Love must lead one's attitude. Humility must guide one's responses. Grace must abound in one's consideration of the viewpoints of others.
What has become clear to me after investigating the investigations of numerous scholars holding different views with respect to women in church leadership is this: the answers are not crystal clear and there is much room for consideration. I believe it is possible for us to have different views , held with conviction, yet to simultaneously and graciously encourage and support others who hold Scripture in equally high esteem, yet arrive at different conclusions.
I am further convinced that if the Acts 1:8 Great Commission is truly our battle cry, we need more soldiers in the service. This need is recognized in the church in almost every tradition and location. The reality of our practice across church traditions affirms that when it comes to taking the Gospel to the nations, we don't mind sending women to lead the way where no one else wants to go. We need to ask ourselves, what makes us withdraw those invitations for the places we'd like to stay.
