Called By God, Shackled By Tradition

In many traditional Baptist churches, the pulpit has long been considered a sacred and exclusive space reserved only for men. For centuries, women have been shunned and silenced, denied the opportunity to preach and teach God's word. However, it is crucial to recognize that this denial was not by God but by man-made traditions and patriarchal structures.

The history of women in ministry is complex. There are countless stories of brave and determined women who were called by God to serve but were shackled by the chains of tradition. These women were ordinary individuals with an extraordinary calling to spread the gospel and share their knowledge and understanding of God's word. One of the earliest examples of women being called to preach and teach can be found in the New Testament. In the book of Acts, we are introduced to Priscilla, a woman who, along with her husband Aquila, taught and mentored the eloquent preacher Apollos (Acts 18:24-26). This illustrates that women were active and influential members of the early Christian church and highly respected and valued for their knowledge and understanding of God's word.

Other notable women in the Bible who were called to preach and teach include Mary Magdalene, who was the first to witness and declare the resurrection of Jesus (John 20:11-18), and Phoebe, whom the Apostle Paul commended as a deacon and a helper of many (Romans 16:1-2). These women, among many others, were never denied by God because of their gender, but instead, their boldness and obedience to their calling were celebrated and encouraged.

Despite examples in the Bible of women being called to preach and teach, many traditional Black Baptist churches use certain verses from the New Testament, such as 1 Timothy 2:12, to justify their exclusion of women from leadership roles. However, these verses must be read in their proper context and interpreted through the lens of cultural and historical context. During Paul's writings, women were not allowed to have a formal education or were considered inferior to men. As a result, their teaching or leadership roles were seen as inappropriate. This was not a commandment from God but a reflection of the societal norms of that time.

There are numerous benefits to having women as preachers and teachers in the Baptist Church. Including women in leadership brings a diverse perspective and fresh insights into biblical teachings. It also allows for a more inclusive and balanced representation of God's love, as women and men are equally created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Furthermore, women are often more attuned to the needs and struggles of other women, making them effective in reaching out and ministering to their specific needs.However, the journey for women to break through the barriers of tradition and be entirely accepted as preachers and teachers in the Baptist Church has not been without its challenges. Many women have faced discrimination and rejection from their congregations and denominations simply because of their gender. This has caused many talented and anointed women to have their calling stifled and their limited potential to serve God's people.

Therefore, women being called to preach and teach in the Baptist Church is not a new phenomenon. It is a part of our rich history and heritage, with roots dating back to the early Christian church. The denial of women by man-made traditions and patriarchal systems is a disservice to God's plan and purpose for His people. As we continue to grow and evolve as a church, let us work towards breaking the chains of tradition and embracing the fullness of God's calling for all His children, regardless of gender. Let us remember that God's voice cannot be silenced, and He will continue to raise and use extraordinary women to spread His word and bring transformation to the lives of His people.