Women in Ministry

I was captain of our debate team in high school. Several times a year we would compete in debate tournaments with schools all around California in debating different topics such as gun control, drug laws, and euthanasia. I learned a lot from those tournaments—not from the debates, but from the unique way we were taught to prepare! 

We were told to study all the different viewpoints of an issue and be prepared to represent every side, but here’s the catch: we’d be told on the day of the tournament which viewpoint we’d be representing! This took a lot of work because I’d have to be fully prepared to argue a viewpoint in which I did not personally believe. This taught me two things: how to understand the views of others, and how to respect viewpoints with which I differ. I take this same approach when exploring important biblical and theological issues on which Christians have differing views.   

Throughout the history of the Christian church and culture there have been different views of the role of men and women in public ministry. Some believe the Bible teaches that certain leadership and ministry roles should be gender specific. Others believe the Bible teaches that leadership and ministry is only based on spiritual gifting. And there are various viewpoints in between these two ends of the continuum. Here at Journey we have pastors, elders, ministry leaders, and congregation members with various viewpoints on this topic. 

In 2017 I invited our elders at Journey into a season of study, prayer, discussion, and discernment about the role of women in leadership and ministry at Journey of Faith to explore how we understand what the Bible says about women preaching on Sundays. Currently, women are involved in almost all areas of ministry at Journey, including on our pastoral team, executive leadership, finance team, sermon preparation, curriculum writing, worship team, and Bible teaching.  

Some of you might be thinking, “Don’t women already preach at Journey?” Well, our Sunday messages take different forms including one person preaching, panels, and team teaching, but we have never had women preaching Sunday morning sermons without being part of team that included men. So, let me share with you the process we have gone through as a church and how we see God directing us in the Fall. 

Believing that Scripture is our final authority of issues of faith and practice, we first sought to study the key passages of Scripture related to this topic. You can see them here. To support and enhance our study of Scripture, we enlisted the help of noted theologians, scholars, and ministry leaders well-versed in differing positions on the topic. You can see some of them here. Finally, to encourage respectful dialogue, we listened to a couple of helpful podcasts that model healthy interaction on this topic. You can find them here

During and after our study and conversation, we came to the following conclusions: We believe women are gifted and called to biblical leadership and communication, including preaching in church services. We believe the fullest expression of our church and mission in the South Bay is expressed with women and men communicating God’s Word. We believe it is our biblical responsibility to encourage, equip, and empower women in leadership, preaching, and all areas of church ministry. The only exception to this remain the positions of Lead Pastor and what we call “elder” which will continue to be an area of further study, prayer, discernment, and discussion.

So, this Fall, we’re excited to hear from Pastor Jill Lewolt as part of our series on 1 Thessalonians. 

Topics like this give rise to important conversation and, sometimes, impassioned debate. Here are some guidelines I suggest when discussing any issue for which you and other Christians have strong opinions: 

  • Explore the issue for yourself. Many of us have beliefs and convictions that we’ve picked up from culture, tradition, or what we have been taught by other people. As Christians, we should be known for our eager desire to know and apply Scripture correctly (2 Timothy 2:15, Acts 17:11). Read, study, and listen thoroughly. Look into the views of respected, godly, biblical thinkers whose views differ than your own. Be honest about your own assumptions, biases, and fears. And stay away from “either/or thinking” if there are a variety of ways to interpret non-essential Christian topics.
  • Seek to understand, more than be understood. There are a lot of topics about which Christians have different views (when Jesus will return, how to understand Genesis 1–2, spiritual gifts). When there are different ways to understand Scripture, listening becomes so much more important (James 1:19, Proverbs 18:13). Ask good questions. Be patient when you discover differing views and be careful to not allow your strong emotions to close off good conversation.
  • Lead with love. We live in an “argument culture” where the need to be right often overshadows the need to be kind. Jesus said the sign that people will know that we are Christians is by our love for one another (John 13:35). New Testament authors often cite “gentleness” as one of the great virtues of Christian leadership (Galatians 5:22–23, 1 Peter 3:15, 2 Timothy 2:25). Especially on topics and issues that are not core beliefs of the faith, our love for one another takes priority over everything.

If you have questions, concerns, or want to explore more, please let us know; we have more resources that we can share with you. We want to continue the culture we have at Journey by having respectful and biblically-guided discussions about all our beliefs and convictions, especially those (like this one) that aren’t at “the center of the bullseye” of our Core Beliefs.

Jason Cusick
Lead Pastor

 
Additional Resources

Statement on Theology and Policy Regarding Women in Leadership and Preaching

5 Views on Key Scriptures Regarding the Role of Women in Church

 
FAQ
 

Doesn’t Journey of Faith already have women in leadership and teaching? Yes. For over a decade, gifted and called women have been serving in leadership and teaching roles at Journey of Faith, including being involved in sermon development and preaching. Women are serving on our Executive Leadership Team, which works alongside our Elder Board in overseeing church ministry. 

