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Women’s Ordination

Recently there's a lot of discussion about women's ordination, especially with the General Conference scheduled for this summer. Regardless of constituency's result, how will this affect or impact my life as an SDA young adult?
30, F, GA

I was hoping this question would not come up…:)  However, we can discuss its significance for us as SDA Young Adults, per your request. 

First of all, I will allow you, the readers, to search for all the pro and con arguments on women’s ordination.  You can find many articles on Adventist websites (The Compass, Adventist Review, Spectrum, Insight, Signs of the Times, and Ministry) on this topic and I will let you soak in the information. 

Second, I would encourage all readers to learn how to be taught by the Holy Spirit.  This requires devotion and submission to the voice of God.  Devotion is our daily practice of spending time with God in prayer and Bible reading.  If we come before God each day and humbly bow before our loving Creator, He will instruct and guide us through the Holy Spirit.  It was only through the leading of the Holy Spirit that (Luke 4:1) Jesus was able to perform His ministry and show the world of the Father’s amazing grace.  Thus, we too should invite the Holy Spirit to be our instructor while performing the ministry of God (Romans 8:14). 

Recently, I have been given answers to many issues and conflicts within my church.  I never encountered these issues before in my past, but trusting in the Lord, God gave me the right words and thoughts to share with struggling church members.  This was only possible because I had spent quality time in devotion to God, through prayer and Bible reading.  Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you and teach you.  God will give you exactly what you need at exactly the right time. 

Finally, once we are in tune with the Holy Spirit, let the voice of God speak through you.  If you come across a fellow Adventist, who has differing views than yourself, do not seek to engage in debate with the person with a defiant spirit.  This will only widen the gap between you and this person.  Believe me, you will not change anyone’s opinions on women’s ordination.  I recently met a man who has different views on Daniel and Revelation and the Spirit of Prophecy than traditional Adventists.  He quickly began to argue with me, telling me his views and the faults of Adventists.  I quietly told him that whether we agree or not on these topics is not important, but what is important is whether each of us agrees with the word of God.  The Bible is our standard, not another’s opinion.  Make sure you are in line with God’s word and you will be safe.  That response quickly quieted this man down; we shook hands and smiled. 

Make friends, not enemies.  Break down barriers, don’t build walls of separation.  Some hard core Adventists believe in separating from mainline Adventism because it is turning into Babylon.  I don’t believe in separation of God’s people.  I believe that Babylon will be shaken out of the Adventist church. 

The GC Sessions of 1990 and 1995 voted to reject women’s ordination.  Was God’s Spirit leading in those sessions?  Were those votes not approved by the Lord?  Regardless of the decision by the General Conference of SDA this July, may all Adventist people remain faithful to God’s word.  If God’s word says it, believe it!


Comments

Thank you. I appreciated this.

Roy (#1) – June 09, 2015

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