Non – ordination of women into ministry in the brethren in Christ church Zimbabwe conference: a case study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the non-ordination of women to ministerial position in BICC Zimbabwe Conference. It explores the historical and cultural factors that influence the church’s position on the non-ordination of women as well as the interpretations of biblical texts about ordination of women. The study adopted qualitative research design. Questionnaires and structured interviews were used to collect data. The population of the study was limited to Bulawayo, composed of ordained and non-ordained pastors, overseers, deacons and deaconesses. Research participants were drawn from zone 1, 2 and 4, namely: hillside, Lobengula and Nkulumane 12. Purposive sampling technique was employed to study the non-ordination of women in the church. The sample size comprised of 12 participants only 10 responded as follows: 6 ordained pastors, 1 non-ordained, 1 overseer and 1 deacon and 1 deaconess. Data is presented in tables and graphs and was analyzed using content analysis. The results of this study show that women shy away from applying for ordination, which is caused by the fact that the bible and the constitution is silent on the issue. The fact that the constitution does not specify gender, age, means that everything is included. Major recommendations raised were for church to be open on their position on women ordination so that women would rise up in confidence of the constitution and apply.