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| Q: | One of the teenage girls at Pilgrim Lutheran would like to usher for one service for a youth service Sunday. Is this proper or not within the WELS synod. There are no indications in our own constitution.The pastors said it may not be proper. | ||||||
| A: | Most of our congregations have traditionally used male ushers for our services, but there are no theological reasons why women cannot serve as ushers and greeters, since the usual function of these offices as currently practiced among us is to assist worshippers, not to exercise any kind of authority. Such activities as greeting people, passing out bulletins, helping people find a seat, and presenting offerings are not exercising authority. The situation would be different if the usher had authoritative responsibilities such as excluding people from coming to the Lord's Supper. A number of our congregations currently use teenage girls and boys serve as ushers on a regular basis. They generally serve along with a head usher or deacon who is an adult male. When deciding whether women may serve in a certain office or function, the congregation should honestly examine whether that office or activity would require a woman to exercise authority over men. If it does, a woman should not serve in that capacity. Our synod's statement on the roles of men and women encourages women to serve in any offices and activities which do not require them to exercise authority over men. While there is a danger that some might want to use changes from our traditional practices to undermine the biblical principles, there is also danger in placing restrictions on the service of women where Scripture has placed no such restriction. We are equally concerned about both dangers. | ||||||
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