What are the different views people have on the role of women in ministry? There are commonly two categories for discussing this topic: Complementarians believe that women and men are equal, but there are certain roles reserved only for men. Egalitarians believe that men and women are equal and there are no roles reserved only for men. While these are two specific categories of thought, it is better to see the overall issue as a continuum, with people having many variations on these views, based on their interpretation of the Bible, upbringing, culture, and personal preferences. 

How often do women preach at Journey? Can any women preach? Our preaching schedule and speakers are set by our teaching team on a series-by-series basis throughout the year, so there is not a set frequency of who preaches and how often, although the majority of the preaching is done by our Lead Pastor. Currently, our speakers are pastors at our church who have teaching gifts and are trained in our preaching philosophy. 

How does Journey of Faith understand the Bible verse that says women be “silent in church?” There are at least five biblically sound interpretations of 1 Corinthians 14:34. We believe that this command is most likely addressing disruptive communication in church services. Because there are references to women praying and prophesying earlier in this letter (1 Corinthians 11:3-16), we do not believe this command prohibits women verbally participating in services.  

How does Journey of Faith understand the Bible verse that forbids women to “teach and have authority over men?” There are at least five biblically sound interpretations of 1 Timothy 2:11-15, and we have congregation members, staff, pastors, and elders that hold each of these different views. To proceed in unity, we all support women preaching and have committed to continued study, prayer, discernment, and discussion regarding the different interpretations of this influential section of Scripture. 

Does Journey of Faith ordain women? We do not have any ordination process for women or men. We refer pastors seeking ordination to our ministry partners who provide this.  Scripturally, the Bible does not address the topic of ordination.  

How does Pastor Jason feel about this personally? Pastor Jason’s own spiritual life has been heavily influenced by godly, biblical female leaders. He has a personal conviction that we must not base our decision in this issue on passages of Scripture that are not clear or agreed upon as essential Christian teaching. He wants to keep us unified in sharing the Gospel and empower women to serve, lead, and preach to the full extent that Scripture allows. 

PAUL & HOLLY ZWIERZYNSKI

  • Translating the Bible Support
  • North Carolina

Paul and Holly Zwierzynski serve at the JAARS Center in Waxhaw, North Carolina, where they support Bible translation efforts around the world. Paul specializes in solar power and computer networking. He helps missionaries use low-power computers in remote areas and sets up reliable internet connections using tools like satellite and radio links. His work has supported over 180 field sites, allowing translation teams to collaborate across long distances. Holly works in the translation office as a project assistant. She helps develop Old Testament translation guides and reference materials used by Bible translators worldwide. Before moving to North Carolina, Paul and Holly served in Cameroon, where their passion for this work first began.

JERRY & BETH TUCKER

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • Southern California

Jerry and Beth help prepare new missionaries for the field by leading orientation, providing training, building teams, and offering mentorship during the first year of overseas service. They serve with Wycliffe, a Bible translation organization, and bring years of experience to this important work. Their work began in 1995 in the Philippines, where they served as dorm parents and teachers. Both Jerry and Beth grew up at Journey of Faith, and the church has been supporting their ministry for 30 years. They remain committed to serving for many years to come.

TOM SHECK

  • Youth Development
  • South Bay

 Tom serves as the South Bay Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His goal is to see lives changed through the influence of athletes and coaches on middle school and high school campuses. FCA focuses on values like integrity, serving, teamwork, and excellence. The ministry equips students and coaches to grow in their faith and lead others by starting small group gatherings on campus, known as “Huddles.” These groups become places of encouragement, leadership, and spiritual growth within the school community.

CODY & LEXI SCRIVENS

  • Meeting Community and Church Needs
  • Dublin, Ireland

 Cody and Lexie are serving in Ireland, partnering with a local church to build relationships and share the message of Jesus. Their work takes place in a culture shaped by both deep religious tradition and growing secularism. Navigating this tension is challenging, especially in light of Ireland’s complex religious history, but they remain committed to reaching people who often feel distant from faith.

BRYAN & JACINDA MARTIN

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • Philippines

 The Martin family is planting churches in the Philippines through World Team. One of the key ways they serve is by caring for creation. They work with vulnerable communities that are struggling as natural resources become scarce. By teaching sustainable practices for managing the environment, they help meet practical needs while also creating space to share about God’s design for humanity and introduce people to the Creator.

BARBARA LEE

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • San Diego, CA

Barbara supports missionary families by helping their children access quality education and navigate the many transitions that come with cross-cultural life. She currently leads the Indonesia MK (Missionary Kid) Care and Education Team, providing guidance, resources, and support for families across the region. In late 2025, she will join the U.S.-based MK Care and Education Team, where she will train new missionaries, equip education consultants, offer academic testing, and provide personalized educational help for families preparing to serve.

