Women to be Ordained in 2024 in Queensland Baptists

Why it took so long and what comes next.

Authors

  • Karen Haynes Baptist
  • Dr Pam Condie Baptist

Abstract

The Queensland Baptist Assembly's 2024 decision to permit women's ordination marks a significant departure from its historically conservative stance. This paper explores the factors contributing to this change and considers the future possibilities for female pastors’ ministry.

The denomination's cultural alignment with male-dominated leadership structures and patriarchal family models reinforced the traditional gender roles within the Baptist community. Furthermore, the Baptist Theological College of Queensland, actively opposed women's ordination at the denominational level.

Attempts to advance the discussion of women's ordination were repeatedly thwarted by a cautious denominational secretariat. However, drawing on Pamela Condie's research on congregational views and individual church requests, the denomination found the necessary justification to revisit the issue in 2023. After a year of consultation and refinement, the 2024 Assembly ultimately passed the motion to allow women's ordination. The motion was strategically framed as a vote for local church autonomy over denominational control, which helped to garner support from a wider range of delegates.

The slow advancement of women's participation in other state Baptist denominations, suggests that further concerted efforts and support will be required to foster women's discernment and practice of pastoral callings within the Queensland Baptist context.

 

Author Biographies

Karen Haynes, Baptist

Karen Haynes is a Queensland Baptist Pastor ministering as an Air Force Chaplain. She has worked in pastoral and denominational roles in Queensland Baptists since 2008 and has served on various Queensland Baptist committees in the areas of Theological Education, Administration, Young Adults Leadership Development and Camping Ministries.

Dr Pam Condie, Baptist

Pamela Condie has served in numerous Christian Leadership roles across; Girls’ Brigade, Queensland Baptists and Mission Aviation Fellowship. Pamela’s PhD on The Views of Queensland Baptists Regarding the Ordination of Women has made her Queensland Baptist’s leading expert on the history and challenge of women accessing ordination in Queensland Baptists.

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Published

2025-06-16

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 1 (2025): Journal of Contemporary Ministry

Section

Peer Reviewed Articles

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