I know the picture to the left may create tension and just a few short months ago caused much controversy within "Christendom" (and I use that term lightly). However, I intentionally used the picture to 1) create tension for critical thought, and 2) to foster a discussion of the role of women in ministry.I won't provide any answers, thoughts, or conclusions until the conversation has went around the block at least once. I'd really like to hear from you on this one. I don't yet have the visitors that my new found friend Pastor Fitts does (you should check out his blog if you haven't, it's a good'un), but I'm coming along.
I'm sure you're already familiar with the proof texts for each side of the argument. :)
7 comments:
I am for women in the ministry as an AME we believe in it. We have woman Bishops as I am sure you are aware of.
I am NOT for women in the gospel preaching ministry. There is no biblical teaching or scripture that supports it. Jesus did not call or ordain women to preach in his day and God does NOT change. She should certainly have no authority over man in ministry.
The Bishop should be the "Husband" of one "wife". 1 Tim. 3:2
The Trinity has never changed it's order or chain of command. Jesus has Never tried to usurp the authority of God the Father. God put in place the order of authority within heaven and earth, among man and beast. The lion is STILL "king" of the jungle not the lioness. We are not to change His plan by misuse of our free will, it is all about God's will. This is not the will of God our "Father", neither is it an example of Jesus.
A Woman
Great post bro Preacher! I believe the Bible is clear; the office of a Pastor is for qualified men. With that being said, there are many men that should not be holding the office.
I am familar with the Egalitarian Position but I think it is a position that ignores clear biblical teaching.
I don't think it's a issue of equality but of order. I thank God for women, who are on the battle field, working within their God given role to advance the Kingdom!!!
Again great post!
There was a time when I was leaning egalitarian, but I've backed off of that now. I know that the egalitarian position is mainly based on Galatians 3:28, and I understand that, I just respectfully disagree. The first rule of biblical intrepretation is to let scripture interpret scripture. That will keep you from thinking the Bible contradicts itself. I know I'll be called a conservative dispensationalist, but seeing as where some egalitarians have ended up, I think I'll stay where I am.
They also purport the idea that many things that Paul points out are not normative for the church today, but are specific to the churches Paul wrote to and we should search for the will of God as it relates to how we should respond in our time, and I also understand that, but again I respectfully disagree.
I am not againt women preachers or leaders per se, (and we must understand that even that has biblical limitations) but women pastors don't seem to make the cut in 1 Timothy 3:2. That's not church specific, that's doctrine specific. That text is hard to get around. I know women have had to do things to fill the gap, but when God sends a man, let the man do his thing, as God has ordained.
Pastor Fitts made a good point that it's not about equality, it's about order. If you don't believe that then think about when Satan deceived Eve, got her out of order, and subsequently got Adam out of order, and he got mankind out of order.
I appreciate what women have done in the interim. The black female certainly deserves credit for being the constant in the African-American church experience, but God is placing the man back where he ordained him.
Okay, I've said enough...I literally could go all day on this, but I truly do thank God for the women he is using and also for the women who understand their role not as an inferior position but key to the advancement of the kingdom of God.
Brother, you are a great writer!!! I admire your skills with the pen.
A woman is no more inferior to man than Jesus is to God. The scripture in Galatians I think is taken as much out of context as if anyone would try to imply that the trinity of God is not three in one as in the same. Yet equal and not inferior in it's own purpose.
Yes, women should be celebrated because of the awesome accomplishments for the cause of Christ and man. Yet, there is still God's will and His purpose for her life and "preaching" the word isn't one of them. Just like Adam and Eve we need to flee from satan to stay the course of God's design and purpose, so that we don't reap the consequenses as they did.
A Woman
Thanks for the compliment and encouragement Pastor!
Post a Comment