Women, Called and Serving in Leadership

Egal Humor

My 17 year old son asked me this question, “In churches where men and women are separated why do the men get to sit on the right and the women are seated to the left?”

Just off the top of my head this reply came flooding out of me — “Men are seated to the right in these churches because men are thought to have all the God given rights of authority and dominion. Men are seated to the right because they are considered as having the right to make all decisions. Women are seated to the left because they are considered to be just plain old left out.”

My answer made us all laugh — and then have a good discussion of gender equality in the church.

Considering Mary

An excellent point was added to our discussion of Mary by KR Wordgazer on the Egalitarian Christian Alliance Forum.

Quote (KR Wordgazer) “the angel did not think it necessary to go to Joseph, or to Mary’s father, first. God dealt directly with Mary as an independently moral being.”

While I was dwelling on KR’s words I realized that Mary also did not find it necessary to first get her father’s are Joseph’s permission to accept the call of God. Mary accepted the call of God as an independent moral being – one who was well able to make a life decision for herself by herself.

What liberty we are finding as we consider Mary.

Consider Mary

As I prayed this morning I thanked God for revealing Mary as an example of heeding the call of God to service/ministry. As I prayed I saw again the shining example Mary is to all Christians – both male and female. Mary upon hearing God’s call (call = God’s revealed plan for how He desired to use her for His purposes) readily received and accepted God’s plan of use. May we do likewise. May we respond, “Yes, Lord!”

God’s call — His revealed plan for our use according to His purposes — to Mary is no different than His call to each of us today. God is still revealing to us as individuals His plan of how He desires to use us for His purposes. May we respond, “Yes, Lord!” as He speaks and reveals His will for each of us.

Last night as I considered Mary I realized God’s call on her life included so much more. God’s call on Mary’s life was so much more than the only task we’ve ascribed to her of carrying Jesus in her womb and giving birth to Him.

She was with Him through it all. She loved, nurtured, and trained Him as a child. She was not only with Him from the beginning of His ministry at the wedding in Cana (according to the gospel of John) but she was the instigator of its start through her faith in Him as she pushed for Him to publicly do something about the need for wine. (I see so much analogy here of our need for the new wine of the Holy Spirit which is only available through Jesus.) She was with Him all the way to the very end at the cross. Her call does not end there but continues on as His disciple in the upper room.

I am learning so much as the Lord has taken me to this place of considering Mary.

Mary

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is the first woman of the New Testament who responded to the call of God upon her life to service and ministry.

(Matthew 1:16) Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah.

The words “by whom” are feminine singular. These words clearly indicate that Jesus was born of Mary (singular) and not born of a union between Joseph and Mary.

God births His greatest work – the salvation of mankind – the reconciliation of mankind to Himself – through a woman.

God chose to birth His plan for salvation and reconciliation through a woman’s service (ministry) to Him.

God’s greatest work – the salvation of mankind – the reconciliation of mankind to Himself – began with a woman CALLED by God and who RECEIVED and ACCEPTED the call of God on her life.

In Luke 1:26-37 we read of the angel Gabriel sent from God to the virgin Mary, who was in the city of Nazareth. The angel Gabriel speaks to Mary and tells her of God’s plan (call) to use her to birth the promised Messiah. Mary questioned the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel Gabriel explained to Mary the conception would take place through the Holy Spirit coming upon her and the power of God overshadowing her.

In verse 38 we read of Mary receiving and accepting the call of God on her life.

(Luke 1:38) And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is the first of many women in the New Testament who responded to the call of God upon their lives to service and ministry.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is the first of many women in the New Testament who upon hearing the call of God received and accepted His call and gave their life in service (ministry) to Him.

Dawn Wilson Bio

Author and Bible teacher, Pastor Dawn Wilson empowers the body of Christ to arise as warriors who accomplish effective spiritual warfare.

Pastor Dawn Wilson pastors Mighty Warrior Church in Athens, Alabama, with her husband Pastor Randy Wilson. She also ministers as a conference speaker and seminar leader through her ministry Dawn Wilson Ministries.

