WOMEN DEACONS
In accordance with the Assemblies of God (AG), the fellowship (denomination) we belong to, we affirm the following:
- Leadership in the local church is open to all whom God calls without limitation based on gender. The Assemblies of God Bylaws, Article VII, Section 2, states that “divinely called and qualified women may also serve the church in the ministry of the Word, and “are eligible to serve in all levels of church ministry, and/or district and General Council leadership.” The call of God is determinative of the right and privilege of service in the local church. He pours His Spirit out on all flesh, equipping each for ministry in His Kingdom. In the last day, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. Acts 2:17-18, quoting Joel 2:28-29.
- There are many biblical examples of women in ministry in the Old Testament, including:
- Miriam – Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing. Miriam sang to them: “sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea.” Exodus 15:20-21
- Deborah – Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. Judges 4:4 (see Judges 4-5)
- Huldah – Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Akbor, Shaphan and Asaiah went to speak to the prophet Huldah, who was the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the New Quarter. She said to them, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Tell the man who sent you to me, ‘This is what the Lord says: I am going to bring disaster on this place and its people, according to everything written in the book the king of Judah has read. Because they have forsaken me and burned incense to other gods and aroused my anger by all the idols their hands have made, my anger will burn against this place and will not be quenched.’ Tell the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says concerning the words you heard: Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people—that they would become a curse and be laid waste—and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. Therefore, I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place.’ ” So they took her answer back to the king. 2 Kings 22:14-20, (see also 2 Chron. 34:22-28)
- Women played a significant role in leading and advancing the early church as we see in the New Testament. Examples include:
- Tabitha (Dorcas) – In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. Acts 9:36
- Philip’s four unmarried daughters – Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. Acts 21:8-9
- Euodia and Syntyche – I [Paul] plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Philippians 4:2-3
- Priscilla – Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my [Paul] co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Romans 16:3-4
- Mary, Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persis – Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you…Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord. Romans 16:6,12
- So many women who labor in the work of the gospel:
- You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. 1 Cor. 16:15-16.
- Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 1 Thess. 5:12
- The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 1 Tim. 5:17
- Phoebe – I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me [Paul]. Romans 16:1-2 (diakonos of the church at Cenchrea, term for ministry leader applied to Jesus, Tychicus, Epaphras, Timothy; usually translated “deacon” or “minister”).
- Junia – Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. Romans 16:7
- There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:28
- …I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. Acts 2:17-18
Our God shows no favoritism and shares gifts with all. We aim to be a church that helps all God’s people discover their God-given gifts, helps them develop those gifts, and deploys their God-given gifts for His Glory.