Women in ministry

[sistercindy]

Friends, my church is about to embark upon the "debate" of women in ministry, especially wanting to include women as deacons. I am on staff at my church as youth minister...(female youth minister, baptist church). I too have struggled with this doctrinal question...the questions raised in 1 Tim chapter 3.

I pray this issue doesn't split our church but i know there are many on both sides of this doctrinal question. Myself? I felt a strong leading 5 years ago to serve the youth in my community as youth minister. It's the strongest leading i've ever had from the Lord, a true calling by the Lord. My church completely supported me and voted me in....98% "yes" to vote me in. So i know the Lord calls women.... However on the subject of deacons in the church, this congregation differes greatly. I too, struggle with what the Lord wants us to do in the area of women as deacons. I'm prayerfully wrestling with this topic along with my church.

Would any of you be willing to give me your prayful insights on this topic? What has God revealed to you on this subject? How does the scripture read to you? Your interpretation please. God Bless!

[BlindSeeker]

I think Romans 16 settles the question -

Ro 16:1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant <diakonos> of the church which is at Cenchrea:

2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

Unfortunately, it can be argue at lengths both ways.

I would say deaconess is the highest biblical position for a woman in the church.

[OneLight]

I think Romans 16 settles the question -

Ro 16:1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant <diakonos> of the church which is at Cenchrea:

2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

Unfortunately, it can be argue at lengths both ways.

I would say deaconess is the highest biblical position for a women in the church.

The word succourer would refer to someone in the helps ministry. Another word would be soccorer. I agree that women play a very important role in the body, but the scripture that discusses the qualifications of a deacon speaks in the male sense. Men are to have authority over the church, as stated in both 1 Timothy 2-3 and Titus 1. Yes, this will put some people off, but it is the word of God. Their argument is with Him, for He moved His chosen to write scripture. The real trouble is when people try to read into His word what they wish they would say to appease themselves.

I have left churches for this same reason. God Bless and allow Him to show you His truth through His Spirit.

OneLight

[sistercindy]

yes my friends, i do agree.....i think the scripture is clear. But some would look at me and say, "why are you a youth minister then?" "on staff?"? I have felt the call of the Lord on my life in this area. I would never consider being pastor as i do beleive this crossed the line and is not supported by scripture. All I can do is follow my call. As for those in my church who wish to be deacons? And are women? I must leave it to them to read the scripture....follow as the Lord leads. I just pray our church follows biblical doctrine as given by our Lord in the Word.... As for me, I will do whatever the Lord wants me to do. Thanks for your input. I don't mean to be contradictary.... "yes" to women youth ministers and "no" to those wanting to be deacons... but i don't seek out to rule over men, I don't seek to be in authority over the work of the church...or rule over matters of the church, but i do seek to do the work the Lord has called me to do....youth ministry.. thanks again everyone, and God Bless. ( I still welcome all opinions on this subject, so feel free to add a reply or comment)

[BlindSeeker]

When Peter felt the need to establish the church office of deacon, it was because the practical needs of believers were becoming either neglected, or a burden on those who had greater responsiblities.

Ac 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

There are many needs within the church (always has been) were a woman of God would be a more appropriate servant/minister . . . to other women and children.

I believe Paul

[damo1]

this has been a hot topic all over the world and i have been involved in debates there are men who agree with what paul had to say but there are guys like my self who disagree with what paul had to say

my partner is a female pastor in the philippines and she has seven pastors working under her and not one person has said its wrong for a 32 yr old to be leading and teaching and equiping

what i am looking at when paul said what he said was it from god or was it from paul

also you need to remember back in those days the disciples were persecuted and paul was concerned he wanted the men to step up and he wanted the men to lead the reason he wanted the men to lead the men can handle what is thrown at them

he did not want any harm comming towards the women

paul would drag the leaders into the court yard and he would whip them and beat them

the men in the main church and in our new church we planted in la castellana support my partner they do what is asked of them with out saying it is wrong for a women to lead

also in my partners country it is the women that are more strong in the faith its the women that come to the prayer meetings the women support the pastor and the leadership teams the women also get involved in the crusades

what i have observed since i have been a christian has blown me away the churches that i visited i would only see the women with their kids comming to the sunday morning service where the husbands would stay at home and distance them selves

this will alway be a hot topic no matter how you look at what paul had to say in 1 corinthians 14 v 34 - 36 and in 1 timothy chapter 3

stay strong dont let no one look down on you

Jesus never came down hard on the women that supported him as it was the women who supported jesus not the men

i have had guys telling me i should tell my partner to step down and take on the role my self

i have also had guys try to rebuke me because i support my partner

i cant step into the role as head pastor

my partner has worked hard to get to wher she is and i told her you wil never have me telling you to step down but i will support you shield you the best way i can and i will always pray over you and stand in the gap for you

if men support what paul had to say hear is my question what are you doing do you come to the prayer meetings do you get involved do you lead by example no use whinning saying but paul said women must be silent

we challange our men in our churches in Australia as today men have gotten slack

sister keep the faith dont let no male tell you its a mans role

i am proud of my partner and i tell her every day i am proud off her

if it where not for our women our churches today would fall apart and many churches would be empty

men dont abuse your wifes dont be so pig headed if you feel that what paul had to say in 1 corninthians 14 v 34 - 36 was off god prove it was it god inspired or was it paul inspired ?

and please dont try to correct me or rebuke me because i support my partner and see this in a diffrent light

God bless from damo

[OneLight]

Damo Brother ... all scripture is God Breathed!

what i am looking at when paul said what he said was it from god or was it from paul

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

paul would drag the leaders into the court yard and he would whip them and beat them

Please show me where this is in the bible, Brother!

To stand beside the bible and know that it is of God is not looking down on anyone, Damo. We all have our place in church and it is not up to us to decide where that place will be. It is up to God, and He does not go against His own word.

I will not go any further with your post out of love.

In His Love,

Alan

[Guest LadyC]

damo, what do you mean by your "partner"? wife? business partner? co-pastor? i'm so confused.

[AnotherTraveler]

husband of one wife

Many times women do what needs to be done because men won't do their job. I commend those that step up to the plate and do the work, and if any have an issue, I suspect that one day some men will give an answer as to why they did not fulfill their own biblical role.

Think about it. If the wood needs splitting and the fire needs fed, would you rather freeze, because it's the man's job, or be thankful that a lady recognized the need and kept the weak from freezing?

God is not stupid. He can see extra effort for what it is, and no one will lose their reward.

[OneLight]

I don't mean to be contradictary.... "yes" to women youth ministers and "no" to those wanting to be deacons... but i don't seek out to rule over men, I don't seek to be in authority over the work of the church...or rule over matters of the church, but i do seek to do the work the Lord has called me to do....youth ministry..

I agree.