The ongoing debate surrounding women in ministry has left many gifted, faithful women feeling unseen, unheard, and undervalued. As discussions continue within denominations such as the Southern Baptist Convention, I find myself reflecting on a simple truth:

No denomination called me into ministry.

God did.

That truth changes everything.

While church leaders may vote on policies, establish positions, and define titles within their own organizations, they do not possess the authority to revoke a calling they did not give. They did not place the burden for ministry on my heart. They did not equip me with the gifts I carry. They did not create the passion I have for teaching, worship, discipleship, and helping people know Christ.

God did.

I understand there are sincere believers on both sides of the conversation regarding women serving as pastors. I respect the fact that people arrive at different conclusions from Scripture. But regardless of where one lands in that debate, no one can deny that throughout history God has used women to teach, encourage, disciple, evangelize, lead, and advance His kingdom.

For me, ministry has never been about a title.

In fact, I have never desired to be a lead pastor. I have never aspired to stand at the top of an organizational chart. What I have desired is to be faithful to whatever God asks of me.

I am an ordained minister. I completed years of ministry training. I earned a master’s degree in Biblical and Theological Studies. I have served in churches, led worship, taught Scripture, discipled believers, written books, and encouraged people in their faith.

My confidence does not come from a diploma hanging on a wall or a title printed on a business card.

My confidence comes from knowing that God equips those He calls.

The same God who called fishermen, tax collectors, shepherds, and ordinary people still calls people today. He places gifts within them, opens doors before them, and gives them opportunities to serve.

No committee can take that away.

One of the greatest mistakes we make is assuming that ministry only happens within the walls of a church building. Jesus never confined the Great Commission to a sanctuary.

Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel.” He made that charge to everyone.

The mission field includes workplaces, neighborhoods, schools, coffee shops, prisons, hospitals, social media platforms, books, podcasts, conference stages, living rooms, and everyday conversations.

The kingdom of God is much larger than any denomination.

If you find yourself in a church where your God-given gifts are consistently dismissed, ignored, or discouraged simply because of your gender, it may be worth asking a difficult question: Is this the place where I can best steward what God has entrusted to me?

That doesn’t mean leaving in anger. It doesn’t mean becoming divisive. It doesn’t mean attacking those who disagree. But it does mean recognizing that your responsibility is not to convince everyone to approve of your calling. Your responsibility is to be faithful to it.

Too often we become consumed with debates over titles while neglecting the mission itself. We argue over who should be called pastor, teacher, leader, or minister, while people around us desperately need the hope of Christ.

The world is hurting. Families are struggling. People are searching for meaning. And the gospel remains the answer.

Perhaps the question isn’t whether someone approves of our title. Perhaps the better question is whether we are doing what Jesus told us to do.

Are we making disciples? Are we sharing the good news? Are we helping people encounter Christ? Are we using the gifts God has given us?

At the end of the day, I do not need a denomination’s affirmation to validate what God has already spoken.

My worth was never determined by a vote. My calling was never established by a committee. And my ministry will not be defined by the limitations others place on me.

God called me. God equipped me.

And by His grace, I will continue using those gifts wherever He opens the door.

I recognize that faithful Christians interpret certain passages differently. I understand why some churches reserve the title of pastor for men. While I disagree with that conclusion, my purpose is not to convince every church to change its position. My purpose is to remain faithful to the gifts and calling God has placed on my life.

The Southern Baptist Convention may determine who can hold certain positions within its churches. That is their right. But they do not determine whether God can use me. They do not determine whether God can speak through me. They do not determine whether I can share the gospel, make disciples, teach Scripture, write books, encourage believers, or worship with all my heart.

Those things were settled long ago when God called me.

My job is not to win a debate.

My job is to be faithful.

©2026 Marsha L. Brown