A Community Without Barriers 

For many in our churches, scriptures such as 1 Cor 14:34-35 or 1 Tim 2:11-12, as traditionally interpreted and applied, stand as a wall against women’s public leadership in the church. These and other scriptures must be taken very seriously.  If it truly is God’s will that all women always be silent in church, then that ban must be followed. It does not matter if a woman becomes president of the United States, she still should not be allowed to lead a public prayer or read a scripture in a worship service.  That outcome simply highlights the question: What truly is God’s will as revealed in scripture?

We believe in the authority and centrality of the scriptures.  Through them we know God and Jesus Christ and the Gospel.  God has chosen to let us know him through the scripture.

“A Community Without Barriers” aims to show that the scriptures never intended to silence or disempower women in general in any aspect of the church’s work, public or private.  On the contrary, the scriptures show that it is important for the church today to make full use of the spiritual gifts of both women and men.

We encourage you to download "A Community Without Barriers" booklet and the audio sermons associated with it.  They are resources that can be used by elders, ministry leaders, class teachers, and individuals.  In addition to the resources created by “A Community Without Barriers,” you will find links to other orginizations that support gender inclusion, sermons and teachings by women, and tools to aid you in your study on this vital topic.