Can GOD use a woman to Pastor HIS flock?

Does GOD choose Pastors based upon Gender?

---

Modern day ministry, Does it look like God intended?

All of the different doctrines, factions, and denominations? What is the truth? You hear people saying, "My Truth." Unfortunately, that does not mean it is THE truth. As a true Christian, our truth should be the whole Word of God and nothing else. The precepts and teachings of Jesus Christ are true enough to impact the world. So why hasn't it? The answer is quite simple, religious traditions and doctrine have made the truth of God's Word non-effective. Jesus says in MARK 7:7-9, 13. ASV

"But in vain do they worship me, teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men.

Ye leave the commandment of God and hold fast the tradition of men.

And he said unto them, Full well do ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your tradition.

Making void the Word of God by your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things ye do".

Religion (man imposed doctrines) has taken God's Word out of context (Context-the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed.) and used certain scriptures to support their doctrine or ideals to support rules and regulations imposed by that religion.

One example I can use regarding taking the Word out of context is the scripture in 1 Timothy 6:10 regarding the "Love of Money." The incorrect quote which we hear most often is "Money is the root of all evil." Paul said that "the love of money is the root of all evil. Contextually when applied correctly, the scripture has a different meaning."

Paul also said in 2 Timothy 2:15 to study to know the true meaning and understanding of God's intent as to handle rightly and with skill teach the Word of Truth. The caution here is that the Word can incorrectly be interpreted if you don’t apply yourself to diligently search the true meanings and intent.

That brings us to the topic of today's lesson:

"Can God use women to Pastor HIS flock?

First, let us see how the scripture uses and defines the word, Pastor. The Bible, in its totality, uses the word Pastor only nine times, 8 in the old testament and 1 in the new.

The Old Testament meaning in the original Hebrew means "herdsman, shepherd." The Hebrew meaning also says "to feed." The New Testament meaning in the original Greek is the same. However, it can be literal or figurative.

In neither language does it say what gender is to "shepherd" or feed the flock.

In the Old and New Testaments, men nor women are referred to as "Pastors." They were called "elders. Only in the book of Ephesians do we see the word Pastor in verse 11 of the 4th chapter.

Now that we understand the meaning of the word, Pastor, let us explore God's purposeful intent and what Ephesians 4:11 means when it refers to “Pastor.”

As I stated above, we cannot pick out one scripture and ascribe meaning without verifying that meaning with ALL scripture. The Bible is unique in that fact; IT DOES NOT CONTRADICT ITSELF! If there is a contradiction, most assuredly, it is in the interpretation, not the scripture.

Let us start in the beginning. Genesis 1:27 states that God created "man" in HIS image. The word "man" in Hebrew translated means "human being." It also goes on to state that HE created them. God intended to create a "human being" to fellowship with HIM. Also, in Genesis, it describes that God creates the beast of the earth and man on the sixth day. He puts Adam in the garden and instructs him accordingly.

Further along, in verse 18 of chapter 2, God decides that HIS man needed a helper, so he creates Eve from Adam, starting in verse 21. In verse 24 of chapter 2, God says that they are "one flesh." In Hebrew, the word one means "alike."

The next scripture for consideration is in Joel 2:28. In the Old Testament, Joel is giving prophecy to Israel regarding what the Spirit (AKA Holy) of the Lord is saying to them. He tells them that in the days to come, God will pour out HIS Spirit on ALL flesh. Men and women alike. He also expounds and says "sons and daughters." So again, no gender preference here. Both male and female shall be partakers of the outpouring of God's Spirit. Peter, one of the Apostles of Jesus CHRIST, speaks this same quote from Joel in his Pentecostal sermon in Acts 2:16-18. The day of Pentecost was approx. Four hundred years after the prophet Joel initially spoke that prophecy. So, four hundred years has passed, and God still has not changed HIS mind on who should receive HIS Holy Spirit.

As we continue, the next scripture for consideration is in Acts: 10:34. Peter is plainly stating that God shows no partiality or favoritism to persons. The word persons in Greek means "individual."

Looking at all of the examples we have presented from scripture thus far; it is clear that when it comes to serving God, He does not put restrictions on HIS creation according to gender.

Paul, another Apostle of Jesus CHRIST, has written a letter (called Epistles) to the Galatians. In Galatians 3:28, Paul tells them that your ethnicity, status among men, or gender does not matter if you follow Christ. We are ALL one in Christ Jesus.

The Apostles have a commission to establish correct doctrine wherever they find themselves. In a letter to the Corinthians, Paul tells the men in verse 4 of chapter 11 that they should not cover their heads while praying or prophesying. To do so is a dishonor to their head which is Christ.

