Women and Ordination: Biblical and Historical Studies

It is the accompaniment of the Holy Spirit of God that prepares workers, both men and women, to become pastors to the flock of God. Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 322 The biblical understanding of ordination is not that the act changes those who are set aside, but only that the church is acknowledging what God has already done by equipping them through the gifts of the Spirit. Ji í Moskala, dean, SDA Theological Seminary Women s ordination to ministry does not violate the preservation of God s name, neither His precepts written in the Holy Scriptures. Only two factors can limit the decision of the Adventist Church in favor of women s ordination: avoiding scandal and the hindrance of the evangelizing mission to the world. Natanael B. P. Moraes, professor of applied theology, Adventist University of São Paulo, Brazil.