The Process of the Paper - Women in Life & Ministry of the Church
God blesses his creation with the gift of women and gifts them to serve. Their presence, gifts, and callings in the family and in the church are to be affirmed and encouraged. Rejoicing in the Lord’s gifts, the intent of this paper is to set forth God’s good design for women in the church, so they participate and serve with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.
The journey toward a position paper on “Women in the Life and Ministries of the Church” began with the CLB’s Annual Meeting-approved “Report & Recommendations from the Task Force on Women in Ministry, March 2008.” This report recognized “that there is confusion about what our theology on the role of women in ministry is.” So further clarification was needed on how we practically apply our theology on the role of women in ministry. It recommended “that a study of the role of women in ministry be the first order of business for the newly established Theological Commission,” along with recommendations for the completion of the study.
The Theological Council (previously referred to as Commission) produced a draft in August 2012 “The Role of Women in the Ministry of the Local Church: A Draft Paper and Invitation for Comment.” After careful assessment of the comments, it was determined that this draft did not provide the needed clarification. A second paper was proposed resulting in “An Exegetical Study of Scripture related to Gender and the Role of Pastor and Elder 2014, A Resource Paper by the Theological Council for the Church of the Lutheran Brethren.” However, the Theological Council continued to see a need for more clarification which was confirmed by a survey conducted in 2024. This led to further committee work and the establishment of a plan for a position paper.
The first step in the process involved a careful review of the 2008 Report. This was followed by a careful study of the CLB Statement of Faith which also includes the three ecumenical creeds, Luther’s Small Catechism and the Augsburg Confession. In addition, careful study was given to the CLB Constitution, and position papers that have been accepted in business sessions of a CLB convention. These documents express the written codified theology of the CLB. It’s important that there be coherence between our current documents and the new position paper.
The primary scripture passages that addressed the topic were identified and given careful study in the original languages. This step was a high priority as the paper is to be based on Scripture for the Bible as the inspired Word of God is our “final and authoritative guide for faith and conduct.” Brief summaries were written as notes were compiled. This was followed by the compilation and study of an extensive bibliography including journal articles and books, some of which were commentaries on the primary Scripture passages.
The next step in the process involved the format. It was decided that the format and structure of the position paper “Role of Women in the Church: Implications of Suffrage, Church of the Lutheran Brethren of America March 1988” would be used for the new position paper.
The 1988 Position Paper had as its focus the question of women’s suffrage for the Annual Meetings of the CLB. However, to answer that question it was important to establish the foundation from which that question would be answered. The foundation laid out in the paper serves as the foundation for the current draft. The careful review of the paper led to editing portions of the paper with careful focus on developing the narratives supporting each of the affirmations.
A draft was written and given careful study and review by a committee of the CLB Theological Council. This draft went through several revisions by the committee. This process continued for several weeks. After consensus was reached by the committee, they presented the resulting draft to the full CLB Theological Council for study and review. The Theological Council gave careful reading and input resulting in their full endorsement of the draft that was presented for a guided listening session at the CLB 2026 Biennial Convention which gave the attendees opportunities to ask questions and give feedback. This will be followed up in later months with wider ‘reading groups’ and utilize Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 TC meetings to refine the document. Ultimately with a target of a COD motion brought to business session with reading of a position paper proposal at regional conventions in 2027, then the further opportunity for TC refinement in the interim year, and then with floor discussion and possible adoption, or adoption with amendment, at the 2028 Biennial Convention.
Through God’s good design for the life and ministries of the church, women will be affirmed and used by him for his purpose in the advance of the gospel and building up of his church.
The committee for this paper invites your input.
Over this coming year, the paper will be discussed in reading groups and at regional conventions. The paper will be voted on at the 2028 Biennial Convention. The paper has been sent to convention delegates and pastors.
Provide your written input to the Office of the President at OOP@CLBA.org