Genre 3: Persuasive

Christianity is a faith that is accepting of any and all people. The Baptist faith upholds
this principle and its church doors are open to anyone who walks through them. While it is an
accepting faith of believers, there are certain aspects of the religion that some find to be
constricting and discriminatory. The controversy regarding women serving in pastoral roles is
one of the most prominent form of discrimination that is seen within the Baptist church itself.
There are two Baptist factions that have opposing views on this issue. The Southern
Baptist Convention is against women serving in pastoral roles and also against the ordination of
women. The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship is accepting and oftentimes encourages women to
act on the call of ministry. Both factions have their reasons and all of the information regarding
each one can be found on their websites.
I will preface this with the fact that I wish to serve in ministry in the future as I feel I am
called to do so. So it is an issue that is a personal one but more important than that it is an issue
that is a faith one. Why is it okay for a convention of faith to limit a woman? Its not. A
convention cant tell us to trust Gods plan and then turn around and tell women its wrong when
they hear the call to ministry. While I respect both sides of this argument, I have researched the
topic extensively and can see that verses are oftentimes taken out of context and just used to back
an argument. However, if one researches it fully they will see the meaning is completely
different. For example, the Southern Baptist Convention uses the verse 1 Timothy 2:12 as the
backing for their belief. The verse states, But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor usurp authority
over the man, but to be in silence. The book of Timothy was written by Paul as was the book of
Galatians, which is where the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship finds their verse of reasoning. In
Galatians 3:27-28 it reads, For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on

Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor
female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
So ones opinions may be based on whichever verse they choose to believe. However, the
issue goes further than that. The goal of a Christian to is emulate Jesuss actions and have a
personal relationship with Him. So for one to say that they will not accept a woman as a pastor is
going against the belief and teachings of Jesus. Jesus did not follow societal norms nor did he
obey social conventions but rather he broke them all. So as a woman, I feel that Jesus would
have treated me equally to my male counterparts, which is a belief that stems from years of
biblical studying. I therefore encourage women and men alike to read up on the matter and form
an opinion on the topic. Just keep in mind that all Christians are made in the image of Christso
who has the right to tell women to keep silent? Not the Southern Baptist Convention, only God
does.