Dawn has been described as a dynamic and powerful speaker who brings the Word of God to life with precision and clarity that is easily understood.

As a speaker Dawn sounds the battle cry for all women of God to get in their position on the battlefield and become a force for God against the enemy who is bent on destroying our families and our value system. She has a heart and passion for God and ministers a powerful message of hope and encouragement —much needed by women of today.

Dawn is ordained as a pastor through Gospel Ministers and Churches International.

For more information on Pastor Dawn Wilson visit her website at www.dawnwilsonministries.org

Contact Dawn at:
dawn@dawnwilsonministries.org
dawnwilsonministries@yahoo.com

Women, Get in the Army of God

Women, Get in the Army of God
By Dawn Wilson

The battle cry is sounding! The wall separating women from the Lord’s service is brought down by author Dawn Wilson.

Women, Get in the Army of God urges all Christians, but especially women to “report for duty” in God’s army. There are divine orders and assignments for all His children. This timely book written by a former soldier herself, leads “new recruits” through the training of boot camp to the battlefields of spiritual warfare. “Fall in” – there is victory ahead!

Women, Get in the Army of God presents a clear message that all can serve God through joining His Army.

Women, Get in the Army of God speaks a powerful message to all women to become the whole, restored woman God intended for you to be.

Available: www.dawnwilsonministries.org www.tatepublishing.com www.amazon.com www.CBD.com www.target.com www.barnesandnoble.com

1 John 1

The Apostle John begins the epistle 1John with gender neutral words when speaking of those who went forth and proclaimed and announced the good news of the gospel of Christ.

1John 1:1-5 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life– 2 and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us– 3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. 5 This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.

I will break this section of scripture down by removing the added words of the translators.

Verse 1 What was from the beginning, what heard, what seen our eyes, what looked at and touched our hands concerning the Word of Life

Was it only those of the male gender who were with Jesus from the beginning, who heard and saw with their eyes, who beheld Him and touched Him?

No, it was not. Women as well as men traveled with Jesus from the very beginning. Women as well as men heard and saw with their eyes. Women as well as men beheld and touched Him.

Acts 13:31-32 and for many days He appeared to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, the very ones who are now His witnesses to the people. 32 “And we preach to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers,
Women as well as men had come up with Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem.

Matthew 27:55-56 Many women were there looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee while ministering to Him. 56) Among them was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

Mark 15:40-41 there were also some women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the Less and Joses, and Salome. 41 When He was in Galilee, they used to follow Him and minister to Him; and there were many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem.

Luke 23:49 And all His acquaintances and the women who accompanied Him from Galilee were standing at a distance, seeing these things.

Both men and women came up to Jerusalem from Galilee with Jesus – thus Paul testifies these women who did so now go forth and preach the good news of Jesus Christ.

Verse 2 and the life manifested and seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and manifested to us

Jesus – the life – was manifested and seen by both men and women. These men and women went forth testifying and proclaiming the eternal life with God had made manifest to them.

Verse 3 what seen and heard proclaim to you, that you also have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.

The men and women who were with Jesus went forth proclaiming what they had seen and heard. They did so that ALL would be in fellowship with one another, with God, and with Jesus.

Verse 4 These things write to you, that our joy be complete.

Verse 5 This is the message heard from Him and proclaim to you, that God is Light, and in Him is no darkness at all.

Women, as well as men, were going forth and proclaiming the message that God is Light and in Him is no darkness at all.

John is this epistle DOES NOT limit the proclaiming of the gospel / the preaching of the good news of Christ / the carrying of the message of Christ to men alone.

John used gender neutral words when speaking of those who freely went forth proclaiming and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. He did so because women were not limited from full participation in the work of the kingdom. He did so because women were not limited from proclaiming and announcing the good news of Jesus Christ. He did so because women were not limited from preaching the message the had received from Jesus.

1 Corinthians 14

Let’s continue looking at what Paul has to say concerning the use of spiritual gifts and the issue of gender.

