If you're familiar with the debate over women in ministry, you've seen how the discussion seems to circle the same handful of verses. There's 1 Timothy 2:12 and 1 Corinthians 14: 34, passages that seem to preclude the possibility of women leading. On the other side there's Galatians 3:28 and Philippians 4:2-3, verses some claim effectively erase the gender divide.

But an equally important passage—and one that is often overlooked—is Genesis 5:1-2: "When God created mankind, he made them in the likeness of God. He created them male and female and blessed them" (emphasis mine).

Whether you're a man or a woman, the message of that passage is tremendously empowering. Think about it. God didn't choose a man to bear his image—or a woman. It took both.

The debate over women in ministry is an important one. It needs to continue. But Genesis 5 is a good reminder for both sides that it takes both men and women to reflect God's image ...