In September of 2024, the EMC's General Council commissioned two teams to draft resolutions, one on Gender Identity and the other on Women in Ministry, to be presented to the General Conference in July of 2026.  

The second issue is the Evangelical Methodist Church's historic stance on the acceptance of women in clergy roles.  Since our founding in 1946, we have affirmed that both men and women are eligible for consecration and ordination into ministry.  Our position has not changed, but a clear statement of it has not been codified in the Discipline.  The General Council believes it is time we rectify that.

A resolution has been carefully and prayerfully drafted by a committee under the authority of the Council, which will be presented to the Conference for adoption.  That team of elders and laypersons was led by Rev. Tad Stinson, who will present the resolution on behalf of the team and the Council. The proposed "Resolution on Men and Women in Ministerial Service" reads as follows: 

WHEREAS

The Evangelical Methodist Church affirms that both men and women are created in the image of God and are recipients of God-given spiritual gifts for the building up of the Church and the advancement of the gospel of Jesus Christ; and

Whereas, it has been the historic position of the Evangelical Methodist Church to recognize that God calls whom He wills into spiritual leadership and ministerial service, including women; and

Whereas, this affirmation extends to all credentialed offices and ministerial orders of the Church, including Local Preacher, Admission on Trial, Elder, and Deacon; and

Whereas, men and women who are called by God into ministerial service share equal responsibility and authority to preach, teach, lead, govern, and serve in any office or ministry of the Church for which they are duly called, gifted, examined, and credentialed; and

Whereas, the Church understands Scripture to contain no properly discerned prohibition against women exercising ministry, leadership, or Christian calling in obedience to the Holy Spirit; and 

Whereas, Galatians 3:26-28 bears witness to the unity of all believers in Christ, declaring: "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus"; and 

Whereas, the Evangelical Methodist Church recognizes that some passages of Scripture have been understood by some to limit the service of women in ministry, particularly passages addressing order, decorum, and pastoral concerns within specific first-century contexts; and

Whereas, the Church believes that passages of Scripture that are less clear, or that address particular and limited circumstances, are most faithfully interpreted in light of the clearer and more universal witness of Scripture concerning the redemptive work of Christ, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the calling of all believers to faithful service.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED 

That the Evangelical Methodist Church hereby reaffirms its support for the full participation of both men and women in ministerial service and spiritual leadership within the Church; and

Be it further resolved, that the Church affirms the eligibility of men and women to serve in all credentialed positions and ministerial offices of the Church, including Local Preacher, Admission on Trial, Elder, and Deacon, in accordance with the Church’s established processes for discernment, examination, and credentialing; and

Be it further resolved, that the Church affirms that any person serving in ministry must be called by God, must bear faithful witness to that call, and must confirm it through holy character, sound doctrine, and fruitful service; and

Be it further resolved, that a call to ministerial service and leadership is not merely a privilege granted to those who receive it, but a sacred obligation to obey the Holy Spirit and to serve Christ and His Church faithfully; and

Be it finally resolved, that the Evangelical Methodist Church encourages all congregations, clergy, laity, and denominational leaders to honor, support, and make room for the ministry of those whom God has called, men and women, for the glory of God and the good of His Church.

Your review and prayerful consideration of this proposed resolution is greatly appreciated. We look forward to our time together in July and to the presentation of these resolutions for adoption by the members and delegates of the 34th quadrennial conference. 

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Max Edwards

International General Superintendent