I suspect we have been talking past each other, and not to each other. Just suggest to us ways that would bind us together and not make us suspicious of each other.

I wish to respond to TE Gleason’s appeal that the PCA not become too big a tent, specifically to his remarks concerning women assisting the deacons. I agree that it is inappropriate to ordain women deacons, since the Book of Church Order (BCO) does not provide for that and General Assembly has opposed erecting a study committee.

I believe it is in order, however, for those who believe the Bible teaches that office to be open to qualified women to have the freedom to express that view, and of course to advise their Presbyteries of their exception to the BCO. If Presbyteries believe that would ‘strike at the vitals’ then of course they would not be received, and it might well be fitting for them to pursue their calling elsewhere.

Part of the difficulty, I believe, comes from the PCA’S view of deacons. At the time of their ordination the congregation pledges to ‘obey’ them. If you think of their ministry in terms of caring for the needy then that provision is hard to understand. But for many of our churches their ministry many include setting the budget and other financial decisions. In that setting perhaps ‘obey’ works.

Of course, we all know that BCO 9-7 provides for men and women to assist the deacons. I don’t personally know the background of that; I suspect we inherited it from the 19th century. It is an interesting provision. I could easily also imagine our asking some men and women to assist the elders or the pastors, in helping others implement biblical teaching. Probably that already happens in the case of Sunday School teachers, etc.

For reasons that escape me, giving such women a name, such as deaconess offends some. Perhaps their recognition at the same time deacons are ordained is also problematic. Isn’t that easily remedied? This may sound facetious, but could they be called shepherdesses? Praying for them at another time may be wise.

But I doubt that we should avoid engaging our especially gifted people in whatever ministry the Lord may give them. I see no reason against our offering public prayer for them, and thanksgiving.

But I must be missing something. Let me just ask TE Gleason and anyone else: what way do you suggest for engaging all our qualified people in caring ministry? How should we know who they are, and how shall we pray for them?

I suspect we have been talking past each other, and not to each other. Just suggest to us ways that would bind us together and not make us suspicious of each other.

Of course, this is not the sole issue involving use of women’s gifts. I suspect the next question is, how shall we make use of their teaching gifts? But it’s a similar issue, not Yes or No, but How.

D. Clair Davis is a Teaching Elder in the PCA and was Professor of Church History at Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia. He now teaches at Redeemer Seminary in Dallas, Texas.