At King’s Church, we believe in the full involvement of women in all aspects of church leadership, including the ordination of women as pastors. Our stance is rooted in an egalitarian belief that we see in Scripture, theology, and church history, affirming that both men and women are called to serve and lead within the body of Christ.

We understand that Jesus loving people fall on both sides of this issue and come to those conclusions honestly.  We believe unity is central to the body of Christ operating the way God intended and would not consider the ordination of women to be a subject Christians should divide over but one worthy of discussion. 

Below is a brief overview of the foundations of this view as well as additional resources from other churches, ministries, books and articles that help give further context and study to how we came to hold this stance. 

Biblical Foundations

The foundation of our belief can be traced to key biblical passages that highlight God’s intention for gender equality in ministry. In Galatians 3:28, the Apostle Paul declares, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This verse emphasizes the equal value and roles of all believers, regardless of gender. 

Additionally, we see in Acts 2:17-18, during Pentecost, the fulfillment of the prophecy from Joel, where God states, "In the last days, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy." This prophetic promise indicates that both women and men are empowered by the Holy Spirit to proclaim God’s message and serve in leadership roles.

Theological Perspectives

Theologically, we affirm that the ministry of Jesus exemplified a radical invitation and involvement  that broke cultural and societal norms of His time. Jesus’ interactions with women—such as His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) and His commissioning of Mary Magdalene as the first witness of the resurrection (John 20:17)—illustrate His commitment to empowering women.

Furthermore, the early church embraced female leaders. Phoebe is referred to as a deacon in Romans 16:1, and Junia is noted as "outstanding among the apostles" (Romans 16:7). These scriptural references validate that women played significant roles in the early church, suggesting that their participation in ministry was both accepted and celebrated.

Historical Context

Historically, the church has witnessed various perspectives on the role of women in ministry. The Reformation brought renewed focus on Scripture, leading to debates about authority and interpretation. Prominent reformers, such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, recognized women’s contributions but often restricted their roles. However, many early Protestant movements, including the Quakers and Methodists, embraced the leadership of women, affirming their gifts and callings.

In contemporary discussions, various denominations have grappled with the question of women’s ordination. While some have maintained complementarian views, many have always embraced an egalitarian perspective, recognizing that limiting leadership based on gender contradicts the biblical call to equality in Christ.

Conclusion

At King’s Church, we affirm the ordination of women as pastors, grounded in Scripture, enriched by theological understanding, and informed by historical context. We are committed to fostering a community where all individuals, regardless of gender, can exercise their gifts, respond to their callings, and contribute to the mission of the church.

We believe this approach not only honors God’s design but also enriches our church’s life and witness. We invite our community to embrace this vision, supporting and encouraging one another in our collective journey of faith. Together, we strive to reflect the diversity of the body of Christ, united in purpose and empowered by the Holy Spirit. 

As we move forward, we look to the future with hope, believing that God is continually raising up leaders among us—both men and women—who will boldly proclaim the gospel and serve the church.