Jesus Met with Women One-on-One — Why Modesto Manifesto Is Unbiblical

In today’s culture, there’s a growing conversation among Christians and leaders about whether men should meet with women one-on-one. Some point to the famous “Billy Graham Rule,” a principle established in the Modesto Manifesto of 1948, which advises male ministers never to meet privately with women other than their wives.

While this rule was created with the intent to avoid scandal and uphold moral integrity, we must ask: is it truly biblical?

When we examine the life and ministry of Jesus, it becomes clear that avoiding women out of fear of temptation is not a principle He practiced — and it’s certainly not one He taught.

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman – John 4

One of the clearest examples is found in John 4. Jesus met privately with the Samaritan woman at the well. This was countercultural in every way. She was:

• A Samaritan (despised by Jews)

• A woman (often marginalized in public life)

• Living in sin (married five times and currently with a man who wasn't her husband)

Yet Jesus chose to speak to her alone. He didn’t avoid her to protect His reputation. He prioritized her soul over public perception. And through that encounter, not only was her life changed — she became one of the first evangelists, bringing an entire town to meet the Savior.

Mary Magdalene and the Resurrection – John 20

After His resurrection, Jesus first appeared to a woman: Mary Magdalene. He could have waited for the disciples. He didn’t. He trusted her with the most important message of all — that He had risen. She met Him alone in the garden, and He called her by name. He valued her faith and entrusted her with the gospel.

Where the Modesto Manifesto Falls Short

The Modesto Manifesto sought to protect ministers, and in many ways, it did. But when it comes to the rule about never meeting one-on-one with a woman, it steps beyond Scripture and begins to operate in fear, not faith.

Here’s why that principle doesn’t align with the Bible:

• Fear-Based Thinking Is Not From God
  2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” Avoiding women purely out of fear of temptation or appearance doesn’t reflect love, power, or self-control — it reflects suspicion and insecurity.

• Jesus Didn’t Follow It
  If the “Billy Graham Rule” had been applied to Jesus, He would have violated it multiple times. Scripture records that He ministered to women individually, shared meals with them, and allowed them to follow and support His ministry. He didn’t let man-made boundaries override His divine mission.

• It Disempowers Half the Body of Christ
  Galatians 3:28 declares that in Christ, “there is neither male nor female.” When we shut women out of key conversations, mentoring, or leadership roles simply because of their gender, we act against the unity Christ died to give us.

• It Shifts Responsibility
  Instead of disciplining the heart and relying on the Spirit to produce self-control (Galatians 5:22–23), it puts the burden on women to stay distant. This echoes Adam’s blame in Genesis 3:12 and fails to own personal responsibility for character and purity.

It’s Better to Build Character Than Build Walls

If a man is worried about how he’ll behave around a woman, the solution is not to avoid her — it’s to grow in holiness. Paul said, “I discipline my body and keep it under control” (1 Corinthians 9:27). Our goal isn’t isolation, but transformation.

Healthy boundaries are wise, but blanket avoidance of women isn’t a boundary — it’s a barrier.

The Body of Christ Needs Both Men and Women

When women are excluded from meaningful conversations, mentorships, or ministry opportunities, the Church loses. We don’t become more holy by pushing people away — we grow by walking in love, accountability, and mutual respect.

Jesus was not afraid of how it looked. He was more concerned with how it loved.

Conclusion

The Modesto Manifesto was birthed from a good heart, but the idea of never meeting with women one-on-one has led to harmful and unbiblical practices. Jesus Himself never modeled that. Instead, He honored, empowered, and discipled women — not out of fear, but with wisdom and boldness.

God has not called us to hide from temptation by avoiding people. He has called us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds and empowered by His Spirit to walk in integrity.

Let’s follow the example of Jesus — not the fear of man.

M. DeAnne Morrell