Ellen White’s writings strongly affirm the value, dignity, and essential role of women in gospel work and church life. She repeatedly encourages women to be active, educated, and influential in ministry, especially in areas where they can reach hearts and homes in ways men cannot. Here are key points from her published books:
- Women are called to gospel work: “Women may take their places in the work at this crisis, and the Lord will work through them. If they are imbued with a sense of their duty, and labor under the influence of the Spirit of God, they will have just the self-possession required for this time. The Saviour will reflect upon these self-sacrificing women the light of His countenance, and this will give them a power which will exceed that of men. They can do in families a work that men cannot do, a work that reaches the inner life. They can come close to the hearts of those whom men cannot reach. Their labor is needed.” (
6T 117.4;
9T 128.3)
- Women should be educated and organized for ministry: “I have so longed for women who could be educated to help our sisters rise from their discouragement and feel that they could do a work for the Lord. This will bring rays of sunshine into their own lives, which will be reflected into the lives of others. God will bless all who unite in this grand work.” (
6T 114.2)
- Women are to be respected as equals: “We have an earnest desire that woman shall fill the position which God originally designed, as her husband's equal. We so much need mothers who are mothers not merely in name, but in every sense that the word implies. We may safely say that the dignity and importance of woman's mission and distinctive duties are of a more sacred and holy character than the duties of man.” (
3T 565.2)
- Women can serve as directors and leaders: “Men and women who are thoroughly converted, men and women of discernment and keen foresight, should act as directors. Good judgment must be exercised in employing persons to do this special work—persons who love God and who walk before Him in all humility, persons who will be effective agencies in God's hand for the accomplishment of the object He has in view—the uplifting and saving of human beings.” (
7T 111.1;
GW 360.1)
However, Ellen White does not explicitly address or advocate for the ordination of women to the gospel ministry in the same way as men (i.e., as ordained pastors or elders). Her emphasis is on women’s active participation, leadership, and spiritual influence, but she does not use the term “ordination” in reference to women in her published books.
**Summary:** Ellen White powerfully supports women’s involvement, leadership, and ministry in the church, but does not specifically address the formal ordination of women as pastors or elders.
**References:**
- Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, pp. 114.2, 117.4; vol. 9, p. 128.3
- Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 565.2
- Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 111.1
- Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers, p. 360.1