Comments:

I am a Southern Baptist and have held various positions in the churches I attended. I aslo have been a Ministry Assistant in three churches in the Columbia Metro Area. I was appalled when I heard that this book was to be pulled from shelves. I love missions and three of the southern baptist missionaries were women.

I believe that what really counts is spreading the word to the lost, whether man or woman and it won't just be the women that have to be held accountable. I would assume that there may be more women going to heaven than men, but that is just my opinion.



posted by LauraEpley  @ Sunday, September 21, 2008

In I Timothy 2:12 Paul states, "But I suffer not a woman to teahc, nor usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence." The key word in this verse is "usurp" which is properly diefined in every dictionary as "to seize and hold, as the power, position, or rights of another, without legal right or authority; take possesion of by force..."

I have 3 questions:

1) If a woman is ordained as a pastor, bishop, apostle, etc. was she "given authority" or did she "usurp" (or take by force or without permission or legal right) authority over someone else (especially men)?
2) If the pastor was a woman, are the souls that were saved under her leadership nullified by the fact that their pastor was a woman?
3) Does god even care that the pastor is a woman, when she is winning souls to the Kingdom of God?

(To answer questions 2 and 3, read Galatians 3:26-28, Luke 2:36-38!)

posted by Carlos Sims  @ Friday, September 19, 2008

I just wanted to set the record straight. I just purchased a copy of the current Gospel Today magazine. The place where this was done was called, Lifeway Christian Bookstore. Apparently, not all stores agree with women not being pastors.

posted by seaste  @ Thursday, September 18, 2008

Perhaps it's a false interpretation of the word "leadership" that sparked this kind of antagonism. Leadership is not rulership but servantship. Whether you're called to be a lawyer, a policeman, a politician, a pastor, an evangelist, a carpenter, a writer, a nurse, a journalist, a sales person, an internet service provider, a firefighter, etc. you're called to serve people not rule over them. A pastor or shepherd obtains the sheep's diet (message from God) from the chief shepherd (Jesus) to feed the sheep and lead them in the direction of the voice of the chief shepherd. The pastor is called to serve the sheep--feed, care for and nurture the sheep. Jesus who told His disciples that the one who is to be the greatest must be a servant gave Peter the mandate to feed His sheep, not rule over them. If we understand leadership as service as examplified by Jesus who fed souls with the word, fed the hungry with food, healed the sick, washed the disciple's feet, we wouldn't be fighting over whether or not a woman should be a pastor. We don't know the problem the early church had that prompted Paul's instructions to the women. The women may have been in rebellion to their husbands and didn't want to stay under their husband's authority at home. Like I said earlier God only recognizes gender in family and doesn't recognize it in callings because it's outside of family responsibilty. If Kathryn Kulman hadn't answered her call, imagine where the huge number of people and the almost endless chain of ministers and ministries that were influenced by her ministry would be. Let's remain in the specific calling in which each of us was called and understand it's a call to service. If you interpret leadership as rulership, you'd most likely object to a woman answering a God-given call of leadership; however if you interpret leadership as servantship you wouldn't raise an eyebrow.

posted by Worldchamp  @ Thursday, September 18, 2008

Here's a scripture that validates my point about serving as opposed to ruling or "being in charge."

Matthew 23: 8-12 (MSG): "Don't let people do that to you, put you on a pedestal like that. You all have a single Teacher, and you are all classmates. Don't set people up as experts over your life, letting them tell you what to do. Save that authority for God; let him tell you what to do. No one else should carry the title of 'Father'; you have only one Father, and he's in heaven. And don't let people maneuver you into taking charge of them. There is only one Life-Leader for you and them—Christ. Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you'll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you're content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty.”

Listen to God and find out where He wants you to serve and how He wants you to serve, and serve well.

posted by Worldchamp  @ Thursday, September 18, 2008

I do not want to see Gospel Today Magazine lose financially this month on this months' issue of having women Pastor's on the front of the magazine. I know several of these Pastors and have heard the majority of them minister the word of God and what I do know without a shout of a doubt about these women if they weren't called to minister they would have never walked in this calling that God has placed in there life.
There has to be something that Streaming Faith or Gospel Today magazine can do for example; why not set up on Streaming Faith or Gospel Today website where you can click and order this magazine and it sent to your home; so you don't lose any money matter of fact I do believe that this will be your best seller and you'll have to go back and print more copies.
It's only a suggestion.
Thanks.
Chinita Newman

posted by With all Sincerity  @ Thursday, September 18, 2008

I deeply regret that we still have so many unlearned people in this world. Are you telling me that it is okay for a woman to hold a top political office leading people in all directions inculding the possibilty to hell and a woman can not pastor a congregation with the sole intent of leading them to our Lord and Savior? Come on people. we are living in the last days. Read Joel 2:28. And remember we are niether male nor female in eyes of our Lord but spirits housed in a body wiith a soul to be saved.Let me remind you that there will not be any denomiations in heaven but only believers who are holy and pure and have not rejected Jesus God's only begotten son.
Stay encourage and remember God is still in control.