We saw in our discussion of 1 Cor. 12 that Paul spoke of both genders – male and female – receive spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit. We saw that these spiritual gifts included gifts of utterance – the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, and prophesy.

We concluded the act of silencing of women in the church is in direct conflict with the intended purposes of the Holy Spirit who gifts women to prophesy and to speak.

Paul also instructed ALL to earnestly desire the greater spiritual gifts. These greater gifts listed in 1 Cor. 12:28-31 include apostles, prophets, and teachers.

We found no gender limitations given by Paul as he instructed ALL to earnestly seek the greater spiritual gifts.

Paul then turns his discourse to show a still more excellent way, which is found in 1 Cor. 13. Paul instructs the church in the excellent way of love. The point of his instruction is that the use of spiritual gifts is to be filled with love – with out love they are empty.

Paul turns the discourse once again as he instructs the church to “pursue love, yet, desire earnestly spiritual gifts” in 1 Cor. 14:1.

Paul continues in 1 Corinthians 14 to use gender neutral words as he instructs the church to “earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.”

1 Corinthians 14:1 Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.

The KJV erroneously adds the gender specific word “he” where it does not exist in the original text. Paul uses gender neutral words as he continues his discourse on spiritual gifts.

1Cor 14:2-5 (NASB) For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation. 4 One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying.

The NASB correctly uses the neutral gender word of “one” in verse 2. The Greek word translated as “men” in verse 2 is a gender neutral word meaning “human kind”. The gender specific word of “his” and “he” in verse 2 are added words, they do not exist in the original text.

Paul says in verse 2 that anyone (man or woman) who speaks in a tongue does not speak to human kind, but to God; for no one understands, but in spirit speak mysteries.

The NASB correctly uses the neutral gender word of “one” in verse 3. Again the Greek word translated as “men” in verse 3 is a gender neutral word meaning “human kind”.

Paul says in verse 3 that anyone (man or women) who prophesies speaks to human kind for edification and exhortation and consolation.

The NASB correctly uses the neutral gender word of “one” in verse 4. The Greek word translated as “himself” is a gender neutral word meaning “himself or herself”.

Paul says in verse 4 that anyone (man of women) who speaks in a tongue edifies “himself or herself”: but anyone who prophesies edifies the church.

Paul is clearly says in verse 4 women prophesy – SPEAK – in the church. Verse 4 nullifies all doctrines of men which state that “women do prophesy, they just do so outside the church.” Paul says in verse 4 anyone (male or female) who prophesies edifies the church. To edify the church you certainly must be in the midst of the church.

The NASB correctly uses the neutral gender word of “one” in verse 5. The gender specific “he” has erroneously been added and does not exist in the original text.

Paul says in verse 5 that he wishes that ALL spoke in tongues, but more that you (gender neutral) would prophesy; and greater is anyone who prophesies than anyone who speaks in tongues, unless interprets, so that the church may receive edifying.

Again we see clearly in verse 5 women prophesying – speaking – in the church. Verse 4 and verse 5 nullify all doctrines of men which state that “women do prophesy, they just do so outside the church.” To edify the church you certainly must be in the midst of the church.

1Cor 14:9-11 So also you, unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. 10 There are, perhaps, a great many kinds of languages in the world, and no kind is without meaning. 11 If then I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be to the one who speaks a barbarian, and the one who speaks will be a barbarian to me.

The NASB correctly uses the neutral gender words of “one” and “you” in verses 9-11.

1Cor 14:12 So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church.

The NASB correctly uses the neutral gender word “you” in verse 12.

Paul says since you (male or female) are zealous of spiritual, seek to abound for the edification of the church.

Women, as well as men, are instructed by Paul to seek to abound in the spiritual gift of prophesying because it brings edification to the church.

We again see Paul to instruct women to prophesy – speak- in the church.

1Cor 14:13 Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.

The NASB correctly uses the neutral gender word of “one” in verse 13. The gender specific “he” has erroneously been added and does not exist in the original text.

Paul says let one (man or woman) who speaks in a tongue pray may interpret.