K & L

  • Starting New Churches
  • Southeast Asia

L and K are working to start churches among ten large, unreached, and unengaged people groups in Southeast Asia. They also lead a growing team that has expanded from 11 to 22 units since the pandemic, increasing their reach and impact in the region.

TIM & ERICKA HARRIS

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • Oregon

 Tim and Ericka Harris understand the preparation, training, and lifelong commitment it takes to serve in missions. Their work has included cross-cultural ministry throughout Latin America, including eight years living and serving in Costa Rica with their family. Out of a desire to support those serving in demanding ministry roles, they provide pastoral care to missionaries, pastors, and ministry leaders around the world. Through their R.E.S.T. initiative—Retreat, Encouragement, Safety, and Transformation—they offer spaces for leaders on every major continent to step away, recharge, and return to their work with renewed strength and clarity.

MARK & BRENDA HALL

  • Starting New Churches
  • Guadalajara, Mexico

Mark and Brenda Hall moved to Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2018, where Mark now serves as a teaching pastor at English Fellowship. The church brings together people from different cultures, backgrounds, and denominations, serving both international residents and Mexican nationals living in the city for work. Although their focus is now in Mexico, they remain connected to their previous work in Guatemala, where they spent 18 years investing in the lives of young people. Their move to Guadalajara opens new doors to build relationships, support the local community, and share the message of Jesus in meaningful and relevant ways.

RICH FRAZER

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors
  • Nepal and North India

The Fraziers serve with an organization called SOS, which stands for Spiritual Overseers Service International. Rick serves as the president and helps lead the organization’s three core objectives. The first is evangelism, which focuses on spreading the message of Jesus. The second is discipleship, aimed at strengthening the global Church. And the third is compassion, which means meeting the physical and spiritual needs of fellow believers. The Fraziers train Christian leaders and partner with Tabernacle Ministries in Nepal and North India. Through this work, SOS is mentoring more than 100 leaders who are reaching urban migrants with God’s love.

MARK & LISA DENEUI

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors
  • France

 Mark is a Bible teacher focused on the New Testament who trains church leaders and church planters in French-speaking Europe. Lisa teaches English as a Foreign Language and French, using her skills to build relationships and serve the local community while sharing her faith. Together, Mark and Lisa serve with a network of church plants in the city of Strasbourg. They are committed to making Christ’s love known by partnering with the local French church to love their neighbors, share the gospel, and disciple new believers.

D & J

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • Southeast Asia

D and J are building relationships with an unreached people group in Southeast Asia. Their hope is to see a new community of believers grow through intentional disciple-making and personal connection.

JOSEPH BRADFORD IV

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • Los Angeles, CA

Joseph launched his nonprofit, B.A.R.E. Truth, Inc., in 2018 to serve individuals and families in Los Angeles facing homelessness, food insecurity, and other critical needs. Through mentorship, independent living support, housing assistance, and wellness services, Joseph and his team help people move toward healthier, purpose-filled lives. They also host weekly feeding events on Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles. B.A.R.E. stands for Balance, Ambition, Respect, and Encouragement.

BILL ANKERBERG

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors
  • Estonia

Bill leads a missions movement in the Nordic-Baltic region, focusing especially on Estonia, where fewer than 2% of people identify as Christian. His work includes supporting church planters, developing local leaders, strengthening compassion ministries, and mentoring pastors and missionaries across both the Baltics and Scandinavia. This ministry began in 2008 and continues to grow in reach and impact.

PAT & BETH ANDREWS

  • Bible Translation
  • Arlington, TX

 Pat serves with Seed Company, a subsidiary of Wycliffe Bible Translators, as Director of Field Projects for the Pacific Region and as a Translation Consultant. He helps oversee translation work in more than 60 languages, coordinating efforts across 11 organizations and 28 internships. Many of Pat’s teams are based in remote island communities, which often presents communication and travel challenges. Even so, Pat makes it a priority to visit his project teams and interns each year.

DENNIS & DENISE AHERN

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • Washington State

Since 1992, the Aherns have provided counseling and care to missionaries in more than forty countries. They have a deep understanding of the unique needs, challenges, and opportunities that come with full-time ministry. Their commitment to supporting ministry workers led them to open a retreat center in Washington state called Selah Glen, where they host and lead pastoral care retreats. Through this work, the Aherns are able to care for those who spend their lives caring for others.

MIGUEL & MARIA ADAME

  • Church Planting
  • Baja Mexico

Pastor Miguel leads a growing church in Mexicali, Mexico, where he and his family have been serving the community since 2013. Their church runs weekly Bible studies, monthly outreach events, and provides a steady, welcoming presence in the neighborhood. In 2024, they opened a free private Christian elementary school that supports students with special needs or who are considered at-risk. Journey of Faith has partnered with this ministry through more than a dozen short-term mission trips.

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