Do You Believe In Women Preachers?

[Sister Alvear]

If Jesus had not wanted women messengers, then He defeated His own purpose when He permitted them to be witnesses and commanded them to go tell. Quite interestingly, He told the women to deliver the good news to men. Jesus was not prejudiced in His use of women.
While it is true we are redeemed that does not mean that women should trample over men swinging their bibles. I do not write this with that kind of spirit.
Most women who claim to have been called by God and are used to preach the Gospel have been persecuted for it. We must be careful whom we oppress and persecute. When Saul of Taurus was persecuting the Christians, the new body of believing saints of God, the Lord Jesus Himself asked Saul, “Why are you persecuting me?" Although he was in fact persecuting men and women, he was really persecuting Jesus.
When you persecute those who are in Christ Jesus, it is a theological fact that you are persecuting Jesus. Didn’t one of the Old Testament writers that wrote, "Touch not mine anointed and do my prophets no harm…" (Psalms 105:15). King David knew in his heart to touch one of God’s anointed would be only asking for trouble from God. I wonder if those who persecute women of God really know what they are doing? I agree 100 percent that if everyone was doing their job, performing their function in the body of Christ many things could be done differently.
The plan of God was not just revealed to men but to women as well in the Old Testament. It was to Rebecca not to Isaac that God disclosed that Jacob was favored over Esau. It was not Barak whom God chose to judge Israel and to lead an army, but it was Deborah the notable prophetess.
There was even a time when Moses the great lawgiver was saved by an entire group of women. It was Esther that He chose to preserve a nation. It was to Samson’s mother not his father that the angel gave instructions. When the priest and scribe asked for a word from the Lord they came to Huldah. It was to her and not to her husband, nor to the prophet Jeremiah that the word of the Lord came. Abraham heard God say, "Listen to Sarah's voice.

[Sister Alvear]

If Jesus had not wanted women messengers, then He defeated His own purpose when He permitted them to be witnesses and commanded them to go tell. Quite interestingly, He told the women to deliver the good news to men. Jesus was not prejudiced in His use of women.
While it is true we are redeemed that does not mean that women should trample over men swinging their bibles. I do not write this with that kind of spirit.
Most women who claim to have been called by God and are used to preach the Gospel have been persecuted for it. We must be careful whom we oppress and persecute. When Saul of Taurus was persecuting the Christians, the new body of believing saints of God, the Lord Jesus Himself asked Saul, “Why are you persecuting me?" Although he was in fact persecuting men and women, he was really persecuting Jesus.
When you persecute those who are in Christ Jesus, it is a theological fact that you are persecuting Jesus. Didn’t one of the Old Testament writers that wrote, "Touch not mine anointed and do my prophets no harm…" (Psalms 105:15). King David knew in his heart to touch one of God’s anointed would be only asking for trouble from God. I wonder if those who persecute women of God really know what they are doing? I agree 100 percent that if everyone was doing their job, performing their function in the body of Christ many things could be done differently.
The plan of God was not just revealed to men but to women as well in the Old Testament. It was to Rebecca not to Isaac that God disclosed that Jacob was favored over Esau. It was not Barak whom God chose to judge Israel and to lead an army, but it was Deborah the notable prophetess.
There was even a time when Moses the great lawgiver was saved by an entire group of women. It was Esther that He chose to preserve a nation. It was to Samson’s mother not his father that the angel gave instructions. When the priest and scribe asked for a word from the Lord they came to Huldah. It was to her and not to her husband, nor to the prophet Jeremiah that the word of the Lord came. Abraham heard God say, "Listen to Sarah's voice.

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

A better question than "Do you believe in women preachers" is: "Do you believe God is sovereign?"

God can and will do as He chooses; He has and does use women for His purpose; if someone is out of line with His will or His commandments, He will handle them accordingly, which means I don't need to. (Handle anyone.) It isn't my place to stop anyone from trying to do God's will, even if I believe they are misguided. That's God's job.

SO much angst over trying to stop people from doing what they feel God has led them to do. What's the profit in it, really? Fulfill your own calling and leave everyone else in God's hands.

I mostly agree.

Though, elders have a responsibility to correct, rebuke, and "set things in order." God works through that. At the end of the day, we don't have to feel like it's all on us to make things right, though, and be comfortable knowing God is truly in control.

I think a better thread would be (and I joked previously), "Do you understand women pastors to be biblical?" I find some hypocrisy from otherwise egalitarians on this subject, particularly in Pentecostal circles.

