Women Ministers Crash Through Stained-Glass Ceiling of Baptist Clergy

By Dion Evans, Religion Editor The Baptist Ministers’ Union of Oakland and Vicinity took a crucial vote this week to determine access of women into membership of the organization. Leading up to this vote were a series of meetings held to best understand the “Identity” of the BMU. According to BMU President Rev. Dr. Lawrence VanHook, “As a Union we had to come to grips with who we are – not only from a perspective of what we think about ourselves, but additionally from the perspective of what people say about us as a Union of preachers.” Known as the “identity Model,” active members of the BMU started asking themselves hard questions regarding the group’s purpose and vision as it relates to communal outcomes.  In one particular session it was shared that the BMU was not “women preacher friendly.” Although the union recognized such a statement was a common thought, the active membership, however, did not want such a belief to be considered true.  From there, a series of conversations were held with passionate discussion from multiple sides regarding “Women in Ministry” (commonly known as the “Women Pastors or Preachers” argument). “The brethren were very spirited in their speech, but determined to stay united,” said President VanHook.  “We agreed among ourselves to not break fellowship nor split the Union based upon potential outcomes.” Based upon an approved constitutional amendment of the BMU of Oakland and Vicinities, membership into the Union is now separated into two tiers: senior pastors; and assistant pastors and associate ministers. Regarding senior pastors, as the  constitution now reads, “Any Senior Pastor (currently serving or formerly serving as such) ordained of the Baptist Church may become a member of this Union upon the recommendation of a Union member who is in good and regular standing with this Union… In addition, the constitution now says that assistant pastors and associate ministers “…may become a member of this Union upon the written consent or affirmation of their Senior Pastor as long as their Senior Pastor is a member of the BMU of Oakland and Vicinities in good and regular standing with the Union.” This wording renders Assistant Pastors and Associate Ministers full membership into the historic BMU of Oakland and Vicinity, regardless of gender, as affirmed by their Senior Pastor – so long as he is a currently Union Member in good and regular standing. This amendment is being received with joy by many Senior Pastors who are affirming women in ministry at their local churches. To comment on this article, contact Dion Evans at devans@RMGradio.org