Egalitarian Theology and the Foursquare Church Introduction

The question of women in ministry leadership (WIML) has been debated within the global church. Some interpret passages such as 1 Timothy 2:8–12 as setting permanent restrictions on women’s authority, while others see them as situational instructions given to address specific first-century issues in Ephesus. The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel (Foursquare) affirms an egalitarian position—holding that men and women are equally called, gifted, and authorized by God for all levels of ministry leadership. This position flows from both theological conviction and our heritage.

Understanding 1 Timothy 2:8–12 in Context

In 1 Timothy 2:8–10, Paul addresses worship posture: men are to pray “without anger or quarreling,” and women are to worship with modesty and self-control. These instructions emphasize mission-shaped humility rather than cultural dominance. Verses 11–12—“I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man”—have been read by complementarians as a universal ban on women in specific leadership roles. However, egalitarians see them as culturally bound, especially given the New Testament’s many examples of women serving as teachers (Priscilla, Acts 18:26), prophets (Acts 21:9; 1 Cor. 11:5), and even apostles (Junia, Rom. 16:7).

The Greek construction in verse 12 (“to teach or to exercise authority”) may be a hendiadys, meaning “to teach in a domineering way” (cf. issues with false teachers in Ephesus), not a blanket prohibition. This fits with Paul’s broader missional concern for ordered worship and gospel credibility. Furthermore, not all instructions in 1 Timothy 2 are universally enforced today (e.g., braided hair, only men lifting hands in prayer), which suggests the need for cultural discernment in application.

Why Foursquare is Egalitarian

From its founding, Foursquare has supported women at all levels of leadership. Aimee Semple McPherson, the movement’s founder, was a Spirit-empowered evangelist, church planter, and organizational leader at a time when few women held such roles. In 1936, Foursquare formally resolved “there shall be no discrimination between women and men… All executive offices shall be open to both men and women in good standing in the organization” (International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, 1936, as cited in Friesen, 2018, p. 19).

The denomination’s theological basis for this stance is rooted in Pentecostal convictions about Spirit baptism as an equal-opportunity calling (Acts 2:17–18). Early Pentecostals believed the urgency of global mission required releasing all Spirit-anointed laborers, regardless of gender (Friesen, 2018, pp. 17–18). This is consistent with Foursquare’s policy: “Anyone called by God and verified through character, spiritual experience and preparation for service or leadership is qualified… regardless of gender, age, or ethnicity” (WIML, p. 9).

Marriage Instructions and Egalitarian Theology

Some raise the question of how an egalitarian view of leadership aligns with passages such as Ephesians 5:22–25, where wives are instructed to submit to their husbands and husbands are told to love their wives. Egalitarians understand these instructions in the context of Ephesians 5:21, which calls all believers to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” The emphasis is on mutual submission—a posture of humility, service, and sacrificial love for both husband and wife.

In this view, a wife’s submission is voluntary and grounded in trust, while a husband’s leadership is modeled after Christ’s self-sacrificing love for the church. These marital instructions describe the dynamics of a Christ-centered household, not a universal limitation on leadership roles in the church. Egalitarians maintain that the Spirit’s calling to ministry is not restricted by gender, and the same humility and service that shape Christian marriage should also shape leadership in the church.

Challenges and Opportunities

Historically, over 40% of early Foursquare pastors were women, but those numbers have fluctuated. In 2012, women comprised 37% of credentialed ministers but only 7% of senior pastors (Friesen, 2018, p. 20). While the theological stance has remained, organizational practice has sometimes lagged due to cultural and societal barriers. Addressing this gap requires intentional identification, mentoring, and placement of women in senior leadership roles.

Conclusion

Foursquare’s egalitarian theology is not a concession to modern culture but a continuation of its Spirit-filled heritage and biblical convictions. By affirming women in all levels of leadership, the movement lives out its identity as a Pentecostal body committed to mission, empowerment, and unity in Christ. As Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever”—the same Lord who anointed women at Pentecost and throughout Scripture still calls and equips them today.

References

Friesen, A. (2018). Foursquare Identity Keystones. Foursquare Media.

International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. (1936). Report of the Annual Convention. Foursquare Publishing.

 (2007). Women in Ministry Leadership (WIML). Foursquare Media.