Black Christians : Women Pastors...(from Oceolo)

[cherryblossom]

Here's a topic question for you

Is it biblical for women to be pastors ?

I recently saw excerpts from a documentary called "Every Soldier Counts"
that discusses this issue.

Thank you, Oceolo, for your contribution! I thought it better to make a new/separate thread with it, though.

I have, personally, wrestled with this same subject. I need further clarification myself as to the Biblical teachings/tenets of women pastors.

The main Biblical "bone of contention" is that women are not to have "spiritual teaching authority" over men. They can be "ministers of the gospel" or "prophesy" or be "helpers" but they are not to have "spiritual authority," i.e., pastors.

That is my present understanding of it. But, again, if there is further clarification out there, I'm all ears.

 

[cherryblossom]

oooh can I watch - my mother who was an evangelist had to debate this with my father who was a preacher. They ended up splitting because one thought the other was trying to hold them back or stop their ministry.

This would be interesting to see how this turns out if you two are not on one accord.

Peace

Ru2religious

Do you mean that your parents actually dissolved their marriage over this?!
Or did you mean that they had "spiritual" parting-of-the-ways and each had his and her own church?

Either way, I think it so sad that they could not, as Christians, fast and pray and study for resolution to this issue between them.

 

[Clyde C Coger Jr]

In the Spirit of Sankofa and the Truth!

Women Pastors...(from Oceolo)


Thank you, Oceolo, for your contribution! I thought it better to make a new/separate thread with it, though.

I have, personally, wrestled with this same subject. I need further clarification myself as to the Biblical teachings/tenets of women pastors.

The main Biblical "bone of contention" is that women are not to have "spiritual teaching authority" over men. They can be "ministers of the gospel" or "prophesy" or be "helpers" but they are not to have "spiritual authority," i.e., pastors.

That is my present understanding of it. But, again, if there is further clarification out there, I'm all ears.

This issue of women prophesying (preaching) is the so-called patriarchal aspect of Christianity, and is responsible for creating what appears as a rift with matriarchal aspects, and itself is very misunderstood, and never properly explained by most pastors.

Consider the words of Paul in I Corinthians 11: 6. It is these conditions that are never preached about nor fully explained in seminary schools of theology or the average church for that matter. For example, Women are not prohibited from praying or prophesying, they are however, required to be shorn if it is not shameful, but if it is shameful, then she should be covered. In that context, women probably should be shorn, for it is not shameful, in most cases.

In addition, when qualified men are not available and there are qualified women, they are expected to carry the load of pastors; hence, we have several female disciples cited in scripture. Be mindful however, that women prophesying or preaching is rare and under strict reservation, nevertheless, there are provisions allowing such. Otherwise, all that has been stated by sister cherryblossom is within the biblical context and applicable.

 

[cherryblossom]

This issue of women prophesying (preaching) is the so-called patriarchal aspect of Christianity, and is responsible for creating what appears as a rift with matriarchal aspects, and itself is very misunderstood, and never properly explained by most pastors.


In addition, when qualified men are not available and there are qualified women, they are expected to carry the load of pastors; hence we have several female disciples cited in scripture(s). Be mindful however, that women prophesying or preaching is rare and under strict reservation, nevertheless, there are provisions allowing such. Otherwise, all that has been stated by sister cherryblossom is within the biblical context and applicable.

Thank you for responding, Clyde. However, I have 2 questions.

1. You imply that "prophesying" and "preaching" are the same. But my Biblical understanding is not so. I thought that the gift of prophesy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit but that preaching is more in line with "spiritual teaching." ---Can you give me some Biblical support for your statement?

2. Again, I'd like some Biblical support for approval of women pastors when "qualified men are not available."

 

[Clyde C Coger Jr]

In the Spirit of Sankofa and the Truth!

Thank you for responding, Clyde. However, I have 2 questions.

1. You imply that "prophesying" and "preaching" are the same. But my Biblical understanding is not so. I thought that the gift of prophesy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit but that preaching is more in line with "spiritual teaching." ---Can you give me some Biblical support for your statement?

2. Again, I'd like some Biblical support for approval of women pastors when "qualified men are not available."

cherryblossom,

Definitively, and in addition to what you have spelled out as prophesying is the rare element of teaching and preaching. I am sure you have several good Bible dictionaries baring the same. As far as biblical support, we have the following Prophetess', which I alluded to, thinking you would recognize, Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, Isaiah's wife, Anna and Daughters of Phillip.

Again, the understanding is that these women also preached and taught as well, from time to time. Again, be mindful that common sense also speaks along with scripture. Do not overlook the point that these conditions are rare, if at all.

And sister, I am about to retire tonight, we will continue tomorrow, okay, if necessary.