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Category: Women

Should women preach?

Question:

The question of women pastors/preachers have been a hot debate among Christians especially the evangelicals.  I do believe that everyone whether man or woman has the freedom to do the work of God, if that work is done with the sincerity of heart.  The gift of the Holy Spirit is given to both men and women in the New Testament. This is what makes the New Testament a New Testament rather than the Old Testament in which women did not have such privileges. As a Christian I personally believe that God can  call anyone to be an instrument in His vineyard whether male or female to bring souls to His kingdom.   God gave women  the same privileges and opportunities as men, given in   the New Testament. Relegating women to second-class citizenship was abolished when Jesus Christ died on the cross.  As it says in Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” In Matthews 28:19, Jesus Christ gave commissions to His followers (i.e. both men and women) “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things, that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.Amen.” Are we counting women out of this Great commission?  Do your ministry believe in sending single women out as missionaries or church planters? If they are missionaries in foreign lands and they won souls for the kingdom, will they have to wait for a man comes before they start a church and become the pastor of such a church?   As far as women in the pulpit, in the Book of Acts, you will find that Philip and four of his  daughters were preachers (Acts 21:8-9).   I think we should focus our attention on what is building a strong church rather than what wants to tear the church down by petty arguments.  I am a Christian (born-again), strong Bible believer and my focus is on winning  souls for the kingdom not on whether women are pastors or not.  If God wants to use women to preach His Good News as to bring souls to His kingdom, whom am I to say No.Continue reading

Should women run for school boards, township positions, senators, representatives, or President of the United States ?

Question:

I was pointed to your page incidentally and have been fascinated with the wonderful, Scriptural responses you have provided. I thank God for this work and, through Him, you. But I do have a question and pray you can help me: I am a member of ___________ Church in __________ NY. We are an independent, Bible-believing church. One of our important ministries is an Elementary School, ______________ Christian Academy. (All the more important because we are in a belt of strong Roman Catholic influence.) The oversight for this school is a school board, which is subordinate to our Elders. Two of the elders sit on the board in a liaison capacity. I am a member of the school board and the treasurer of the school. Several women are also members of the school board. In fact, our board governing documents prescribe that at least one member of each gender (provided we have a quorum, of course) must be members of the board. Is this right? (I do not believe it is.) I believe there is ample Scripture which shows this should not be. It is an issue I have raised just recently in our search for new members–since the term of service for two has just expired. The initial reaction from an elder was that the prohibitions concerning women pertain only to the church, by which he means our assemblage on Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, etc. In light of Scripture which speaks to the role of women in the churches and in general, I cannot reconcile the membership of women on our school board. It is a ministry of our church. Our discussions are grounded in Scripture, which we use always as our guide. Consider that a woman may sit as an equal on the school board with her husband. Or a woman may take headship over the men on the board as the Chair(woman). Could you please help me by scripturally articulating the reasons for which this should not be, or, if I am wrong, in showing me scripturally why I am wrong. As even the churches slide deeper into apostasy, I pray we are able to continue to be a light unto the world. Perhaps I have overstayed my welcome, but if I may also ask… Is it permissible for women to speak during Bible studies? You have noted in one of your studies that a Bible study is not the church because it does not have an ordained head, per se. Even so, it seems uncomely for women to debate Scripture and express their feelings during a Bible study which includes men. Your very introduction to this section of your site directs women to ask their husbands at home or have them ask a question for them. This seems to support my understanding. How, again, can I express this Scripturally? I must thank you for this site. Yes, I thank the Lord for all He has worked through you, and that you are obedient in your pursuits. I am immensely grateful. This is a site I will willingly share with others. Your brother in Christ.Continue reading