1. In the marriage relationship as a component of the human family structure, Jesus is the spiritual "head" or authority for the husband, and the husband is the spiritual authority for his wife (I Cor. 11:3). Husbands and wives are to treat each other with love and respect, in a relationship of mutual submission based on God's perfect love and His sovereignty in all circumstances (Eph. 5:22-33).

2. In the life of the Trinity Church congregation, the Articles of Faith as a summary of biblical truth are the foundational doctrinal statements for the conduct of our personal lives and all activities of the church. Trinity Church has also established by constitution a governing and organizational structure. That structure recognizes the offices of elder and deacon; however, the spiritual authority of elders and deacons is established by scripture. Except for that scriptural authority, and the authority of a husband in the marriage relationship, neither men nor women have spiritual authority over the other.

3. The New Testament model for leadership in matters of doctrine and governance in the local Christian church is a group of elders. The New Testament does not specifically address the gender qualification for the office of elder. The lists of qualifications for elder found in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1 imply that elders are to be men, a conclusion based on the reference to an elder's "wife" and the use throughout those passages of the masculine pronoun. There is no specific biblical instruction regarding elders on which to base a contrary conclusion. Therefore, it is most reasonable to interpret scripture as limiting the office of elder to men.

4. The Elders have also carefully considered the biblical qualifications for Deacon. After significant discussion, no statement of church policy on the subject of women serving as deacons is made at this time. Accordingly, the current practice of appointing male deacons will continue. The Elders will continue to prayerfully seek God's direction in this important matter.**

5. Both men and women are instructed by scripture to obey God and submit to His authority at all times. In matters relating to the life and ministry of the local church, men and women are also instructed by the example of scripture to submit to the authority of the elders of the church. Subject to the terms and provisions of the church constitution, this policy statement, and other policies and directives of the elders, a man or woman who is submitted to God's authority and the authority of the elders is free to exercise his or her spiritual gifts through the ministries of Trinity Church.

**There is no question that women are fully qualified to serve in the ministry of providing care to those in need, which is the fundamental role of deacons in the church. The body of Trinity Church is blessed to have many women providing excellent and sacrificial service in that ministry. The question, which is widely debated, however, is the qualification of women to serve in the "office" of deacon and exercise whatever authority accompanies that office. There are scripture verses that present a strong case for women not holding the formal office of deacon; yet scripture also renders account of women fulfilling very significant roles in the church, including attending to Jesus' needs during the years of His ministry. This debate is the one in which the Elders of Trinity Church have been engaged, and which has not yet led to a consensus of opinion.