Women Pastors

[Kabowd]

If it is o.k. for a woman to go out as a missionary to a foreign field, to essentially take a leadership role in / initiate the work of the church in

other countries and cultures,

why would it be it a problem for a woman to take on the

role of leadership within the 'western' churches?

The question should not be viewed based on culture, but based on scripture. As I stated above, spreading the gospel (ie. being a missionary, teaching, etc) is NOT a position of authority.

A missionary is not the same as a pastor, they are two very different roles. See my reference to the word "overseer" above.

[Orr v'emet]

Deb I am going to ask you take Tess' questions on should you feel led. I know you know the verses and contexts much better than I but I feel it is important to address it from scripture as requested!

[apothanein kerdos]

The Bible is quite plain that in a church setting women are not suppose to hold authority over men....

[apothanein kerdos]

Also, are the above responces really needed or helpful? Telling someone, "Oh, you take them on".

Let's show some maturity.

[irishcowboy]

ok,

how about testing their fruits????

are they bringing in souls? or are they lip service????

the same should go with men also, is that man preaching make me feel good preaching???? or are his fruits lasting?????

what are the fruits of the labors of those that are "in charge" of a congregation???

is the woman doing as God has called her???? or is the man doing as God has called him????

what are we all told to do??? go out and preach the WORD.....

spread the Gosple of Jesus Christ......

mike

[Shelby]

Tess,

Many things to think on, but first, a missionary is a position of authority. I ahve been one, and have many friends who are. Being in The Salvation Army as my church, we are in more than 100 countries, and in alot of those place a woman is in charge.

Although I do not want to go picking and choosing scriptures, but where in the Bible is there even a church that is set up like todays church? Many Holy men and women have followed the will of God to come to the point they are, as has the church.

In the end, I think the message many of us are trying to convey is, God will lead those who he Wills to be Ministers. Who are we to question who he can use and cannot? I cannot remember a time that I didn't feel called to go into the ministry. If God did want it to happen he could have stopped me in my tracks long ago. I knew since I was 13 or 14 that I was called to be a minister. I entered seminary upon my 20th birthday, and was ordained at 22. There was so much that happened in between those years in my life that could have taken me an entirely different direction. But it didn't. All of it lead me straight to seminary. ALL OF IT. God had his hand in it all. I guess it is a non issue in my church. I have never had a person express their concern of me being in the pulpit instead of a man.

I do believe that to take the scriptures that you quoted into context and cultural context, you will see that God does not spell it out that women cannot be pastors. Yes those of us who are married are under the Spiritual Authority of our husbands. That meaning that our husbands are responsible for the spiritual health of our family, and in that we should submit to that authority and be an encouragement to his ministry in our family. But there is alot of culture in that scripture.

All scripture picking aside, consider the message of our Lord Jesus Christ. "Whosoever may be saved", well I also believe that if he were to login and type a message he would say, "and whosoever may lead them to the saving knowledge of being a child of God."

I understand you want scriptural backing for women becoming pastors. But those who are called, and are women, to suggest that it is not Biblical is to question their sincerity, and integrity.

I know without a doubt that I am called to be a minister. God has laid that on my heart daily for many years. It was never a choice of mine, it has always been an immediate consecration to do as the Lord asks me. And I am extremely happy and humbled to do that.

I do not mean to sound hurt or anything, I am not. I feel no need to be defensive or take this personally. I feel confident in what God has laid upon my heart. If God calls me, He certainly can call anyone, who am I, but a servant of the living God.

[Orr v'emet]

Also, are the above responces really needed or helpful? Telling someone, "Oh, you take them on".

Let's show some maturity.

We have been carrying on here in the spirit of love and unity despite differing beliefs. If you have come to insult and bring a spirit unlike Christ perhaps you should spread that elsewhere.

BTW, great post Shelby. I do think that's what we are all getting at. :hug:

[apothanein kerdos]

Name one time that God went against His Word.

[Shelby]

Also, are the above responces really needed or helpful? Telling someone, "Oh, you take them on".

Let's show some maturity.

SJ

I think this was out of respect. Most of us know that Called is one who has great wisdom and those of us who have known Deb know that she is very eloquent and is able to answer better than we are able at the moment. It was a very honorable gesture.

[Shelby]

Name one time that God went against His Word.

Lets not. I think it was more the tone, but we all understand most of us have strong beliefs on this subject so lets all play nice.