Review: Fire in Her Bones

Fire in Her Bones: A Biblical Defense of Women as Preachers and Pastors

By Ellis Orozco (Austin Brothers Publishing)

I move “that the BGCT ‘uphold the autonomy of the local church to affirm a cooperating church’s authority to call women to congregational and vocational ministry as they, under the lordship of Jesus Christ and the guidance of sacred Scripture, deem fit.’”

When Ellis Orozco made this motion during the 2023 Baptist General Convention of Texas annual meeting, he did so from a studied and measured position. What most didn’t know was he was about to publish a book on the subject of women in ministry—a book bound to become a defining contribution to the discussion.

Into the heated debate over whether women can serve as pastors and be called “pastor,” Orozco brings a calm and studied voice of reason. His presence at the microphone that day is the same as his presence in Fire in Her Bones—calm, considerate, deliberate, direct and committed to his fellow Baptists.

There’s no hidden agenda, no bait-and-switch, in this book. Orozco advocates for the egalitarian position, and does so using a conservative hermeneutic.

Orozco was a mechanical engineer before becoming a pastor, and he brings that same precision and thoroughness to his analysis of the Bible’s teachings on women in leadership. He begins with the creation accounts in Genesis, examining the nature of woman and her relationship to man, and responding to six arguments made in opposition to egalitarianism.

He devotes a chapter to women in the Old Testament, a chapter to women in the New Testament, and five chapters to Paul’s writings. Paul’s statements and how to interpret them are at the center of the debate about women in ministry. Orozco rightly focuses his energies on these passages—Romans 16; 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 and 14:34-37; 1 Timothy 2:11-15; and Galatians 3:28.

From the start and throughout his examination, Orozco tells his readers exactly where he is going and how he will get there. He engages key scholars and voices opposed to egalitarianism with respect and civility, acknowledging when their positions make a certain amount of sense, however incorrect he deems them to be.

Fire in Her Bones is not exhaustive, but it is complete. Orozco’s style leans academic, while remaining accessible to a more general audience. Whether a person is a proponent for or opponent of egalitarianism—or undecided—this is a book to have read or have at the ready when questions arise about women in ministry.

Eric Black, executive director/publisher/editor
Baptist Standard