on the role of women in the Church

Statement by the Supreme Church Council of the Pentecostal Church in Poland on the ministry of women in the Church

1. We recognise that women, on an equal footing with men, are “heirs of the gracious gift of life” and partners in charismatic ministry within the Church, in accordance with the following passages from the New Testament: “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” (1 Pet 3:7) “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal 3:28)

2. The Church, as the assembly of the saints, men and women, is a universal priesthood in the sense of direct access to God and service. “you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Pet 2:5)

3. We recognise in creation and redemption the order of authority established by God.

4. According to this order, leadership in both the Church and the family belongs to men.

5. The model for this leadership is Christ – the Lord and Head of the Church. “(…) for the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.” (Eph 5:23)

6. In view of the above, we recognise that the congregation and the community of congregations are led by a man (a pastor, a district presbyter or a chief presbyter).

7. Women may engage in ministry in accordance with the charism they have received only under the authority of the congregation’s and the church’s leadership.

8. A woman may play a part in the management of the congregation, provided she respects the established authority.

9. Women’s ministry in the Church encompasses diaconal, teaching, pastoral and evangelising roles.

10. In missionary contexts, a woman may undertake temporary leadership and teaching roles.

11. Local congregation leaders determine the scope of women’s ministry.

Warsaw, April 2000