1Cor 14:19 however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.

This verse verifies the fact that Paul’s instruction on prophesying and speaking in tongues is for IN the church. Paul does not limit women to prophesying “outside” the church.

1Co 14:21 In the Law it is written, “BY MEN OF STRANGE TONGUES AND BY THE LIPS OF STRANGERS I WILL SPEAK TO THIS PEOPLE, AND EVEN SO THEY WILL NOT LISTEN TO ME,” says the Lord.

The gender specific word of “men” has erroneously been added and does not exist in the original text. The original text says, “By strange tongues ….”

1Cor 14:23-24 Therefore if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues, and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad? 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all;

Verse 23 again verifies that Paul’s instruction on prophesying and speaking in tongues is for IN the church. Paul does not limit women to prophesying “outside” the church.

Paul gives instruction in verses 23-24 concerning the church being assembled together and ALL speaking in tongues or ALL speaking in prophesy.

1Co 14:26 What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

Verse 26 again verifies that Paul’s instruction on prophesying and speaking in tongues is for IN the church. Paul does not limit women to prophesying “outside” the church.

The NASB correctly uses the neutral gender words of “one” and “you” in verse 26.

Paul says in verse 26 that when you (men and women) assemble and each one (male or female) has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation, let all things be done for edification.

Paul says that women as well as men when the church is assembled may TEACH, may speak a revelation, may speak in a tongue, and may speak an interpretation of a tongue. Paul says women as well as men may speak in edification in the church.

In verses 27-31 Paul gives instructions for the men and women who speak in tongues or prophesy in the church.

1Co 14:27-31 If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret; 28 but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment. 30 But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first one must keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted;

The NASB correctly uses the neutral gender words of “anyone” and “one” in verse 26. The gender specific word of “he” has erroneously been added and does not exist in the original text. The Greek word translated as “himself” is a gender neutral word meaning “himself or herself”.

Paul in giving his instructions for tongues or prophesy in the church does not limit or exclude either gender. He gives instructions for both men and women who speak in tongue and prophesy in the church.

Paul concludes this discourse in verse 33 by saying “God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.”

This brings us to the problematic verse 34 which has often been used to silence the very women Paul had just given full liberty to prophesy and speak in tongues in the church. It is totally out of the stated context of 1 Cor. 14 to interpret verse 34 as silencing women.

1Co 14:34-35 The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. 35 If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.

One doctrinal interpretation is that Paul changed the discourse in verse 34 to give instruction to the church concerning confusion that was taking place. This interpretation keeps verse 34 in the context of the confusion Paul was addressing in verses 23-33.

Thus in verse 34 Paul now turns his attention to address another problem of confusion in the church, which was wives asking many questions during the assembly. Paul instructs the wives to keep quiet – or hold their questions – during the time of assembly and ask their husbands when they get home.

The above doctrinal interpretation is a valid understanding but not how I personally see the interpretation of verse 34.

I believe Paul in verse 34 turns from his discourse on spiritual gifts to address a statement made to him in a letter by the Corinthians. I believe in verses 34-35 Paul is a quote taken from the Corinthian letter.

In1Corinthians 7:1 we find the context of 1 Corinthians 7 – 1 Corinthians 15. Paul is answering question asked of him by the Corinthian church in a letter.

1Corinthians 7:1 Now concerning the things about which you wrote,

I have several reasons why I believe verses 34-35 are a quote.

1) Paul has just written much concerning women speaking in tongues and prophesying in the church. Why would he now silence the very ones he just gave instruction to? I do not believe Paul would speak a command to silence the women he just instructed in how to speak in the church.

2) In 1 Cor.15:12,35 we also find Paul quoting what “some say” and in verse 36 uses the same strong language of correction as used in 1 Corinthians 14: 36.

3) This statement taken from verse 35 “for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says” could not originate from Paul.

Paul as a Pharisee knew the law inside and out and absolutely knew that there was no law which silenced women. I believe this statement could not have or originated from Paul. I believe Paul was quoting a statement made to him by the Corinthian church.

