Comments on: About Me http://strivetoenter.com/wim This blog is for dialogue on the issue of women in ministry and the freedom for women to teach the bible in a public setting. It is also for questions and answers on our DVD entitled "Women in Ministry: Silenced or Set Free?" This 4 DVD set answers the hard passages of scripture that seem to restrict women's ministry. Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:51:16 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Cheryl http://strivetoenter.com/wim/about-2/#comment-2221 Cheryl Sat, 26 Jan 2008 21:54:58 +0000 http://strivetoenter.com/wim/about-2/#comment-2221 Welcome Anne! The advice that you received was very wise advice. While I do believe very strongly that we need to give an answer for why we believe we are allowed to use our God-given gifts in the body of Christ, I also agree that there comes a time that we need to just be about our Father's business and stop paying any attention to those who would hold us back. If we find ourselves constantly giving attention to the prejudice of those who have not yet had their eyes opened to the emancipation of women, then we will be stuck on their level and will not progress as freely in the work that God has given us to do. One of my favorite verses that deals with this is from the Apostle Paul. In 1 Corinthians 14 after telling the church that everyone is allowed the freedom to prophesy publicly, Paul contrasted the commands of God (multiple verses in 1 Cor. 14 releasing women to prophesy and use their gifts in the assembly) and the command of man (1 Cor. 14:34, 35 is a quote from the Corinthian's letter to Paul and the quote is refuted in verse 36) he tells us that those who refuse to recognize the commands throughout chapter 14 that free women to serve the body, as coming from the Lord, should themselves be ignored. 1Co 14:37 (ISV) 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. 1 Corinthians 14:38 (ISV) But if anyone ignores this, he should be ignored. I guess that gives us the reason to just ignore them and be about our Father's business. Welcome Anne!
The advice that you received was very wise advice. While I do believe very strongly that we need to give an answer for why we believe we are allowed to use our God-given gifts in the body of Christ, I also agree that there comes a time that we need to just be about our Father’s business and stop paying any attention to those who would hold us back. If we find ourselves constantly giving attention to the prejudice of those who have not yet had their eyes opened to the emancipation of women, then we will be stuck on their level and will not progress as freely in the work that God has given us to do. One of my favorite verses that deals with this is from the Apostle Paul. In 1 Corinthians 14 after telling the church that everyone is allowed the freedom to prophesy publicly, Paul contrasted the commands of God (multiple verses in 1 Cor. 14 releasing women to prophesy and use their gifts in the assembly) and the command of man (1 Cor. 14:34, 35 is a quote from the Corinthian’s letter to Paul and the quote is refuted in verse 36) he tells us that those who refuse to recognize the commands throughout chapter 14 that free women to serve the body, as coming from the Lord, should themselves be ignored.

1Co 14:37 (ISV) 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.
1 Corinthians 14:38 (ISV) But if anyone ignores this, he should be ignored.

I guess that gives us the reason to just ignore them and be about our Father’s business.

]]> By: AnneDroid http://strivetoenter.com/wim/about-2/#comment-2220 AnneDroid Sat, 26 Jan 2008 21:34:10 +0000 http://strivetoenter.com/wim/about-2/#comment-2220 Hey Cheryl I've enjoyed a wee look over your website. It's cool. Thanks for all your efforts. When I was a student I remember being asked at a church door, "Are you going to be a Woman Minister?" I thought "Duh! No, maybe I'll get a sex change before the ordination". However that was about sixteen years ago. Now? I forget I'm a Woman Minister! It's rarely an issue except this week when I've realised being a woman makes it harder for me to liaise with the local mosque about something. I used to get very involved in trying to win debates about the whole thing, or else just felt terribly sore and hurt that many of my lovely Christian brothers who share my evangelical faith would (though they graciously didn't usually say so) feel that by becoming a minister I was sinning. The best advice I got was from a more experienced (male) minister who just said "Be the best you can be and then they'll find themselves saying to themselves, "But what about Anne?"." It was very helpful. Now? Well I'm one of the boys, working as chaplain to about 500 male prisoners and loving it! Virtually all of them are blissfully unaware there's anything controversial about it! Ax Hey Cheryl
I’ve enjoyed a wee look over your website. It’s cool. Thanks for all your efforts.
When I was a student I remember being asked at a church door, “Are you going to be a Woman Minister?” I thought “Duh! No, maybe I’ll get a sex change before the ordination”. However that was about sixteen years ago. Now? I forget I’m a Woman Minister! It’s rarely an issue except this week when I’ve realised being a woman makes it harder for me to liaise with the local mosque about something. I used to get very involved in trying to win debates about the whole thing, or else just felt terribly sore and hurt that many of my lovely Christian brothers who share my evangelical faith would (though they graciously didn’t usually say so) feel that by becoming a minister I was sinning. The best advice I got was from a more experienced (male) minister who just said “Be the best you can be and then they’ll find themselves saying to themselves, “But what about Anne?”.” It was very helpful. Now? Well I’m one of the boys, working as chaplain to about 500 male prisoners and loving it! Virtually all of them are blissfully unaware there’s anything controversial about it! Ax

