Women Inclusion In Church Leadership Will Attract New Ideas – Don

A Professor of New Testament Studies and African Biblical Hermeneutics, Professor Olubayo Olugbenga Obijole, has emphasised that including women in church leadership will bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to ministry.

He made this assertion during the 574th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Ibadan, delivered on behalf of the Faculty of Arts, with the theme “Revolution in African Christianity: Women Church Leadership.”

The Professor noted that women should not be excluded from leadership roles as they are the majority in church congregations.

Obijole noted that women in Pentecostal and Aladura churches have already demonstrated their potential as spiritual leaders, a development he described as a revolutionary shift in African Christianity.

According to him, these movements have broken traditional barriers, paving the way for more inclusive church leadership.

Professor Obijole highlighted that, although women held lower social status in the ancient world, some still played notable leadership roles in the Old Testament and early Christian contexts.

He also noted that Jesus Christ accorded women respect, defending them against societal rejection and recognising their faith and commitment, even though he did not appoint women as apostles due to the cultural realities of his time.

Adding that the unity of humanity in Christ eliminates any justification for excluding women from church leadership.

Allowing women to take on leadership roles would not only strengthen the ministry but also bring a balanced and holistic approach to spiritual leadership.

Professor Obijole urged the church to listen to the Holy Spirit and provide women with opportunities to contribute to all aspects of ministry.

He cautioned, however, against unhealthy rivalry between men and women, emphasizing the need for mutual respect, cooperation, and unity.

The 24th lecture in the 2023/2024 academic session series concluded with a call for the church to embrace the complementary roles of men and women.