Expert: Bruce Gourley - 11/13/2006

Question
What does the Bible say about women serving as deacons in any denomination?
What would a Southern Baptist Church say about a woman serving as a deacon?

Answer
First of all, the Bible does not discuss denominations.

On the other hand, deaconesses were present in the New Testament Church (Romans 16:1).

As to Southern Baptists, 17th century Baptists allowed the possibility of women deaconesses, and in the mid-18th century deaconesses were common in Baptist churches in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Eldresses were also found in some Baptist churches, but not as many as deaconesses.

Today, some Southern Baptist churches have deaconesses, and some do not. The current fundamentalist leadership of the Southern Baptist Convention is opposed to the practice.

For historical information on women deacons in Baptist life, the Baptist History and Heritage Society offers several books and pamphlets that explore the subject.  Go to www.baptisthistory.org

I hope this helps.

Bruce Gourley
www.brucegourley.com
www.baptistlife.com