Is there a need for distinction?

[Nahum]

I think so. The traditional stances we have held as Pentecostals are biblically based, and founded upon strong principle. There is always a lot of argument here at AFF regarding where lines should be drawn, but do you feel it's important to have SOME sort of line of demarkation between the way that men and women dress, and operate?

The number one issue I have faced in the church I pastor is women who control their husbands and therefore think they can control the pastor and the church. It is not that they demand equality, they want superiority. Complete dominance.

I have a real problem with that, and it ain't gonna fly around here.

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

I think so. The traditional stances we have held as Pentecostals are biblically based, and founded upon strong principle. There is always a lot of argument here at AFF regarding where lines should be drawn, but do you feel it's important to have SOME sort of line of demarkation between the way that men and women dress, and operate?

The number one issue I have faced in the church I pastor is women who control their husbands and therefore think they can control the pastor and the church. It is not that they demand equality, they want superiority. Complete dominance.

I have a real problem with that, and it ain't gonna fly around here.

Isa. 3:12 is being fulfilled before our eyes.

[Nahum]

They want to dress like a man, talk like a man, and even spiritually operate like a man. It's like a bunch of female lumberjacks.

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

Isa. 3:12 is being fulfilled before our eyes.

Is it because of a failure of our men?

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Is it because of a failure of our men?

Not sure that's it or just the failure of following the example that God has given for the structure of the home and the demands we put on ourselves to "have" everything.

I grew up in a nice three bedroom home with ONE bathroom and didn't think anything of it. Now if each person in the household doesn't have their own bath they feel deprived.

Because of this, most households have a working mom and dad. The woman has taken on part of the responsibility of providing for the family. It is a choice, but it's one that many of us make.

The working woman feels she has just as much say in the mechanics of the decision making in the home, thus given her a feeling of equality that can be carried into other parts of life, i.e. church, work, home, etc.

I've worked my whole married life. Many times I was the only one bringing in money out of necessity and I thank God I was able to. Would I have liked to stayed home and raised my children and been the perfect housewife - probably so.....didn't happen.

I remained submissive throughout my marriage and never felt superior to my husband and though he would discuss decision with me, he generally made the final decision. But, I will say for every wife that was like me, there are some out there that completely take on the role of the man in the house.

Is that her fault or the husband's? I don't know, but I do know that it's not the way God planned it to be.

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

Is it because of a failure of our men?

No, I don't think so. I think it's partly the spirit of the age. Sooner or later what is happening in the world affects the church.

This may seem simplistic but I think it's at least partly true.

Being a woman and taking responsibility and leadership role - whether in the home, the church or workplace - doesn't have to be synonymous with acting masculine. Most men don't like a woman who acts that way no more than most women liking a man who acts feminine.

[Coonskinner]

There is a need for distinction, PP.

When the distinction started breaking down in outward areas, it was simply a sign that there was breakdown on the inside too.

We should and must teach the distiction of role, attitude, and spirit, as well as appearance.

We are a tri-part being, body, soul, and spirit.

The distinction should be not only in appearance but in conduct and demeanor.

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

There is a need for distinction, PP.

When the distinction started breaking down in outward areas, it was simply a sign that there was breakdown on the inside too.

We should and must teach the distiction of role, attitude, and spirit, as well as appearance.

We are a tri-part being, body, soul, and spirit.

The distinction should be not only in appearance but in conduct and demeanor.

I agree!

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

Not sure that's it or just the failure of following the example that God has given for the structure of the home and the demands we put on ourselves to "have" everything.

I grew up in a nice three bedroom home with ONE bathroom and didn't think anything of it. Now if each person in the household doesn't have their own bath they feel deprived.

Because of this, most households have a working mom and dad. The woman has taken on part of the responsibility of providing for the family. It is a choice, but it's one that many of us make.

The working woman feels she has just as much say in the mechanics of the decision making in the home, thus given her a feeling of equality that can be carried into other parts of life, i.e. church, work, home, etc.

I've worked my whole married life. Many times I was the only one bringing in money out of necessity and I thank God I was able to. Would I have liked to stayed home and raised my children and been the perfect housewife - probably so.....didn't happen.

I remained submissive throughout my marriage and never felt superior to my husband and though he would discuss decision with me, he generally made the final decision. But, I will say for every wife that was like me, there are some out there that completely take on the role of the man in the house.

Is that her fault or the husband's? I don't know, but I do know that it's not the way God planned it to be.

Great post Renda!

I see men who won't get an education or work so the woman steps in to pick up the slack. She becomes accustomed to filling that role and carries it over into church and everything else. It's a complete breakdown.

On the otherhand, I see men who are hardworking and quite educated who's wives simply have a manipulating and overbearing spirit.

All of this makes delegating leadership roles very hard for a pastor.

[Nahum]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

There is a need for distinction, PP.

When the distinction started breaking down in outward areas, it was simply a sign that there was breakdown on the inside too.

We should and must teach the distiction of role, attitude, and spirit, as well as appearance.

We are a tri-part being, body, soul, and spirit.

The distinction should be not only in appearance but in conduct and demeanor.

Amen. There is now a move to flaunt the body even in the church. It stems from being empowered and liberated. In the past few months I have been shocked at some of the things I have seen in the fellowship from "traditional" Pentecostals.