“God has always used women to shake kingdoms and call men to courage.” James Owen
I’ll never forget the time my husband and I were sitting in a mixed Sunday School class. There was a male leader, who taught very well. But when discussion was brought forth, I piped up with what was on my heart. I don’t suffer from shyness, I love to talk about the Bible. The teacher peppered me with questions about my viewpoint, but when the time came to pray to end the class, the leader looked right past me and asked my husband to pray. My husband gave him a look and said, “Why, my wife is way better at it.” Why? You may ask? The teacher didn’t believe that women should lead prayer in a mixed group. This is a theme that I have encountered for many years serving in the faith. I’ve served as an interim music minister many times, but was never offered the role of actual minister. I’ve served as a teacher, leader, preacher and other sundry roles, but only in an interim capacity. Why is that?
The Apostle Paul addressed the role of women in the church
In the book of I Timothy, Paul told the church to not allow the women to teach. Also, in I Corinthians 14 Paul told the women to remain silent and submissive. Now, this is an interesting and varied topic. In the interest of full disclosure, I am a traditional wife. I chose to stay home, raise our children and now, I continue that role as a wife. I do recognize my husband as the head of our family, he has the final say. He does however listen to my concerns and weighs them before making a decision. I do not see this as weak in any way, but rather a relationship of parity and an understanding of our different roles as a husband and wife.
Why did Paul tell the women to be silent?
Historically, there was a whole lot of crazy going on in the new church. Think about it, in the Jewish tradition, men and women were separated in worship, learning and in many aspects of life. Along came Jesus, to turn the tables of tradition and point to God’s pouring out His Spirit on all flesh. There was most likely a renewed sense of excitement to know that women could come into the fold of Jesus and learn of Him without the restraint of division that took place in traditional worship.
There was a reason for silence
Paul most likely told the women to be silent because they were unsure of their new roles, after all, the Scripture tells us in Galatians: There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one man in Christ Jesus.
Women have been powerful throughout Scripture
In the Old Testament there were women prophets, the first was Miriam. Women were judges, Deborah comes to mind. Esther was a Queen that saved the whole Jewish race! Rahab the prostitute helped the walls of Jericho come a tumbling down. In the New Testament, Mary carried the savior of the world in her womb. The woman at the well was the first evangelist, Mary Magdalene told the disciples that were hiding in fear that Jesus, the Lord of all, was risen!
Personally, I believe God in His Wisdom has such a magnificent plan for those who will answer the call. Feminism doesn’t have to be the “Nasty Woman” trope, rather it is a call that I read recently for women, the call is:
- Not to rebel, but to reign.
- Not to dominate, but to deliver.
- When a daughter picks up the Sword of the Word of God, hell remembers her name!
- Your fight is not against men but EVIL! How like the enemy to tear apart the home in the name of ugliness against men. Yes, evil exists, but in Christ, we are ambassadors of the faith!
God is looking for those to walk into their calling
Women- walk into your calling. Embrace it. Pray with consistency and faith for your husbands (or future mates). God’s plan is higher than any push towards militant feminism, the time has come as the Prophet Joel told us: I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.” Do not let the ideas of men put you in chains, rather, ask God to lead and guide you to work with all precious souls in the body. For me, I am not called to be a pastor, I know that. But you must seek the Lord to find your calling in the church. Paul was not forbidding service, rather he was calling for order in the church.
God used many mighty woman to bring me to my calling
Dear ones, I know this take may be controversial, but I want to tell you about the Reverend Pat Carver. She was my mentor, after that my dear adopted mother Charlotte filled that role (and still does). Pat Carver was a woman who travelled the world, she taught the Word of God with power and authority. The lame were healed, the Word went forth and she followed the voice of God. Her dear husband, George supported her at every turn. God uses those who are willing to step forth in mighty faith and listen. I too, am called to teach the Word. I have a legacy of faithful women who went before. Will you listen? The Spirit is calling in these interesting times. Go before Him who sits on the throne and trust Him to help you find your way in the church. You, dear one, are fearfully and wonderfully made with a calling from the foundation of the World. Selah.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In