[Sister Alvear]

. Romans 16:1-2 reads that Phoebe had labored with the Apostle. In Romans 16:3, Pricilla is called by Paul, my helper, fellow helper RV. Romans 16:12 Salute Trephine and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which labored much in the Lord. Trephine, and Tryphosa, women, and who labored much in the Lord. These are all women; yet the same apostle that wrote I Corinthians 14:34 said in I Corinthians 16:16, that ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboreth. (Be in subjection, RV) to everyone that helpeth with us and laboreth. The submit yourselves does not convey the idea of a man kneeling at a woman’s feet or visa versa.

In Acts 18:26 and 2 Timothy 4:19, the apostle Paul gives Priscilla the honor of first mention. Note also his salutation in Romans 16:3. Greet Pricilla and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus. When Pricilla and Aqua heard him, they took him and expounded to him the way of God more perfectly (Acts 18:26). It is highly significant that both Pricilla and Aquila are named as instructing and illuminating Apollos. There can be no question that here is a woman engaged in teaching ministry, and she is teaching a man. Not that it may be the rule but probably the exception of the rule, which we will deal with in the order chapter. It is certainly not the rule but it has happened and does happen on many occasions. I personally have taught the gospel to both women and men. At the time there was no qualified man, other times pastors have ask me to come and teach on some subject that I was maybe more knowledgeable than them at that present moment. I do not feel I am wrong for I feel I am covered because I have their permission, I am covered through my pastor and my husband.

Only the prejudiced believer would say Paul did not have women workers with him. Some would say the women were along to cook, sew, etc., but not participating in spreading the gospel. Maybe they were making tea and coffee or washing the preacher’s clothes. But please note that Clement, a man, was doing the same thing because his name was mentioned with the women.

There is no hint in these passages that Paul regarded the work of these women as in any way inferior to his own. If we must always dwell on the disobedience of one woman, and blame her for the fall, then should we not equally dwell on the fact that it was the obedience of one woman that brought redemption to humanity?

[Sister Alvear]

These Old Testament examples show that valued women more than just mere objects.
In the New Testament respect for women of God did not cease. Paul entrusted his message to the church of Rome in the hands of Phoebe. Paul commended her for a good job well done. She was a servant, to the church of Cenchrea (Romans 16:1). Though there are others, we don’t want to forget the Elect Lady honored by John in his second letter. Despite his words to her were few, he was lengthy on praise for her love for the Lord. This woman was used by God to raise spiritual children, which had a strong devotion to God.
In Mark 16:17, Jesus told all His believers women and men alike that signs shall follow them that believe. He then went on to say what kind of miraculous works each would do. Today, God still gives both men and women power, authority and anointing to heal the sick, cast out devils, raise the dead, preach the gospel, and minister to what is needed.
In the Old Testament the prophet Joel (2:28) said that after God poured out His Spirit upon all flesh that “…your sons and daughters shall prophesy.” The Hebrew word for “prophesy” is “naba`” which means to speak or sing under divine inspiration.
In Acts 2:17 Peter echoed those same words. The Greek word for “prophesy,” is “propheteuo” which means, “to foretell events, to make known one’s thoughts, to speak under divine inspiration, use a prophetic office or inspired preaching!” The old men did not immediately dream dreams on the day of Pentecost but it was speaking of future happenings. So this was the same in the prophesying of sons and daughters. That was yet to come.

[Sister Alvear]

The word “prophecy” is a noteworthy noun that means, “inspired declaration of God’s will and purpose.” Prophecy in the verb tense means “to proclaim by inspiration the Word of God.” Both means preaching and declaring God’s Word with inspiration. Tracing this word a little further we learn that part of the word means “luminousness” or like shining a light. The prefix “pro” of the Greek word “propheteuo” means “in front of.”
We can apply this word’s meaning to one that is divinely inspired to speak in front of others as to shine light on the Scriptures. Women of God have the same responsibility as the men to shine light on the Scriptures, as the Lord should lead. While the duty of sharing the light is to all let me reiterate I am not speaking of a women getting out of her place, I think I made this clear at the beginning of the book. The promise is to all believers, Acts 2:39. And in Acts 2:15-18, both men and women was given power to prophesy. (Acts 2:18 “And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.”)
Many Christian women have a place that God has given them in both the ministry and in gifts of His Spirit. If we do not accept this reality, we can make the Word of God of no effect (Mark 7:13). “For the Pharisees and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders,” Mark 7:3.
Tradition is the culture or attitude of an inherited belief. Jesus rebuked these religious leaders for holding more to their traditions than allowing the Word of God take effect in their hearts. If women are restricted from allowing God’s miracles to move through them then God’s glory and power will be restricted from doing His will to reach out to lost souls.