In verse 36 Paul begins his answer to the Corinthian church.

1Co 14:36 (KJV) What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

1Co 14:36 (NASB) Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only?

Paul begins verse 36 with a word which has been defined by Greek scholars as an “emotional rebuttal and expletive of disassociation. This word’s closest English equivalent is “What?”, “Nonsense!” or “No Way!”

Paul used this small (and often not translated) emotional rebuttal and expletive of disassociation twice in verse 36 (the KJV correctly translates it use just one of these times). This Greek word is used 49 times by Paul in the book of 1 Corinthians. It is often not translated because it carries more of an emotional meaning than intellectual.

When verse 36 is translated with its two uses of this Greek word of emotional rebuttal and expletive of disassociation it reads as follows, “What”, “Nonsense”, “No way” “Was it from you that the Word of God went forth?” “Nonsense”, “No Way” “Has it come to you only?”

Paul’s reply to the statement quoted in verse 34-35 and the silencing of women was “What”, Nonsense”, “No way”.

He continues his correction by saying, “Was it from you that the Word of God went forth?” and replies again by saying “What”, Nonsense”, “No way”.

Paul continued his correction by saying, “Or has it come to you only?”

We find that Paul was NOT silencing women in the church – he instead spoke a strong rebuttal to those who would!!!

Paul continued his rebuttal of verse 34-35 in verse 37 -38 by saying, “If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment. But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.”

Paul had just written extensively on men and women operating in spiritual gifts in the church. In verse 37 Paul instructs the Corinthian church to recognize what he had written concerning women freely speaking in tongues and prophesying in the church as the Lord’s commandment. If anyone would not recognize this freedom of women to speak, they would not be recognized.

Paul in verse 38 – 39 summarizes and reiterates the points of his teaching – desire earnestly to prophesy, do not forbid to speak in tongues, and to let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner.

If Paul was truly silencing women in verses 34-35 why would his summarization say “do not forbid to speak in tongues?” I hear Paul stating firmly reiterating in his summarization that all – men and women – were not to be forbidden to speak in tongues in the church.

Paul DID NOT silence women in the church – instead he strongly affirmed women role in the church.

Spiritual Gifts

Let’s also consider spiritual gifts, which are given by the Holy Spirit’s discretion and not according to the will of man.

1Cor 12:6-11 There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.

There is no gender differentiation in receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit. God works in all and gives the manifestation of the Spirit to EACH ONE for the common good.

Notice that several of the spiritual gifts are gifts of SPEAKING and not of silence. The Holy Spirit manifests His gifts in both men and women causing them to speak in the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, and prophesy.

The Greek word “logos” is translated as “word” and means, “something spoken”.

Women as well as men are endowed with spiritual gifts of utterance. To silence women in the church is in direct conflict with the intended purposes of the Holy Spirit who has gifted women to prophesy and to speak.

I find it amazing that this portion of scripture where Paul tells them he does not want them to be ignorant concerning spiritual gifts goes on to say in verses 20 – 21 that we are one body, and one part can not say “I have no need of you.”

I hear Paul addressing the situation we have in the church this day – women excluded from the service the Holy Spirit has gifted us to perform. Paul says the body needs each of us, the work to be done needs each one of us and none are to be excluded.

1Co 12:28-31 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. 29 All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? 30 All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they?
31 But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way.

The Holy Spirit gives the manifestation of these gifts as He wills. We find no gender limitations given by Paul as he speaks of the giving of these gifts. Instead, we find the neutral when he commands ALL to earnestly desire the greater gifts.

Joel’s “shall come” prophesy

Let’s continue on with one more scripture to define just what is Joel’s “shall come” prophesy.

1 Peter 2:9 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

Again we find the neutral “you” (meaning both men and women) used of those who are God’s priesthood, God’s holy nation, and a people who are His own possession.

And yet again the neutral “you” (meaning both men and women) is used to tell who proclaim the excellencies of God.

Thus we find Joel’s “shall come” prophesy to be defined as both men and women freely proclaiming the works of God.