We must learn to read scripture in the context of God’s
character. In the context of God’s
track record, it does not seem to me that He would ever choose someone or not
choose someone based on an unchangeable. God often picked people who were
unlikely choices from the beginning. I do not believe that God changes position
when it comes to choosing those who hold office in His church and I do not
believe that we should either.
To say that women cannot be elders and pastors
is to say that the feminine voice of God is not needed, not valid, and not
important. It is to say that God is only masculine. Are not pastors and elders
mere representatives of God? Do they not make decisions based on God’s word and
God’s character for God’s church? So then, why is it that women must be
excluded from such decisions? Because she would then be in “authority” over a
man? WHAT? That is ridiculous! The word says we should all submit to one
another out of reverence for Christ. So to suggest that a man should not be
subject under authority because someone is a woman is outrageous. Are you not
subject under the authority of your mother? Should a young man not submit to
house rules because his mother is a woman? Should his goal and upbringing be
rooted in rebellion because a woman should not have authority over a man?
Should the church suffer from relational lack because we refuse to allow a
woman to hold authority in the church? When the very nature of God that is
expressed through femininity is relationship? I have seen these churches run by
only men and the relational aspect suffers. People are hurt and feel
disconnected in church because there were no women in leadership. Point blank
period.
God created male and female in His image. Equally. Equal in
authority. Equal in importance. Equal in rank. You want to preach this
“equality” as though you include us only at a level that does not threaten your
manhood. Negro, I don’t want your position! I want to be free to walk in the
authority that God has given me. The authority to fill the earth and subdue it!
That command was given to us both, not only you. It is also my birthright to
subdue the earth and have dominion. My dominion is not subject to yours. I am
not subject to you. The Bible says that a wife should submit to HER OWN HUSBAND
not to every man in the world! C’mon, somebody read it in context. When Paul
says man is the head of the woman, he is speaking in the context of marriage,
not in the context of church leadership. If a woman is in submission to her
husband, then why are you bothering her about her calling? Her purpose has
everything to do with her marriage. Her husband understands it and supports
her. But you always got something to say.
In the very letter that Paul lines out the 5-fold ministry
He also says that in Christ there is no difference among us. There is no male
or female, Jew or Greek, slave or free. In Christ we are one in the same. Why?
Because we no longer live but Christ lives in us and through us.
In conclusion, I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I do not fit into
your definition of femininity. I’m sorry that my call to lead in the body of
Christ has somehow offended you. And I do apologize that you will see much less
of heaven on earth because of your narrow-minded view of God. But I am not
sorry and I will not apologize for who I am, the authority that I carry, and
the power that God has given me to be His feminine voice on this earth. I am
100% woman and 50% of God’s image on this earth. I will not be silenced, I will
not be benched, and I will not be timid. I will boldly proclaim the word of God
before women and men around this world. I will fiercely run into my calling. I
will lead. I will shepherd. I will love without conditions and I will govern
with wisdom. And if you don’t like it, get in line.
