never even debated!

 

Donald S. Fortner, Pastor

GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH OF DANVILLE

2734 Old Stanford Road

Danville, Kentucky 40422-9438

Telephone 606-236-8235