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This is a question many Christians still ask today.
Can a woman be a pastor?
Can she preach?
Can she lead?
The Church of the Nazarene’s answer is clear: Yes. Absolutely.
“The Church of the Nazarene supports the right of women to use their God-given spiritual gifts within the church…”
— Manual, Paragraph 501
Women are not second-class citizens in the Kingdom of God.
They are called, gifted and commissioned—just like men.
The Biblical Foundation for Women in Leadership
The Manual isn’t making a modern political statement.
It’s grounded in Scripture and the redemptive work of Christ.
“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come…”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17
Through Jesus, we are made new.
And in His redeemed Body, we don’t divide people by race, status, or gender.
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile… male nor female… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
— Galatians 3:28
The Church of the Nazarene recognizes that some passages (like 1 Timothy 2:11–12 or 1 Corinthians 14:33–34) have been interpreted to limit women in ministry.
But these must be understood in light of the whole of Scripture.
Because:
- Joel 2:28–29 says sons and daughters will prophesy.
- Acts 2:17–18 shows the Holy Spirit poured out on all.
- Romans 16 mentions women like Phoebe (a deacon), Priscilla (a teacher), and Junia (among the apostles).
- Philippians 4:2–3 calls two women Paul’s coworkers in the gospel.
These are not exceptions.
They are part of the Spirit’s plan.
The Church of the Nazarene recognizes that when God calls someone, we don’t say no based on their gender.
The Manual states:
“Interpreting [Paul’s] passages as limiting the role of women in ministry presents serious conflicts with Scripture…”
— Manual, Paragraph 501
It also says that restricting women violates the character of God—especially as seen in Jesus.
Jesus welcomed women.
He taught them, ministered with them, appeared to them first after the resurrection.
He elevated them.
And so do we.
What Does This Mean Today?
- Women can serve as elders and deacons.
- Women can be pastors, preachers, superintendents, even General Superintendents.
- Women can lead, teach, and shepherd, just like men — as God leads them.
We do not promote women in leadership because of social pressure.
We do it because we believe:
God calls whom He wills.
And we say yes to His call — no matter the gender.
So to every woman reading this:
If God has called you,
If the Spirit has gifted you,
If the Church has affirmed you —
Go forward. Lead. Preach. Serve.
You are not alone.
You are not less.
You are sent.
