Results 1 - 5 of 5
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | God can use woman in the ministry? | Gal 3:28 | charis | 3332 | ||
Dear dpettway22, Being a male minister, you might consider my answer biased, but let me state my opinion. I think that, except for extenuating circumstances, it is unnatural for a woman to assume the ministry of pastor or elder in the church. (Some 'modern' churches have multiple pastors, giving out ministry 'wholesale.' I do not mean this kind of 'ministry') There is the scriptural direction, well stated by my colleagues. There also is the practical. There would be 4 possibilities; 1) an unmarried woman- I do not believe she would make an effective shepherd to the flock, even if she has a 'diploma.' 2) a married woman- she would have pastoral authority over her husband, not a scriptural pattern. 3) a divorcee- I suppose there are hypothetical situations that could make this plausible, but I would think that it would not be God's first choice. 4) a widow- I have known of widows whose husbands were pastors, and the 'filled the gap' after his death. I think that this is one of the most possible situations, but still not a permanent ministry for her or the church. I am sorry if you believe this to be chauvinistic, but I think it is God's will, and the scriptural pattern for a shepherding minister to be a man, preferably wed and with children, to assume this kind of authority and responsibility. Indeed, there is neither male nor female in Christ Jesus. No Christian in his right mind would deny this. But to 'open the doors' to women simply for the sake of opening the doors to job opportunity is unwise and unscriptural. As I said, extenuating circumstances are always possible, but the pattern is clear. Whenever possible, we should please God by following the patterns He has given us in His word. Finally, if service to God and to His people is the goal, I see nothing to be ashamed about serving without the 'title.' Many men also serve without one. Sadly, many men shame the 'ministry' by not serving God in it. Blessings to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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2 | God can use woman in the ministry? | Gal 3:28 | OldTimer | 37043 | ||
Chris you left out the most plausible scenario: a husband and wife pastoral team - just like Aquila and Priscilla - our New Testament example of true equality in Christ. | ||||||
3 | God can use woman in the ministry? | Gal 3:28 | charis | 37139 | ||
Dear OldTimer, Greetings in the name of Jesus! With all due respect I will have to disagree with the term 'pastoral team.' I sense that you mean it as something like Aquila was a pastor, and so was Priscilla. This is not the Scriptural pattern. Yes, Aquila was a pastor, and Priscilla was his wife. Yes, Priscilla was a very special woman. Yes, her name precedes her husband's name 3 of 5 times. It is quite possible that she was more effective in portraying the Gospel than her husband! But this does not nullify God's pattern of authority. I am certain that Priscilla was submitted to the authority of Aquila, or the Bible would not give her such prominence, attibuting great faithfulness. My friend, don't misunderstand me! I admire Priscilla (Prisca) enough to name my daughter after her! :-) But I teach my daughter that there is great honor and dignity in fufilling the role God has given, without the 'modern' desire for 'equality.' I have a wonderful helpmate. Her name is Junko (June-koh), and I would be helpless without her. Truth be known, I listen very carefully to her opinion and trust her knowledge and wisdom in many areas of shepherding our flock. Indeed, she may be more 'effective' than I in many situations. But the authority and responsibility rests squarely on me! I can never go before God and say, "But Junko said...!" I cannot blame her for faults, nor can I lift her into a 'position' not specified by Scripture. Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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4 | God can use woman in the ministry? | Gal 3:28 | OldTimer | 37141 | ||
If you believe that Aquila was a pastor, I don't see how you cannot give the same title to Priscilla as their duties and minstry was jointly performed, except for the fact that there is a prejudice against women pastors and leaders in the church today. If you are content that you and your wife are following God's plan for your lives, I can't argue with that. However, to deny a person their calling as a pastor, teacher, apostle, evangelist, prophet or deacon on the basis of gender alone is beyond your authority. I am not a feminist, but I do want to live in the equality, freedom, and unity that Christ has purchased for us by His blood. I belong to a denomination that has always allowed every person, male or female, to fulfill his/her calling in the Lord. We don't have women clamouring for position, as some might suppose, but as God calls and equips them, as they receive training and approval of church leadership, they serve our Lord with thanksgiving and gladness. I would not want to be the one to oppose or discourage such as these. If you do, then you must give an account at the Bema - the judgment seat of Christ. I have done my best to help your understanding, I'm sorry it was not good enough. | ||||||
5 | God can use woman in the ministry? | Gal 3:28 | charis | 37145 | ||
Dear OldTimer, Greetings and blessings in Jesus' name! I am happy for you regarding your denominational stance. I didn't know there was a denomination that has 'always' been indiscriminate in there ministerial positions. Which is it? Would you please refrain from citing the Bema Seat judgment about this issue? You see, in some ways this could be considered a curse. I am sure that you did not mean to curse your fellow Christian. As to whether you have 'done your best' to help my understanding, I hardly consider one post to be much of a attempt! Please be patient with me. :-) You see, I, too, have read the Bible to come to the conclusion I hold. Peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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