"WOMEN IN MINISTRY?"
By Diana Gray - Evangelist
Copyrighted (c) 2002-3 All Rights Reserved
Question: Does God call Women into Ministry the same as calls Men into Ministry?
Answer: YES, God calls
Women into Ministry!
(You only have to look in Scripture to see
that!)
Yes, God calls women into Ministry as Apostles, Evangelists, Prophets, Pastors and Teachers! He is no respector of persons and the Lord calls whomever will obey their calling and serve Him to the best of their abilities.
WE ARE ALL ONE IN THE LORD!
(Both Men and Women)
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye are Christ’s then you all are Abraham’s offspring and heirs according to the promise" (Galatians 3:28, 29).
I write many Bible studies and teach upon the Word of the Lord and I know that the Lord would want any woman (who receives a calling) to stand firm and take seriously what the Lord has asked you to do. Being called by the Lord into ministry is a beautiful gift and the Lord does NOT take back His gifts. You will know in your heart if you were called or not. Everyday there will be an over powerful drive to do the work of the Lord. For me I was audibly called as well as feeling it within my Spirit. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Lord had called me. I questioned the Lord as to why He would call such as myself and I had to weight the cost because I knew it would be a lifetime commitment like marriage is supposed to be. I knew once having accepted that calling there was no turning back. Why would I want to anyway.
I have felt persecution and trials because of that acceptance. When someone tells me that they were persecuted because of that ministry calling upon their lives I fully understand just what they mean. Satan doesn't want women in ministry and will throw everything he can to try to stop them from doing what the Lord called them to do.
What would hinder a woman accepting their call? Fear for one thing because of 'fear' some women are afraid to obey their calling but God says, "I didn't give you the SPIRIT of fear!" If He didn't give us the spirit of fear than that spirit is demonic and we need to resist that evil spirit. If you feel like you are being called than most likely you are! Pray about it and seek the Lord's guidance but don't let fear keep you from answering that call.
In the Old Testament Deborah was Prophetess and a Judge over ALL Israel. That included children, women and MEN. Yes, even Men and were directly under her authority because she had been called of God to judge over all the people. Some men say that they don't want a woman to have authority over them but that is their pride speaking. Deborah was a great Prophet and Judge over all as directed of the Lord. For surely God will bring whom He will into ministry for His purpose and His glory. , the greatest title given to Deborah was "Mother in Israel" (Judges 5:7) she had such a wonderful mothers heart for all of the people of God, as I do. Deborah was like a Pastor over the flock as well as a teacher.
Mary and Martha, were sisters of Lazarus who ministered to Jesus our Lord and His disciples. Mary Magdalene (My favorite!) who was the first to see Jesus after his resurrection and was the first to proclaim to the disciples and the world the Good News that Jesus was alive again. If that is not ministering I don't know what is. Jesus Himself told....................no sent her to tell the Good News. So Mary Magdalene was chosen of the Lord directly to GO......! So that would make Mary of Magdalene the First Evangelist of Jesus Christ.
Priscilla worked with the Apostle Paul was a Woman Minister who instructed Apollos about Jesus' teachings. She was used well of the Lord. Phoebe who was a deaconess from Cenchrea assisted Apostle Paul at the Roman church.
Look at Esther, Ruth, Abigail and the prophetess Huldah of whom the priest Hilkiah sot her out to learn things of the book of the law. What about Anna in the New Testament, an 84 year old prophetess who had remained in the temple continually in prayer, fasting day and night. Anna gave thanks to God and spoke to all who looked for redemption in Israel of him (Luke 2:36-38), she ministered to baby Jesus, Joseph and His mother Mary. Remember this God calls Women as well as men to become His prophets as well as Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers.
We are in the last days and there isn't much time left to serve the Master. You can be loving and humble yet determine to stand firmly focused upon serving the Lord in spite of anything the world says! Your treasure's in Heaven and that is where your focus should be, winning souls. The church must be restored back to a pure and wholesome viewpoint. The world's views are set towards money, power and gain but the Lord desires us to have a servants heart.
I want to encourage any of you who reads this to know that I know in my heart the calling that God has called me to and I strive to keep my focus upon serving the Lord. I hope this blesses you and encourages your hearts. Bless you, your special and so is your calling! Strive to serve the Lord honestly and well as you win souls for His Kingdom. Write me anytime because I am here for any of you and give you my support.
Your Sister in Christ and God's Shalom,
Diana Gray - Evangelist
Here is a link to a good Women in Ministry site that also supports these views.
http://www.restorationfoundation.org/women's%20issue/5_1.htm