[Sister Alvear]

The word “prophecy” is a noteworthy noun that means, “inspired declaration of God’s will and purpose.” Prophecy in the verb tense means “to proclaim by inspiration the Word of God.” Both means preaching and declaring God’s Word with inspiration. Tracing this word a little further we learn that part of the word means “luminousness” or like shining a light. The prefix “pro” of the Greek word “propheteuo” means “in front of.”
We can apply this word’s meaning to one that is divinely inspired to speak in front of others as to shine light on the Scriptures. Women of God have the same responsibility as the men to shine light on the Scriptures, as the Lord should lead. While the duty of sharing the light is to all let me reiterate I am not speaking of a women getting out of her place, I think I made this clear at the beginning of the book. The promise is to all believers, Acts 2:39. And in Acts 2:15-18, both men and women was given power to prophesy. (Acts 2:18 “And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.”)
Many Christian women have a place that God has given them in both the ministry and in gifts of His Spirit. If we do not accept this reality, we can make the Word of God of no effect (Mark 7:13). “For the Pharisees and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders,” Mark 7:3.
Tradition is the culture or attitude of an inherited belief. Jesus rebuked these religious leaders for holding more to their traditions than allowing the Word of God take effect in their hearts. If women are restricted from allowing God’s miracles to move through them then God’s glory and power will be restricted from doing His will to reach out to lost souls.

[Sister Alvear]

The Bible says in Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” That promise includes women though he told the “men” of Galilee this promise. Jesus used this word witness in a culture that did not have female witnesses in their courts of law. Jesus made it plain that He intended to have women as witnesses. I just want to qualify as being His witness. That’s what I feel my place is given to me by Jesus.
Let’s read Acts 1:14, “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.” Why would it include women if they could take no part in receiving the promise? If women were not to be partakers of the promised Holy Ghost, God would have withheld pouring it out on them. If men were filled with the Holy Ghost so that they could go out with power preach everywhere the gospel, why was this power given to women, for them just to sit in silence at home? No. No. This task is too large to restrict it to a select few. The time is too short to ask only one gender to get the job done. We need everyone involved to finish the task.
This awesome power of the Holy Ghost was given to everyone to be witnesses! A witness will testify to what he or she has seen, heard or experienced. They affirm a thing’s validity. I can say this thing called the Holy Ghost is real. It is true. It saved my soul. Oh, let me be a witness to what God has done in my life!
The field is the world, (Matthew 13:38). If every house were a church and every table a pulpit, soon the world would be won. Jesus told us all to go to the highways and by-ways and constraint them to come it. He wants His house full. Yet, He bemoaned the fact that the labors are few. Could it be that He knew forehand that there would be those people who would say who could go and who can’t? Or who can speak and who can’t? What a heartbreaking thought for the Lord.
Peter the Apostle said in his first letter 2:9, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood…” Revelation 1:5-6 says that Jesus loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and made us kings and priests unto God. Now, how can I be a king or priest if I’m a woman? Perhaps it is the same way a man can be part of the bride of Christ.
It wasn’t until later that Tertullian a well-known Ante-Nicene Father of the Third Century said that no woman has the right to speak in the church, teach or baptize or anything that pertains to the function of a man or a place in the ministry. He started putting labels on what was deemed as a “manly function” or what a person’s place was in ministry. Perhaps this is what he needed to do because of the upcoming priest and nun separation groups of the Roman Catholic Church. We are no part of that heresy.
A Christian woman should be free to answer and fulfill God’s call in whatever capacity it is. She should live out God’s purpose for her life without clerical restraints. She is frequently called upon to teach Sunday school, give testimonies, lead the choir, or sing until the glory comes down in church services but not allowed to preach.
She is usually accepted as a missionary, and sent to the darkest part of Africa, or the most impoverished place in India, or the coldest city in China with no family, friends or fellowship. Yet, it’s ironic should she return home to her country the chains of limitations are snapped tightly on her spirit so that the fire of her calling is almost snuffed out.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Socialite

I mostly agree.

Though, elders have a responsibility to correct, rebuke, and "set things in order." God works through that. At the end of the day, we don't have to feel like it's all on us to make things right, though, and be comfortable knowing God is truly in control.

I think a better thread would be (and I joked previously), "Do you understand women pastors to be biblical?" I find some hypocrisy from otherwise egalitarians on this subject, particularly in Pentecostal circles.

I know, and I have no problem with that. I get so tired of it being such a Big Deal, though, to the point that some folks even believe a woman will actually be lost for preaching the Gospel (or even testifying in church). Really? How can anyone actually believe that? It's mind-boggling.

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

I know, and I have no problem with that. I get so tired of it being such a Big Deal, though, to the point that some folks even believe a woman will actually be lost for preaching the Gospel (or even testifying in church). Really? How can anyone actually believe that? It's mind-boggling.

I agree.

Their theology has become their idol and Savior, not Jesus.

While I think the topic is an important one, I definitely don't see it as a Gospel issue.