A century of conviction
Dear Louisiana Ministry Family,
Over the past several days, many conversations have emerged across the broader church world concerning the role of women in ministry leadership. While others may hold differing views on this subject, I felt it important to reaffirm the position that has characterized the Assemblies of God for more than a century.
The Spirit poured out on all
Since our Fellowship's beginning in 1914, the Assemblies of God has recognized, affirmed, and credentialed women whom God has called into ministry. This position was not adopted because of cultural pressure, but because of a conviction rooted in Scripture and demonstrated throughout both biblical and church history. We believe that ministry calling is ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter declared: "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy..." ()
The outpouring of the Spirit was intentionally inclusive. The same Spirit who empowers men to serve also empowers women to proclaim, lead, disciple, and minister according to God's calling and gifting. Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly raised up women to serve His purposes:
Women God raised up
- Miriam served as a prophet and leader alongside Moses and Aaron.
- Deborah functioned as both judge and prophet, leading Israel during a critical season of its history.
- Huldah was a respected prophet whose counsel was sought by kings and priests.
- Esther exercised courageous leadership to save an entire nation.
- Priscilla helped instruct Apollos, one of the most influential leaders of the early church.
- Phoebe was commended by Paul as a deacon and trusted ministry servant.
- Junia is identified among the apostles in Romans 16.
- Philip's four daughters were recognized for their prophetic ministry.
The biblical narrative consistently demonstrates that God calls and uses both men and women to advance His Kingdom. This conviction has also marked Pentecostal history from the beginning. Women were among the leaders of the Azusa Street Revival, the spiritual movement that helped ignite modern Pentecostalism. Early Assemblies of God missionaries, evangelists, church planters, pastors, educators, and ministry leaders included countless women who answered God's call and helped shape the Fellowship we know today.
Our Louisiana story
Our own Louisiana Network has been richly blessed through the ministry of women who have faithfully served as missionaries, pastors, church planters, evangelists, educators, chaplains, district leaders, and ministry directors. Through their obedience, lives have been changed, and the Kingdom of God has advanced.
We remain committed to a biblical view of leadership, spiritual authority, and the local church. At the same time, we remain equally committed to recognizing and celebrating every person whom God has called and gifted for ministry service. The question for us has never been whether God can use women. Scripture and history have already answered that question. Our responsibility is to recognize God's calling wherever it appears, encourage those whom He has gifted, and work together to fulfill the Great Commission.
Your calling matters
May we continue to champion the gifts of the Spirit, honor one another, and remain focused on the mission that Christ has entrusted to us. Thank you to the many women across Louisiana and around the world who faithfully serve the Kingdom of God. Your calling matters. Your gifts matter. Your leadership matters. And your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Blessings,
J. Scott Holmes, D.Min
Superintendent of The Louisiana Assemblies of God
P.O. Box 346
Woodworth, LA 71485
318.445.6238