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This is a question that continues to stir hearts and conversations across the global Church.
What does Scripture say? Let’s begin there:
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
— Galatians 3:28 (NIV)
The redemptive work of Christ doesn’t erase gender, race, or status—but it liberates all of God’s people to fully live out their calling.
God’s call to women has always been clear. Consider:
- Deborah, who judged and led Israel (Judges 4)
- Huldah, the prophet who advised kings (2 Kings 22)
- Phoebe, a deacon commended by Paul (Romans 16:1)
- Priscilla, who taught theology alongside her husband (Acts 18:26)
- Philip’s four daughters, all prophets (Acts 21:9)
Peter confirmed this movement of the Spirit when quoting Joel:
“Your sons and daughters will prophesy… 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
Yet many struggle with seemingly restrictive texts like 1 Timothy 2:11–12 and 1 Corinthians 14:33–34. But the Church of the Nazarene carefully examines these in light of the entire witness of Scripture—and the character of Christ Himself.
Therefore, the Church affirms:
“The Church of the Nazarene supports the right of women to use their God-given spiritual gifts within the church and affirms the historic right of women to be elected and appointed to places of leadership within the Church of the Nazarene, including the offices of both elder and deacon.”
— Manual ¶501
This isn’t merely a policy—it’s a theological conviction rooted in redemption:
“The purpose of Christ’s redemptive work is to set God’s creation free from the curse of the Fall. Those who are ‘in Christ’ are new creations.”
— Manual ¶501, referencing 2 Corinthians 5:17
The Manual continues:
“Interpreting these passages [limiting women] as restricting the role of women in ministry presents serious conflicts with specific passages of Scripture that commend female participation in spiritual leadership.”
— Manual ¶501
In short, the Church of the Nazarene does not view gender as a barrier to ministry—but as part of God’s diverse and beautiful calling on His people.
So the answer is yes:
- Yes, women can be called.
- Yes, women can be ordained.
- Yes, women can lead.
Not just because the Church says so—but because Scripture confirms it, and Christ affirms it.
