Why Does the Assemblies of God Have Women Pastors and Deacons?

The Assemblies of God believes Scripture clearly shows God calls and gifts women for all levels of ministry leadership, including pastor and deacon roles. The Holy Spirit distributes gifts based on calling, not gender. Biblical examples and theological conviction led the AG to affirm women in every ministry position since 1914.

The Biblical Foundation Is Clear

Here's the reality: if you open your Bible and read it honestly, you'll see women leading, teaching, prophesying, and carrying the gospel from Genesis to Revelation. The Assemblies of God doesn't ordain women pastors and deacons because of cultural pressure or modern trends. We do it because Scripture demonstrates a pattern of women active in all levels and forms of ministry and leadership in the Church.

Look at the evidence:

Phoebe was a deacon (Romans 16:1-2). Paul didn't apologize for it or qualify it. He commended her and instructed the church to receive her and help her in whatever she needed.

Priscilla taught Apollos, a learned and eloquent preacher, more accurately about the way of God (Acts 18:26). She wasn't whispering in a back room. She was equipping a leader.

Deborah was a judge and prophetess over all of Israel (Judges 4-5). She led an entire nation, gave military orders to generals, and spoke the word of the Lord with authority.

Mary Magdalene was the first evangelist of the resurrection (John 20:17-18). Jesus Himself commissioned her to carry the greatest news in human history: "Go tell my brothers."

Philip's daughters prophesied (Acts 21:9). Junia was outstanding among the apostles (Romans 16:7). Lydia led the church that met in her home (Acts 16:14-15, 40). These aren't exceptions. They're examples.

If God calls women to lead, teach, prophesy, and pastor, and Scripture clearly shows He does, then who are we to say He doesn't?

The Ground Is Level at the Foot of the Cross

Here's what changes everything: Galatians 3:28 says, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

That's not a slogan. That's theology.

In Christ, every barrier falls. Every dividing wall is torn down. The ground is perfectly level at the foot of the cross. Men and women stand as equals before God, equally loved, equally redeemed, equally called, equally gifted by the Holy Spirit.

Does that mean there are no distinctions? Of course not. Men and women are beautifully different. But when it comes to calling, gifting, and the authority of the Holy Spirit, the Bible does not create a second-class category based on gender.

Joel 2:28-29 makes it clear: "I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy... Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days."

That's God's promise. And on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2, Peter stood up and said, "This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel." The Spirit fell on women and men. The Spirit gifted women and men. The Spirit sent women and men into ministry.

If the Spirit doesn't discriminate, why should we?

Breaking Free from False Tradition

Let's be honest: there's been a lot of false information passed down through isolated American teaching traditions that have nothing to do with what Scripture actually says. These are what we might call "sins of the father", harmful patterns inherited and repeated, not because they're biblical, but because they're familiar.

Some of these traditions come from fear. Some come from cultural bias. Some come from misreading a handful of passages (like 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 or 1 Timothy 2:12) while ignoring the full counsel of Scripture and the active ministry of women throughout the Bible.

Here's the truth: when we read those difficult passages in context, they're addressing specific cultural issues in specific churches at specific times. They are not blanket prohibitions that contradict the rest of Scripture, the ministry of Jesus, the work of the Spirit, and the pattern of the early Church.

Jesus elevated women in a culture that marginalized them. He taught women (Luke 10:38-42). He revealed His identity to the Samaritan woman and sent her to evangelize her city (John 4). He appeared first to women after His resurrection and commissioned them to preach the gospel to the apostles (Matthew 28:9-10, John 20:17-18).

If we silence women in ministry, we silence voices God has called to speak.

Why This Moment Matters

We are living in a generation where God is pouring out His Spirit in unprecedented ways. In this moment, right now, God is raising up leaders, men and women, to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth.

The question isn't whether women can lead. Scripture settles that. The question is whether we will steward the full power and calling God is releasing in our generation, or whether we'll cling to traditions that hinder the move of God.

The Assemblies of God made this decision in 1914, more than a century ago, because the founders saw what the Bible said and chose to follow it. And today, as we continue to see God call and gift women for ministry, we honor those callings.

Does that mean every woman is called to be a pastor? No. Does it mean every man is called to be a pastor? Also no. The Holy Spirit distributes gifts "to each one, just as he determines" (1 Corinthians 12:11). Calling is about the Spirit's work, not cultural assumptions.

What This Looks Like in Memphis and Beyond

If you're part of the Memphis area, whether you're in Cordova, Bartlett, Arlington, or anywhere in the 901, you're part of a church family that believes God calls whomever He calls, and we celebrate that.

At First Assembly Memphis, we honor women called by God to lead, teach, serve, and shepherd. We've seen firsthand what happens when the full Body of Christ operates in the gifts the Spirit gives. Ministry multiplies. Lives are changed. The gospel goes further.

And if you're tuning in from outside the Memphis area through Boundless Online Church, the same truth applies. God is not limited by geography or tradition. He's moving globally, and He's using every voice He's called, male and female, to reach people who need Jesus.

Maybe you're reading this and you've been told you can't lead because of your gender. Maybe you've felt a call but been shut down by tradition or fear. Let me say this clearly: if God has called you, He will equip you. Don't let anyone silence the voice of the Holy Spirit in your life.

And if you're someone who's wrestled with this issue, maybe you grew up hearing women couldn't preach or lead, take a fresh look at Scripture. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you eyes to see what He's been saying all along. You might be surprised at how clear the Bible actually is.

An Invitation to Go Deeper

Whether you're exploring faith for the first time or you've been walking with Jesus for decades, we'd love to walk with you.

If you're local to the Memphis, Cordova, Bartlett, or Arlington area, we'd love to welcome you in person at First Assembly Memphis. Visit famemphis.org to learn more about our community and how to connect.

If you're outside the 901 or prefer to join online, you can be part of Boundless Online Church at boundlessonlinechurch.org. Boundless is an online outreach ministry of FA Memphis, reaching people around the world with the hope of Jesus.

Wherever you are, you're not alone.

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Need prayers? Text us day or night at (901) 213-7341.

(Note: This line is for prayer and pastoral support, not emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911.)

You can also explore more about what we believe at famemphis.org/our-beliefs or reach out anytime at famemphis.org/contact.

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Boundless Online Church is an online outreach ministry of FA Memphis Church, here in Cordova, TN.