Five Stones Position on Gender Roles in the Church

The purpose of this document is to bring clarity to the role of men and women in ministry at Five Stones Church. We acknowledge the sensitivity and complexity of this topic, as well as the multiple perspectives and strong feelings associated with it. Through careful and thorough studies of Scripture, we always aim to establish a biblical foundation that guides our decisions and positions at Five Stones Church.

‍We believe the Bible to be the holy, inerrant, inspired Word of God. It is living and active, and God uses it to communicate to His people today, making it the foundation from which we seek guidance and clarity, regardless of the stance or position of our current culture (Ps. 18:30; Ps. 33:4; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 4:12; James 1:22; 1 Pet. 1:23-25; 2 Pet. 1:20-21).

We believe that Jesus Christ is our Headship, Prophet, Priest, King, and Lead Pastor of Five Stones Church. He is the Head of the body, the Church (Col. 1:18).

‍We believe that both men and women were created in the image of God and are of the same dignity, worth, and importance. God created men and women with complementary giftings and roles that should be used to glorify God by working together to physically and spiritually populate the earth (Gen. 1:26-31; Matt. 28:18-20; 1 Cor. 12:4-11).

‍We believe the Bible is clear that the role of pastor/elder is reserved for qualified men (1 Tim. 2:12-15*; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). *We believe that 1 Timothy 2:12 still applies today, transcending time and cultural context, because Paul supports his stance by referencing the original created order. We also believe that when understood in the entire context of 1 Timothy, the instruction of 1 Timothy 2:12 regarding teaching and authority applies to the gathered assembly.

‍We believe that the role of pastor/elder being reserved for qualified men does not speak to differences in dignity, worth, or importance, but rather it speaks to God's original design (Gen. 2:18-25; 1 Cor. 11:7-12).

‍We believe that pastors/elders are uniquely responsible for overseeing the church and preaching the Word of God to the gathered assembly (Acts 20:28; 1 Tim. 3:2; 1 Tim. 5:17; Titus 1:9; 1 Pet. 5:1-3).

‍We believe that women are invaluable to the kingdom of God, as displayed throughout Scripture in the roles of prophetess, judge, servant, benefactor, and fellow worker in Christ Jesus (Exod. 15:20; Judg. 4:4; 2 Kings 22:14; Luke 2:36; Acts 18:26; Rom. 16:1-16).

‍We believe that women may hold any position in the church, except the role of pastor/elder which is reserved for qualified men (Rom. 16:1-15; 1 Tim. 3:8-13).

Practical Applications at Five Stones Church

The role of pastor/elder is to be reserved for qualified men (1 Tim. 2:12-15; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9).
Preaching the Word in the gathered assembly is to be reserved for pastors/elders and qualified men approved by the elders as meeting the biblical qualifications for elders (Acts 20:28; 1 Tim. 3:2; 1 Tim. 5:17; Titus 1:9; 1 Pet. 5:1-3).
Officiating the ordinances (baptism and the Lord’s Supper) in the gathered assembly is to be reserved for Five Stones pastors/elders (Acts 20:28; 1 Tim. 2:12; Titus 1:5-7).
All staff positions other than pastor are to be available to qualified men and women alike. All lay positions other than elder, including but not limited to coach, champion, prayer team, finance team, life group facilitator, life group host, teacher, and small group leader, are to be available to partners in good standing, men and women alike.
Gender-specific groups are to be led by leaders of the same gender. Mixed-gender groups are to be hosted and facilitated preferably by husband/wife teams.
Interpersonal interactions are to reflect the truth that both men and women are created in the image of God and are of the same dignity, worth, and importance. Thus all of God’s people are to avoid any unwholesome talk, speak only what is helpful for edification, offer grace, speak truth in love, and answer with gentleness and respect (Eph. 4:15; Eph. 4:29; 1 Pet. 3:15).

We recognize that our conclusions and applications will seem too conservative to some and too progressive to others. We acknowledge that the Church has sometimes taken an unhealthy approach to this topic. We hope that our approach to this topic reflects a posture of humility and a sincere commitment to uphold God’s authority. We remain committed to growing in our understanding of God’s Word, our application of it in His Church, and our conformity to it on His mission.