Calvary Global Network affirms that men and women are created in God’s image and share equal dignity, worth, and spiritual inheritance in Christ. Both are redeemed by Christ, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and called to God’s mission. The church flourishes when the gifts, wisdom, and faithful service of both women and men are recognized, cultivated, and valued (Gen. 1:26–27; Gal. 3:26–29; Acts 2:17–18; 1 Pet. 4:10–11).
CGN is complementarian. We understand Scripture to entrust the governing office of elder/overseer, including the role of senior pastor, to qualified men who lead through humble service, sound teaching, spiritual care, and accountability under the lordship of Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 2:12–14; 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9; 1 Pet. 5:1–4).
We recognize that faithful Christians may reach different conclusions on this matter. We regard it as a secondary doctrinal matter—an important question of biblical interpretation and church order, not a condition of salvation or a test of belonging to Christ. We affirm our fellowship in Christ with believers who hold different views, seeking the humility, patience, and unity Scripture calls us to practice (Eph. 2:8–9; 4:1–6). At the same time, this complementarian conviction remains a shared commitment for churches affiliated with CGN.
Women should be encouraged, equipped, and supported to serve, lead, teach, disciple others, and exercise their spiritual gifts under local church oversight. We distinguish the governing office of elder/overseer from pastoral and teaching ministries exercised by others within the church (Acts 18:24–26; Rom. 12:4–8; 16:1–7; Titus 2:3–5; 1 Pet. 4:10–11).
As a global network serving in diverse cultural, social, and ministry contexts, CGN recognizes that faithful application requires biblical discernment and contextual sensitivity. We seek to minister appropriately in each context while remaining faithful to Christ (1 Cor. 9:19–23). Within our shared convictions, churches may differ in teaching arrangements, ministry structures, pastoral titles, and practices of commissioning, licensing, or ordination. These differences may reflect both biblical convictions and local context.
Some churches reserve the title “pastor” for men; others use it for women serving in pastoral ministry while distinguishing those responsibilities from the office of elder/overseer. CGN permits either practice within our shared convictions.
CGN rejects any posture that diminishes women or uses spiritual authority to justify control, harshness, neglect, or abuse. Biblical leadership should reflect the humility, love, and sacrificial service of Jesus Christ. We desire churches where women’s voices are heard, their gifts cultivated, and their contributions valued (Gen. 1:27; Mark 10:42–45; Rom. 12:4–8; 1 Pet. 5:2–3).
We hold these convictions with biblical seriousness, humility, and love, seeking the glory of Christ, the flourishing of the whole church, and the advance of the gospel (Eph. 4:15–16; Col. 1:18; Matt. 28:18–20).