Rethinking the Baptist tradition on women ordination: a case study of the Baptist Convention of Zimbabwe

Abstract

The whole thesis of this academic journey paper focuses on giving a second thought on the Baptist tradition within the Baptist Convention of Zimbabwe by examining the following questions. Why the Baptist Convention of Zimbabwe deny women ordination? What is the position of the church on women ordination? How do the Baptists generally view women in leadership positions? How has the Baptist Convention of Zimbabwe made use of the scriptures in making a decision on women ordination? Is there any role of the local church in the ordination of women since the Baptists believe in the autonomy of the local church and priesthood of all believers? How then is the church seemingly contradicting itself in its beliefs which are liberative, women accommodating and believed to be enacted from the scripture, but in practicality denying women ordination? The contextual bible study method will then be employed to probe the church to proper bible exegesis in a bid to probe for the inclusion of women in the ordination arena. The researcher used the method of surveying the history of the debate in the denomination vis-à-vis historical documents, confessional statements of faith, scholarly articles and books. Also, the writer tried to critically analyse the statements of faith and practice of the convention vis-à-vis their belief and understanding of the scripture. Relevant scriptures used to arrive at their conclusion on women’s ordination are also exegetically critiqued and evaluations are given. Major findings were; the Baptist Convention of Zimbabwe as a church is against the ordination of women based on some scriptural texts which includes but not limited to some Pauline directives to the church in Ephesus and Corinth. However, the church has been called to task in this research to re-evaluate their stand on women on the pretext that their fundamental beliefs and practices in the priesthood of believers, autonomy of the local church are not affirmed and exercised when it comes to the issue before hand and their grave faulty interpretation of scripture which is at question.