]]> By: Cheryl http://strivetoenter.com/wim/about-2/#comment-2022 Cheryl Wed, 19 Dec 2007 01:08:19 +0000 http://strivetoenter.com/wim/about-2/#comment-2022 Dr. Willingham, Yes, I do understand about busyness. I am up to my ears in a couple of projects and working late hours myself. Justa Berean, Thanks for popping in and offering help. What a special thing that was for me to see. I especially like the people who come to this blog as they seem to be some of the nicest people I have ever "met". Dusman, Nice to see you around again, my friend. I will have a look at the link you provided. Cheryl Dr. Willingham,

Yes, I do understand about busyness. I am up to my ears in a couple of projects and working late hours myself.

Justa Berean,
Thanks for popping in and offering help. What a special thing that was for me to see. I especially like the people who come to this blog as they seem to be some of the nicest people I have ever “met”.

Dusman,
Nice to see you around again, my friend. I will have a look at the link you provided.

Cheryl

]]> By: Dusman http://strivetoenter.com/wim/about-2/#comment-2020 Dusman Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:27:59 +0000 http://strivetoenter.com/wim/about-2/#comment-2020 Here's an interesting paragraph from an article I found after doing a Google search of "Elderesses in the Southern Baptist Convention": <i>"Women assumed a more prominent role among the Separate Baptists. There were elderesses and deaconesses, and some women also preached and prayed in public. The role of women at Sandy Creek was initially problematic for the Charlestonian Baptists."</i> (see http://www.floridabaptistwitness.com/6984.article) I'd certainly be interested in obtaining that address regarding elderesses in the SBC. Here’s an interesting paragraph from an article I found after doing a Google search of “Elderesses in the Southern Baptist Convention”:

“Women assumed a more prominent role among the Separate Baptists. There were elderesses and deaconesses, and some women also preached and prayed in public. The role of women at Sandy Creek was initially problematic for the Charlestonian Baptists.” (see http://www.floridabaptistwitness.com/6984.article)

I’d certainly be interested in obtaining that address regarding elderesses in the SBC.

]]> By: Justa Berean http://strivetoenter.com/wim/about-2/#comment-2019 Justa Berean Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:50:34 +0000 http://strivetoenter.com/wim/about-2/#comment-2019 Happy Birthday, in case I forget to say so on the 30th Dr. Willingham. :) I look forward to seeing the book in print. And any time you might need some help, I know at least one person who would be interested. She is writing a book herself, but somewhat different I'm told. Happy Birthday, in case I forget to say so on the 30th Dr. Willingham. :)

I look forward to seeing the book in print. And any time you might need some help, I know at least one person who would be interested. She is writing a book herself, but somewhat different I’m told.

