Ellen G. White’s View of the Role of Women in the SDA Church

Chapter II—EGW Counsels Concerning the Work of Women in the Church

Typical of EGW’s counsels, pointing out that women could do not only work often associated with men, but also a work men could not do, is this statement (The Review and Herald, August 26, 1902, p. 7): [Cf. Appendix E] EGWVRWSDA 3.3

The Lord has a work for women, as well as for men. They may take their places in his work at this crisis, and he will work through them. If they are imbued with a sense of their duty, and labor under the influence of the Holy Spirit, 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 will give them a power that exceeds 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 (Welfare Ministry, 145) EGWVRWSDA 3.4

EGW counsels concerning the role women may play in the life of their church, in the published writings, are found chiefly in two works: EGWVRWSDA 4.1

1. Evangelism Chapter 14, “The Bible Instructor,” pp. 456-95. EGWVRWSDA 4.2

2. Welfare Ministry Chapter 17, “Women Called to the Work,” pp. 143-48; Chapter 18, “Qualifications of Women for Service,” pp. 149-56; and Chapter 19, “The Influence of Christian Women,” pp. 157-66. EGWVRWSDA 4.3