Women in Ministry Policy

Beliefs, Affirmations, Applications

We believe

1. Women and men are created equal in worth and value by God.
2. Women and men are created in and express the image of God. This expression contains both sameness in common humanity and also distinctiveness in unique femininity and masculinity.
3. Both women and men are equally commanded and called to rule and subdue, love God and others, and go and make disciples of all nations.
4. The fulfillment of these major purposes is at the core of every believer's heart and is accomplished by the embracing of women and men's equal and valued contributions, as well as distinctions in roles and gifting.
5. The Triune Godhead is the supreme model of oneness in relationships which are equal in value, unique in role, clear in authority, and unified in purpose.
6. The general biblical examples of leadership are assigned by God primarily to men, with some notable exceptions.
7. Spiritual gifts are given apart from gender distinctions and are to be used for the edification of the body in biblically appropriate roles and offices.
8. The role of elder (including the senior pastor and any other pastoral positions which serve as elders) in a local church is given by God to men for the primary purposes of shepherding, overseeing, and teaching the community of believers.
9. Headship in marriage is a position given by God to men for the primary purposes of overall responsibility, sacrificial love, humble understanding, and ultimately being a Christ-like catalyst, thus painting an important picture of Christ's headship of the church.
10. A husband’s headship is to be a safe covering for his wife in which she can flourish and grow in character, ministry, and the expression of her gifts and abilities.
11. Unmarried women should flourish under the covering, care, and guidance of godly elders in a local assembly of believers or godly leaders in the para-church context.

We affirm

1. The women of Cadence have incredible value, worth, and esteem to the mission and its leadership.
2. The women of Cadence offer an immeasurable contribution to the purposes of Cadence and its unique role in fulfilling the Great Commission.
3. The women of Cadence will be treated with honor, dignity, and respect at all times by all members.
4. The women of Cadence have vital and wise counsel regarding the purposes, direction, vision, health, and administration of Cadence, and mission leadership needs this counsel on a regular and consistent basis in order to lead effectively.
5. The needs, gifting, abilities, and professional development of Cadence women will be given equal consideration and attention as that of the Cadence men. This consideration will begin with recruiting, be incorporated into training, and remain a vital element throughout a woman's missionary career.
6. Any attitudes of condescension or disrespect toward the women of Cadence will be confronted, exposed, and dealt with strongly.
7. The mission will endeavor to use the gifts and insights of our women and will intentionally and consistently seek their contribution and collaboration.
8. Husbands who are either abdicating or misusing their God-given headship will be confronted, counseled, and encouraged to more deeply love and lead their wives.
9. Special consideration and care will be given to the shepherding and covering of the mission's single women.