]]> By: Dr. James Willingham http://strivetoenter.com/wim/about-2/#comment-2018 Dr. James Willingham Mon, 17 Dec 2007 01:50:56 +0000 http://strivetoenter.com/wim/about-2/#comment-2018 Dear Cheryl: I wish I could respond, but I am in the midst of several projects. I.e., I am working on a message on Rev.3:20 my conversion text (50 yeas ago this past Dec.7) and plan to preach on it & Acts 16:14 on my physical birthday, Dec.30, supplying a pulpit. And then I am preoccupied with thinking & planning for my mss on The Intellectualism of the Bible" so I cannot get very much involved in other things. I hope to make my address on Eldresses the crowning conclusion to the book which is really a work on the nature and effect or application of biblical teachings. So I am tied up for now. Sincerely yours by His grace, Jim W. Thanks to the person about the possible help on the computer. Perhaps later. Dear Cheryl: I wish I could respond, but I am in the midst of several projects. I.e., I am working on a message on Rev.3:20 my conversion text (50 yeas ago this past Dec.7) and plan to preach on it & Acts 16:14 on my physical birthday, Dec.30, supplying a pulpit. And then I am preoccupied with thinking & planning for my mss on The Intellectualism of the Bible” so I cannot get very much involved in other things. I hope to make my address on Eldresses the crowning conclusion to the book which is really a work on the nature and effect or application of biblical teachings. So I am tied up for now. Sincerely yours by His grace, Jim W. Thanks to the person about the possible help on the computer. Perhaps later.

]]> By: Justa Berean http://strivetoenter.com/wim/about-2/#comment-2017 Justa Berean Sun, 16 Dec 2007 18:56:01 +0000 http://strivetoenter.com/wim/about-2/#comment-2017 Dr Willingham, Excellent information. I have a friend who is retired that might be interested in helping you to get your information typed up and/or on the computer. Let me know and I'll ask her to email Cheryl who could send the info on to you. Dr Willingham,

Excellent information. I have a friend who is retired that might be interested in helping you to get your information typed up and/or on the computer.

Let me know and I’ll ask her to email Cheryl who could send the info on to you.

]]> By: Cheryl http://strivetoenter.com/wim/about-2/#comment-2016 Cheryl Sun, 16 Dec 2007 05:16:03 +0000 http://strivetoenter.com/wim/about-2/#comment-2016 Dr. Willingham, I whole-heartedly agree with you. My passion has been for the unaltered word of God taken as it is written in context and with the God-inspired words. It greatly bothers me that some have muddied the waters by mixing in radical feminism into the issue of women in the church. The proper way is not to follow the world but to work hard at understanding God's purpose and his plan through the holy scriptures so that we can settle this conflict in the church once and for all. The radical complementarians who reject women's gifts are to blame for holding women back in the body of Christ, while the radical feminists who accuse Paul of being a chauvinist pig and who choose to ignore scripture rather than work on the inspired context are also to blame for the disrepute that has caused some to paint the whole egalitarian movement with. May God help us to get the message out that his Holy Spirit has gifted and empowered women for the benefit of both men and women in the body of Christ because he loves us and wants his best for us. Whomever God gifts and sends forth with his message is God's gift of love to us regardless of their gender, regardless of their nationality and regardless of their social standing or their education. When we all get that message and we are humble enough to learn from others not quite like us, the church will go forth in the full power of the Holy Spirit. I greatly appreciate you stopping by my blog. I would like to do a post on some of the information that I have found regarding the 250 year old Baptist church, perhaps sometime early in the New Year. I would welcome any comments you have at that time or subject and the information needs to get out. Blessings! Cheryl Dr. Willingham,

I whole-heartedly agree with you. My passion has been for the unaltered word of God taken as it is written in context and with the God-inspired words. It greatly bothers me that some have muddied the waters by mixing in radical feminism into the issue of women in the church. The proper way is not to follow the world but to work hard at understanding God’s purpose and his plan through the holy scriptures so that we can settle this conflict in the church once and for all. The radical complementarians who reject women’s gifts are to blame for holding women back in the body of Christ, while the radical feminists who accuse Paul of being a chauvinist pig and who choose to ignore scripture rather than work on the inspired context are also to blame for the disrepute that has caused some to paint the whole egalitarian movement with. May God help us to get the message out that his Holy Spirit has gifted and empowered women for the benefit of both men and women in the body of Christ because he loves us and wants his best for us. Whomever God gifts and sends forth with his message is God’s gift of love to us regardless of their gender, regardless of their nationality and regardless of their social standing or their education. When we all get that message and we are humble enough to learn from others not quite like us, the church will go forth in the full power of the Holy Spirit.

