Strife Behind The Pulpit: An Examination of Women In Ministry

Strife Behind The Pulpit: An Examination of Women In Ministry

Part 1 

(Introduction)

This is a highly controversial issue, one which has many augments and positions. Much prayer, study, and research have gone into this series of writings. I hope you take time to read them with a clear conscience and an open mind. In the words of Aristotle,"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."  I challenge you to hear me out and to examine what I am saying from the standpoint of Scripture and reason. I stand fully by scripture as the basis of my idea, reason and doctrine. Any historical or logical reasoning is used only as a elaboration of my doctrinal viewpoint. The Bible is not subject to cultural changes.

In my journey of faith, I have observed many troubling events. From the time I was a ten year old boy some of my greatest heroes where the brave men who dared to stand behind the pulpit. I was impressed by the dedication, commitment, and passion of these men. It became my longing to one day join the ranks of this fine men. A fire flared up within me to  join in the proclamation of the glorious good news about the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In the moths and years to come I began to apply myself to studying the word of God, and learning from any minister who would take the time to assist me on my journey.

While I was preparing myself for what I knew was God's call on my life I began to notice a great deal of strife and controversy that surrounded the pulpit. It seemed that many of these men whom I held in high esteem began to expose their true natures, and individuals stepped behind pulpits who did not know their right hand from their left. I was taken back when the pulpit became the center for debates over gender equality. I remember the first time I heard a woman speak from behind a pulpit. I was alarmed. I was unsure of the idea of the role gender played in ministry for some time, yet something did not sit well with me. As I grew in the lord, and studied the word deeper I came to my present position: the pulpit is not the place for strife and equality battles.