Northern Asia Pacific Division BRC ReportThe conclusions made by the NSD BRC are not supported by Scripture as will be seen by their conclusion statement. It mentions the Bible, but the statements in their conclusion are not founded upon Scripture. In their report, there was no mention of the Bible verses that prohibit women from ruling over men.
Conclusions from the NSD BRC on the Subject of Ordination of Women to the Pastoral Ministry
1. We agree with the General Conference Theology of Ordination Consensus Statement which shares that ordination is the church recognizing the call of God on the life of an individual for ministry as God will direct. We believe the church can recognize whom God has called, but it is God who determines whom He will call.
2. Based upon our studies in the NSD and our review of the GC TOSC documents we believe that while the Bible does not command women to be ordained to the pastoral ministry, it does not prohibit women’s ordination. The Bible supports women in ministry and leadership.
3. Based upon our studies in the NSD and our review of the GC TOSC documents we believe that while Ellen White does not command women to be ordained to the pastoral ministry, she does not prohibit women’s ordination. Ellen White supports women in ministry and leadership.
4. We recognize that the Seventh day Adventist Church historically has had women in leadership and pastoral ministry from its earliest days. We also recognize that throughout the church’s history and especially in contemporary times the church has encouraged women to be a part of the mission of the church and to be a part of pastoral ministry.
5. We recognize the fruitful contribution of women to pastoral ministry within our Division noting that a significant number of those leading churches within our field are women.
6. Because of our emphasis on “Mission First” in the NSD we believe that this should be one of the determining considerations on who should be called and ordained (recognized by the church as having the call of God) within the Seventh day Adventist Church.
7. We recognize that our emphasis on “Mission First” will take into consideration the culture where we work and that ordaining women to ministry will bring great blessings to many places within the NSD Territories.
