A study of EFCA attitudes toward women in ministry

Robert C Williams

Etd

A study of EFCA attitudes toward women in ministry

Public Deposited

MLA citation style (9th ed.)

Robert C Williams. A Study of Efca Attitudes Toward Women In Ministry. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/abf84e39-bffc-4f35-84e6-8e57d6baa409.

APA citation style (7th ed.)

R. C. Williams. A study of EFCA attitudes toward women in ministry. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/abf84e39-bffc-4f35-84e6-8e57d6baa409

Chicago citation style (CMOS 17, author-date)

Robert C Williams. A Study of Efca Attitudes Toward Women In Ministry. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/abf84e39-bffc-4f35-84e6-8e57d6baa409.

Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.

Creator

Robert C Williams

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In Copyright

Alternative Title

Study of Evangelical Free Church of America attitudes toward women in ministry

Abstract

The Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) does not ordain women for pastoral ministry under present rules and regulations. This policy was made clear after discussions in the mid-1980's. A prohibition against the ordination of women for such ministry, however, has not always been the policy of Free Church associations throughout the history of the movement. This study begins with a review of the history of women in pastoral ministry in Free Church associations. After an examination of history, and a brief look at pertinent biblical passages, attention is directed to the current 'traditionalist/complementarian' versus 'egalitarian' debate. Particular emphasis is given to a review of major contributions by EFCA scholars. The last chapter examines the opinions of EFCA pastors and lay leaders on the issue of women in ministry and especially the present EFCA policy related to it. The opinions were obtained through responses to a survey mailed to one third of the EFCA churches in the United States. Major findings in the study are: a) EFCA leaders overwhelmingly reject the concept of women being ordained to pastoral ministry; b) many seem to have become emotionally involved in the debate.

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