ANSWER: It is “essential” that we are obedient to the Word of God in all issues! In Colossians 3:17, we are told “Whatever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name (by the authority of) the Lord Jesus . . .” Each issue then that arises must be weighed in the light of this passage and other passages that may be related to the issue. The primary question must always be, “Does the Bible command / authorize the action? For example: there is no commandment that specifies the number of cups to be used during the Lord’s Supper. Therefore, it is not essential that we use one cup, nor is it essential that we use multiple cups. The option must be left up to each congregation, with none binding their opinion on the other. In this matter, there must be liberty!

Those who teach that it is essential that women wear hats in worship services have failed to understand that it was the “custom” in Corinth in the first century for women to wear an ankle length covering (veil) to show or denote submission to their husbands. This “custom” is not prevalent in most civilizations today!

Although it would be improper to bind “custom,” the principle of submission remains an eternal binding principle (Genesis 3:16)! Thus, the inspired apostle wrote in 1 Corinthians 11:3, “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is man; and the head of Christ is God.” In Ephesians 5:22, he would say, “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as unto the Lord.” Therefore, submission of a wife to her husband is an “essential;” the wearing of a veil/hat by a woman is a “non-essential.” For her to wear or not to wear is not sin, but a matter of liberty and opinion, to be left up to each individual!

As to the issues you raise relative to women being “ordained” and serving the Lord’s Supper, suggesting that this matter is non-essential: In these issues, the Bible clearly specifies what is to be done, negating any opinion which man may have. In other words, in these matters, man has no liberty to exercise his own options. It is “essential” that we abide by the teaching of the New Testament (John 12:48; John 15:10)! In 1 Timothy 2:11-12, all are clearly bound by the following inspired directive: “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” Any position or activity, then, of a woman in the worship service that takes away the authority of the man is sinful! Within the intent of this passage, she is permitted only to vocally engage in congregational singing (Ephesians 5:19) and to say “Amen” with those occupying the room at the giving of thanks (1 Corinthians 14:16), doing such decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40) as she worships in spirit and truth (John 4:24). To this she is limited by the Holy Spirit! To make the issue of the use women in worship services to God a “nonessential,” when God has clearly spoken on the matter, is to pervert the gospel of Christ and be accursed (Galatians 1:6-9).

It is true that in things that are essential there must be unity and that in things that are non-essential there must be liberty. However to take the denominational position that only those things that pertain “to our salvation” are essentials, assumes an attitude and position that only a part of God’s Word is essential to our salvation. This is not true! Obedience to all of God’s Word is essential and critical to our salvation; every book, chapter, verse, and word! The essentiality or non-essentiality of a particular activity or action can only be determined on the basis of the totality of His word, by which all men will one day be judged (John 12:48)!