scripture teaches against women teaching a congregation – i.e. being the pastor of a church. but what does it say about women being worship leaders? not just musicians on the worship team that lead a song sometimes or play a key role on the team, but the leader of a worship arts ministry in a church? is the position the same as a teaching pastor? do the same rules apply? some would say that since this position encompasses teaching, it too is prohibited for women. are women only to be reduced to ministering to children and other women? doesn’t that seem sort of…lame?
sometimes i feel like the Bible leaves women no other option but to be a stay-at-home mom. many will make this out to be a great privilege - that motherhood is the crowning glory of a woman. not that i don't think being a mom a great thing, but what happens when i desire more in life than that? what if i don't agree that being a mom or ministering to women and children is all there is for me to do with my life? is an independent-minded woman a bad thing? an unbiblical thing? especially since i was raised by a stay-at-home mom, i often feel like eventually that's where i'll end up regardless of the career path i pursue, even though it's not really my heart's desire.
i'm sorting through some hard questions right now as i'm trying to form my personal philosophy of worship and decide specifically what type of career path i want to pursue. any words of wisdom out there?
4 comments:
It doesn't matter what everyone else thinks. God knows the desire of your heart and He knows what He has planned for you. Just keep going girlie, God will point out the directions at the crossroads. When you are following His plan, no matter what that is, you are happy....because His plan is perfect for you. Seems like you are doing great so far!
This may sound rather shocking, but I'm not convinced the Bible teaches that women may not be in a position of teaching authority over men. In fact, I'm pretty sure the whole of Scripture supports the opposite.
gasp
I can show you from Scripture why I believe this sometime if you're interested, though I'm sure this is a hotly discussed issue at Liberty and many other colleges where women are preparing for full time ministry, and I'm sure the relevant verses have been analyzed and interpreted and parsed a dozen different ways.
Personally (since you asked :-)) I'm convinced God has "more" than motherhood for you. Not more as in better, but more as in more. He may have motherhood in store for you too (I kindof hope He does, but I'm terribly biased), but first and/or later I believe He will give you other avenues of ministry. Motherhood is a huge ministry to an entire future generation of people, as I know you know, but God can use mothers in ways besides motherhood, and He can use non-mothers in mothering type ways. God is Big! He cannot be put into any box. And He has an awesome, unique plan meant just for YOU. Seek it. Grab it! Let God use you. Now, before you marry and become a mother and your focus must beautifully but necessarily change. Just remember that God's plan is fluid, not static. It's not like you will become a worship arts pastor somewhere and that will be it. Period. He may use you in amazing ways you can not conceive of now, and He may use you in music/worship ways that look different than what you're imagining now. As long as you are yielded to Him and your focus is clearly on Him, however He leads you will bless others and glorify Himself.
I love you Emma! You are a beautiful woman inside and out. Be encouraged. :-)
(and maybe my first comment should be our little secret???!)
@pam
i would love to hear your interpretation of those scriptures sometime. i've been going over them a lot lately and have been having a hard time with them. the thing that got me really discouraged was a discussion board on that topic for my theology class where i had the most liberal (by a mile) opinion on the subject. it kinda made me feel like i would be a heathen for thinking differently.
sigh. frustrating :)
thanks for the encouraging words!
Post a Comment