I greatly appreciate you stopping by my blog. I would like to do a post on some of the information that I have found regarding the 250 year old Baptist church, perhaps sometime early in the New Year. I would welcome any comments you have at that time or subject and the information needs to get out.

Blessings!
Cheryl

]]> By: Dr. James Willingham http://strivetoenter.com/wim/about-2/#comment-2015 Dr. James Willingham Sun, 16 Dec 2007 04:40:45 +0000 http://strivetoenter.com/wim/about-2/#comment-2015 Dear Cheryl: Unfortunately my address on "Eldresses" is not in print. I have only a typed copy and not enough experience with computers to even attempt an e-mail with an attachment. I am not electronically or mathematically inclined. My field is the intellect (American Social & intellectual history, Black History, church history, theology, New Testament, Old Testament, preaching & counseling), but I have a very difficult time with computers etc. I can type and fairly well, but tis dell keyboard is the sorriest thing threre is. My old compaq keyboard is a dream to use, but that computer is not on line. You might be interested to know that I have come across references to eldresses in early church history (I did 6 years of research in church history, covering more than 250 sources & accumulating some 3000 5x8 note cards -6,000 pages of writing). I do suggest that a spirit of humility is needed. Many who advocate women in minitry are radical feminists who are willing to call any man a male chauvinist pig (an interesting experience for me) Also some in the ministry want to make God feminine and call her Sophia???While I think the feminine and masculine attributes have their origin in God, I do not think it wise to alter what God has revealed. A thus sayeth the Lord is advisable to keep us from the perils of subjectivism. Even so there is still enough to recognize that God can and does call women to minister just as He does men. But not every woman is called to preach or pastor just as the case is with men, but all are called to minister and be witnesses. We are servants, not Lords & Masters. Some men forget that fact. Both men & women in positions of leadership can forget their servanthood status. I must close. God grant you grace. by His grace, Jim Willingham Dear Cheryl:

Unfortunately my address on “Eldresses” is not in print. I have only a typed copy and not enough experience with computers to even attempt an e-mail with an attachment. I am not electronically or mathematically inclined. My field is the intellect (American Social & intellectual history, Black History, church history, theology, New Testament, Old Testament, preaching & counseling), but I have a very difficult time with computers etc. I can type and fairly well, but tis dell keyboard is the sorriest thing threre is. My old compaq keyboard is a dream to use, but that computer is not on line.

You might be interested to know that I have come across references to eldresses in early church history (I did 6 years of research in church history, covering more than 250 sources & accumulating some 3000 5×8 note cards -6,000 pages of writing). I do suggest that a spirit of humility is needed. Many who advocate women in minitry are radical feminists who are willing to call any man a male chauvinist pig (an interesting experience for me) Also some in the ministry want to make God feminine and call her Sophia???While I think the feminine and masculine attributes have their origin in God, I do not think it wise to alter what God has revealed. A thus sayeth the Lord is advisable to keep us from the perils of subjectivism. Even so there is still enough to recognize that God can and does call women to minister just as He does men.
But not every woman is called to preach or pastor just as the case is with men, but all are called to minister and be witnesses. We are servants, not Lords & Masters. Some men forget that fact. Both men & women in positions of leadership can forget their servanthood status. I must close. God grant you grace.

by His grace,
Jim Willingham

]]> By: Cheryl http://strivetoenter.com/wim/about-2/#comment-2013 Cheryl Sat, 15 Dec 2007 00:56:49 +0000 http://strivetoenter.com/wim/about-2/#comment-2013 Dr. Willingham, Thank you so much for that information. I have sent you a private email as well. Dr. Willingham,

Thank you so much for that information. I have sent you a private email as well.

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