Parkway Church believes Scripture presents women and men as equally created in God’s image, equally redeemed through Christ, equally gifted by the Holy Spirit, and equally called to participate in God’s mission. We celebrate and encourage women to discover, develop, and use every spiritual gift God has entrusted to them, including teaching and leadership, for the building up of the church.
At the same time, we recognize the New Testament’s distinct qualifications for the office of Senior Pastor and Elder, which Parkway understands to be reserved for qualified men. We distinguish this office of spiritual oversight from the many gifts, ministries, and leadership roles exercised throughout the church.
This position reflects Parkway’s desire to interpret Scripture as a whole, honor the faithful ministry of women, and equip every believer to serve under the authority of Christ with humility, faithfulness, and mutual respect. The full position paper below explains the biblical foundation for these convictions and the ministry practices they have shaped at Parkway Church for nearly thirty-five years.
At the same time, we recognize the New Testament’s distinct qualifications for the office of Senior Pastor and Elder, which Parkway understands to be reserved for qualified men. We distinguish this office of spiritual oversight from the many gifts, ministries, and leadership roles exercised throughout the church.
This position reflects Parkway’s desire to interpret Scripture as a whole, honor the faithful ministry of women, and equip every believer to serve under the authority of Christ with humility, faithfulness, and mutual respect. The full position paper below explains the biblical foundation for these convictions and the ministry practices they have shaped at Parkway Church for nearly thirty-five years.