Egalitarian Ministry

What is the role of women in ECO?

ECO’s Constitution contains very simple teachings on gender roles. The Essential Tenets III.D explain ECO’s doctrinal position as follows:

We affirm that men and women alike are called to all the ministries of the Church, and that every member is called to share in all of Christ’s offices within the world beyond the church.

ECO Polity assumes this doctrinal basis for ordination, and thus only mentions gender difference in speaking of the Session’s responsibilities.

1.0603c says,

Plan for and provide an effective disciple-making, ministry-discernment process for the congregation and new believers, equipping them to be missional Christians and being faithful to nurture them into spiritual maturity and significant ministry. Provide for and nurture the common life of the congregation; receive and dismiss covenant partners; exercise oversight of all programs and finances of the congregation; train, examine, ordain and install those men and women chosen to serve as elders and deacons; lead and teach the congregation in matters of stewardship and Christian living; direct the ministry of deacons, trustees, and all other organizations of the congregation; bear witness against error in doctrine and practice; and serve in judicial matters pertaining to the congregation as specified in the Rules of Discipline.

For more information

See our book In Shared Service.

Rev. Dr. Jim Singleton explains ECO’s biblical and theological foundations for this perspective in the video below.