What theological differences exist between Baptist churches and the Evangelical Free Church of America ? Where Baptist viewpoints might differ, assume American Baptist Churches USA as the specific Baptist denomination.

I'm a member of an Evangelical Free church and one of the members of my Sunday school class made an impassioned plea for us to nominate several women to be elders. Currently our church has no women elders and never has as far as I know. I also am certain that the denomination does not allow women in pastoral or board of directors positions. But the only statement I can find is from [Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE)](http://www.cbeinternational.org/?q=content/our-mission-and-history): > **Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA)** www.ecfa.org > Women may not serve as pastors, elders, or deacons. Men who are not ordained and women who would like to be involved in ministry may be granted the "Christian Ministry License." > —"US Denominations and Their Stances on Women in Leadership" \[[PDF](http://www2.cbeinternational.org/new/E-Journal/2007/07spring/denominations%20first%20installment--FINAL.pdf)\] The trouble with this is that I our church _does_ have women deacons. I'd like to know what the official policy is and what arguments are made for the denomination's position.

I have a desire to start a Music Ministry in an EFCA local assembly that sings to recorded Contemporary Praise and Worship music. How long should I be committed to this assembly before being allowed to exercise my gift?