In verse 5 of that same chapter, he tells the women that praying and prophesying with their head un-covered is a dishonor to her head which is her husband. He does NOT say that they should not be doing the same as what the men are doing. They have a different application to the same practice.

We must not forget that each Epistle or letter is written to groups of different people. Contextually, we have to understand what was going on with the people in that particular region.

Again, Paul, in a letter to the Romans, addresses several people by name that he is commending for their service to the church. In Chapter 16, verse 1, Paul commends Phebe and calls her a servant of the church. The word "servant" used here in the Greek translates to a Christian teacher and Pastor, technically a deaconess! In verse 3 of the same chapter, Paul greets Priscilla and Aquila, whom he calls his helpers in Christ Jesus. The word helpers translate from Greek to mean "co-laborer." In verse 3, he regards Priscilla ahead of Aquila and greets the church in their house in verse 5.

Paul has acknowledged Phebe as a Pastor and esteemed a woman Priscilla before her husband as a co-laborer as equal to himself! So, what more can be said towards the subject.

Some verses in other letters seem to contradict what we just learned. But remember what I said earlier, the Bible does not contradict itself. Let us explore further the incorrect teaching that God does not want a woman to be a Pastor or elder in the church.

There are verses in the letters to Timothy from Paul that forbid women to teach in the church.

Let us investigate what Paul is telling Timothy. We must look at the totality of the letter. Starting in the First letter to Timothy, Paul is addressing the problem of unsound doctrine. In verse 3 of chapter 1, Paul gives precise instruction to Timothy to charge certain individuals not to teach any different doctrine. In verse 6 of Chapter 1, Paul says that these certain individuals have missed the mark and wandered into vain arguments, discussions, and purposeless talk. He says they desire to be teachers of the law but don't understand the words or terms they are using or the subject of their communications.

Paul tells Timothy in verse 20 of chapter 1 of two perpetrators, Hymenaeus and Alexander, that he had to rebuke. He states he has turned them over to Satan to be disciplined by punishment, so they learn not to blaspheme.

In chapter 2, Paul urges that prayers, intercession, and thanks be made for all men, including kings and all in authority. Again, in Greek, the translation for men is "human being."

In verse 7, Paul here states and expounds upon his qualifications of preacher and Apostle to the Gentiles. (Greeks)

In verse 8, Paul states that I WILL (in the Greek, this means be of own will) that men (translated as males here) will lift holy hands. In verse 9, he says again that I desire that women dress modestly and appropriately, not elaborate. In verse 11, he says for the women to learn in silence, however, in verse 12, he again says I allow no woman to teach or have authority.

If we look at that verse, ALONE, it looks like Paul is saying women cannot teach or have a position in the church.

Remember, the Bible does NOT contradict itself. Back in the letter to the Romans, Paul gave accolades to Phebe and Priscilla, calling them a Pastor and a co-laborer, equal with himself! Howbeit, now has he changed his mind about women? Or is he doubleminded?

Paul is specifically talking about the women here in Ephesus (verse 3).

The women have been misled by those who have taught incorrect doctrine and have attempted to usurp the authority of the men in charge there.

As Paul closes out his letter to Timothy in 6:20-21, he says for Timothy to remember what the objective is; to teach the TRUTH of Christ and turn away from false teachings and those who do.

As an Apostle, Paul had the liberty to set in place rules that were needed to accomplish the work of establishing the church. In the setting at Ephesus, Paul deemed it necessary to stifle the incorrect teachings. At his discretion, he decided to silence the women. That was HIS call as an Apostle. Remember, the Apostle is charged with assuring that the scriptures are taught and communicated accurately!

Another example of Paul exercising his authority is in 1 Corinthians chapter 7. Paul is talking about marriage. In verse 6, he clearly states that he speaks this by permission, not a commandment. However, look at what he says in verse 10 he says this is a command not from him but the Lord!

In verse 12 of chapter 7, he states that it is he again NOT the Lord. So, we see here that Paul gave instruction based upon the circumstances, and in his position as Apostle, he was within his rights to do so!

I hope that this lesson helps clarify that God can use whomever HE chooses to do the work HE has planned. In Philippians 2:13, it is according to God's will and HIS pleasure that we work and what we do for HIM. His Holy Spirit has determined that work for us. Ephesians 4:11 gives the work categories; All we need to do is (be willing to) get in where we (via the Holy Spirit) fit in.

SALEH

CornerPost Ministries, a New Perspective Ministry teaching by

Evangelist Denita Gabriel Elliott