Rev. Loretha Johnson-Blalock,R.N.
Thomasville,Ga.

posted by boldness8  @ Thursday, September 18, 2008

I am no Theologian in the world's sense but I am 'taught of God.' This is what I read in scripture. 'I permit no woman to teach nor to usurp authority.' (1 Tim 2:12) Is this just 'chauvinist' Paul giving his opinion? No. The answer is much like what Jesus gave on divorce. Have you not read how it was in the beginning? 'For Adam was first formed, then Eve and Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.' Please note that Paul is writing as an ordained preacher, apostle in Christ (who is not lying) and a teacher to the ethnic groups of the world (1Tim 2:7). This is not a cultural issue only relevant to Jews. This injunction is in a 'husband' and 'wife' context. A married woman should never take authority over her husband. Adam and Eve were husband and wife. After the fall, Eve's desire would always be to master her husband and Adam's was to tyranise his wife but on regeneration 'wives submit to your husbands and husbands love your wives.' My understanding is that wives should not be in the habit of teaching their husbands the things of God. They can preach (a different Greek word from teaching), evangelise and pastor. But any authority they exercise should be in submission to their husbands. What about unmarried women? Older women must be 'teachers of good things...teach the younger women.' (Titus 2:3,4) The word translated 'older women' is presbutidas, the feminine form of presbutas. I believe that this is not older women in physical age but 'in the Lord.' These are female church elders. However, the human overall charge of the church, the bishop (episkopalen) must be a man (1 Tim 3:1-8). Women can be pastors and teachers and evangelists but under the earthly authority of a male episkopalen. They may be politically correct in this wicked and adulterous generation, but non-church based, one-man or woman ministries are not biblical. By church I mean a local body of believers to which one is accountable for fellowship and discipline.

posted by ngomac  @ Thursday, September 18, 2008

Don't be discourage, this is just a set up for a greater elevation for Gospel Today, this magazine is God inspire and led, so remember what God has promise will come to pass. As for Life way just be in prayer for them, no sense in bad mouthing, just prayer.

posted by tlimlams@hotmail.com  @ Wednesday, September 17, 2008

I am so Godly hurt to discover this position from a Christian organization as it applies to the recent Gospel Today magazine. It proves that they are identical to the Pharisees exemplifying religiosity and manipulating Scripture for their WORLDLY gain. "...your sons AND daughters shall prophesy" Is that not the WORD of God? The message to the seven churches in Revelation admonishes those who say they are of the Lord Jesus Christ to beware of their actions done in His name. "...harden not your hearts" Southern Baptist Convention! To show the conflict of their standard: They support and promote Beth Moore. Her work is evangelistic, spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ; ministering to souls, as the pastor does. She is not bound in her works to any certain church and conveniently seems to carry out these works in general facilities. Yet, in their own manipulated biases, because she is not bound by title, their organization has deemed her works approved. Hypocritical to say the least. If she were to hold the title to support the work she does, what then would their position become? Dig into the Scriptures deeper - these references were the OPINION of Paul, Timothy, etc....NOT the mandate of the Lord! In the order of Spiritual things, woman is not denied the right to spread the Gospel (Mary Magdalene and women upon seeing Christ in ascension; Matthew 28), yet in doing all things must be obedient the call of God and submissive to His authority first and then man's.

A Woman under the Lord's Authority.

posted by The Kingz Daughter  @ Tuesday, September 16, 2008

I was licensed to ministry at the age of 30 and ordained at the age 33. I am a 61 yr old black female. I have been involved in ministry since 1974, 38 yrs of service. I do know about being discriminating against. When I attend certain churches (outside of my local church community), I am addressed by appropiate titles, I have been invited to participate in their communion services, say prayers, read scriptures, etc. I have been a member of local churches in my community. I have never been asked to serve communion. Rarely, I have been asked to pray, read scripture, etc. From the church background I originally come from, I am considered an "Elder," which means I have the rite to serve communion, to perform weddings, funerals just like an ordained male minister in many mainline denominations. Space will not permit to list the different type of ministries I have been involved in. Presently, I do have some serious health problems, which do not permit me be as involved as I was previously. However, in the locality in which I live, I am rarely addressed as an "Elder." This is not about recognition of title, it is about the lack of recognition of the function that God called me to. I do believe that the call to the ministry is not based on gender. I was trained under a woman pastor who now deceased. It is a sad commentary when a bookstore pulls a magazine bcause there's an article about 5 women pastors. It just underscores the lack of discernment that still exist among those who call themselves believers. It is my prayer that we really learn how to discern the Body of Christ w/its many members.


posted by ANNAGRACE  @ Monday, September 15, 2008

The first leadership role a woman took on, was in the garden of Eden. Eve took the initiative, was deceived, then Adam "hearkened" unto her voice. It should be needless to say God frowned on that severely. You want to talk about prejudice? Here's a completely sexist statement? "Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire [shall be] to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee." Gen. 3:16. Paul gives the dimensions of a church leader, which he does not call a pastor, but a Bishop. These qualifications for a bishop are often difficult to fulfill, no doubt this is why most "church leaders" prefer to be called pastors, likely feeling less responsibility in shepherding their flocks. This responsibility being - "rightly dividing the Word". Paul made it clear the leader of a church is not to be a woman. Also, "I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety." 1 Tim. 2:8-15. If you don't like the way things are, talk to Eve. Doing as you please is rebellion, which you should know God frowns on that severely also - "For rebellion [is as] the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness [is as] iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee..." 1 Sam. 15:23

posted by PorterIII  @ Monday, September 15, 2008

WOW, WOW, it is to bad that the church is still prejudice, we tell the world to look at us and we the church is worst then the world. May God forgive the church leaders of Lifeway christian store, we are so busy standing in front of abortion clinic's tell those people they are wrong and yet we in the church say if your women you can't Wow thank God that i am saved because of the church but it sure does show why the world dont want our God. Jesus said that the world would know us because of our love.

posted by tblack53@triad.rr.com  @ Monday, September 15, 2008

God may have recognized gender when he was dishing out callings before the death and resurrection of Christ but ceased to do so after Christ's ressurection because the bible says that in Christ there's neither male nor female (Galatians 3:28). None of us will be going to heaven as male or female because there's no marriage in heaven. On Judgment Day none of us will be standing as male or female to receive our rewards. God only recognizes gender in marriage and family and that's the only reason we have male and female terrestrial bodies and outside of family when we're talking about callings there's no such thing as male or female. Throughout the bible we discover that whenever God wanted to reveal a person's calling to him/her he never called a press conference, He revealed it to the person alone. So how can you judge an individual when you weren't there when God was talking to the person and didn't hear what God said to the person. If God didn't consider your prescence important when He was revealing the person's calling to him/her then He sure doesn't consider your opinion important. All I'd say is that we should all make sure that we're on a path led by God's voice not our mind's or someone else's voice. When Jesus appeared to Rev. Hagin to assess him He overlooked the 12yrs he pastored and set records for soulwinning and church growth because he wasn't called to be a pastor. He was called to be a teacher and a prophet and led by God's voice he later went into field ministry with the specific command to teach faith. In Rev. Hagin's testimony Jesus defined faithfulness as saying to the people what He (Jesus) asked him to say and doing what He asked him to do. So we have to heed His voice, not our mind's or someone else's if we must hear on Judgment Day, "Well done thou good and faithful servant."

posted by Worldchamp  @ Monday, September 15, 2008

Junia (Romans 16:7): In this verse we see Paul sending greetings to Andronicus and Junia, his "fellow-prisoners" who are of note among the apostles. Junia is a woman's name. In some modern translations, an "s" has been added (Junias) because the translators were so sure a woman could not be an apostle, that they assumed a copyist has accidentally dropped the "s." However the proper male ending would have been "ius," not "ias." No church commentator earlier than the Middle Ages questioned that Junia was both a woman and an apostle.



posted by Tijuana35  @ Monday, September 15, 2008

WOMEN AS MINISTERS
As a matter of fact, the Bible mentions a prophetess who was in the Temple when Jesus was brought there as a baby. Her name was Anna (Luke 2:25-36), and she was one of two people who recognized Jesus as the Messiah because of her sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
Euodia and Syntyche (Philippians 4:2-3): Here we see reference to two women who were "true yokefellow" and who labored with Paul in the advancement of the gospel




posted by Tijuana35  @ Monday, September 15, 2008

Why I'm not Baptist

posted by musicministry  @ Monday, September 15, 2008

Paul the Apostle spoke that a woman should not "teach" in the church, but he was ok with them teaching the women in the Body of Christ. In those times men were educated and there were many who were willing to step up to the challenge and meet the call of God in their lives. Things have changed. Men are not rising to the occasion in many places. Now, the Lord raised up female Judges in the times of the Judges to reach the hearts of the people because the men He was grooming for the positions would not step up. If a "man" will not do the work of the Lord and take the mantle on of Pastor, then let the woman who have the call, giftings, grace and wisdom Pastor those who are willing to submit to them in love. Every act of faith by a man or woman that points men here on this earth to God's Holy Hill is a good thing. Let God arise, and if He choose to arise through a woman so be it. Men if you don't like the woman Pastoring..... THEN GET YOUR ACTS TOGETHER AND TAKE YOUR PLACE IN THE BODY OF CHRIST. It is true that the Lord has designed His Kingdom to be aligned in a certain way because of the fall and the deception. But where are the men? Step up! Step up! Step UP! God is soveriegn and He DEVISES means so that His banished ones can return to Him. Now beware the leaven of the Pharisees!

posted by patrickholmstock  @ Monday, September 15, 2008

I agree, I feel that man has taken upon himself the role of God in some instances , man wants to say who will be used by God or who will be used to preach his word, when in reality your spirit feels the call to preach or teach or any other ministry the Lord places n your heart, and it is your duty to pursue it, and live obedient to God not to man.

posted by firemedic2143  @ Monday, September 15, 2008

How sad. What gives anyone the right to say who God has called to preach or Pastor?God does the calling, not man.

posted by lynne82@msn.com  @ Monday, September 15, 2008

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