Thank you Lord for your goodness all along the way, thank you for the cross and for your love! Lord I pray for every single person that watches this video, may they see You and turn and glorify you. Amen
Amen. You're such an inspiration to me and you're to me the proverbs 31 woman. I'm sorry people are mean and don't get your message because they get stuck you keep going for the rest of us who need your inspo!!!!
I've been following Mike's series too. Your vids have popped up every now and then and I finally decided to comment. I've had to go through a process over the last ten years with this topic as well. I feel you, and am praying for you 🙏
@Melissa Doughtery, it was very kind of you to reply to Faith. You are one of the best Bible teachers on the web. Please keep doing what you are doing and may God bless and protect you in your ministry.
Submission doesn't oppose egalitarianism or complementarianism.... submission is a reality of the Christian life for all Christians all the time. We submit to one another in love.
Hi Faith, I'm one of your male viewers, and I've thought about commenting on the other videos concerning this topic for a bit now. As someone who has asked similar hard questions that could be costly on a communal and familial level, I can 100% relate and really admire your openness and commitment to scripture and mission. I think what most people don't realize is that the conclusions, or lack thereof, which come from asking the hard questions don't come easy. When we wrestle these things out, it's not because we woke up one day with a posture of rebellion. We arrive at them kicking and screaming, throwing ourselves at the mercy of God, open to the guidance of the Spirit. We just need to be given the space to ask hard questions and steer into God's Word without feeling like a "bad person" for doing it. As you continue to wrestle with your calling and theological position, I pray you continue to see and experience God every step of the way. You are a blessing to so many, I share your videos with fellow Bible nerds often. Keep up the good work for the Kingdom!
Israel means to wrestle with God. Let us wrestle together. Thank you, Kyle, for your shared strength as a man. The strength of a man comes from more than just the strength of his arms.
My preacher is a firm believer that we have to ask the hard questions in order to grow in our faith. I can't count the number of times he has told the congregation that our questions do not scare God. They delight God because it shows we have a desire to know Him better. I love that I am able to go to my preacher with my questions and he will direct me to resources for me to study and gain insight to my questions. He also does not condemn me or fuss at me if I come to a different understanding on those secondary issues. He will often sit down and we will discuss our view point and how we came to our belief using the scripture.
I love that -- "our questions do not scare God." The best conversations I've had with my pastor all involved us talking about things we disagreed on. I value his input and wisdom, even if we don't agree on every point. There's so many layers to faith-- we are not going to be on the same page every topic every time!
I truly believe you are an extremely gifted teacher. As a faithful Christian, you will do what God sees you doing. I can tell you, your Bible study videos and now programs you have put out are amazing and you already are helping so many of us. I am so proud of what you're doing AND your questioning. That's how we learn and mature in our faith and lives. Never stop seeking!
I agree with you, Lisa. Faith, you are a gifted teacher. I enjoy your videos & learned to dig deeper into God's Word. You are a great blessing to me and all you view your channel.
A good teacher does not constantly draw attention to self and be stubbornly defiant to more mature teachers, her church and God. She has gone further and further from God, even lying. People are not saying she is a bad person. She is disobeying God and greatly neglecting and emotionally abusing her children. She is an emotional wreck. She use to admit she gets almost zero sleep, is a full time pastor’s wife, mother of toddlers, and spends hours every day on RUclips. She makes very unwise decisions like going to a false teacher for wisdom, claiming she has to do these videos for money yet then rents a building away from home and fill it up and decorate! Sitting at Jesus’s feet is not being a pastor or teaching. She wants everyone to be humble except her! A good teacher is humble! A good teacher obeys God in welcoming Godly discipline even rebuke when needed. But she wants to only go by part of God’s Word, not all of it. God warns us about taking away, adding, twisting to what we feel or want. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I'm sorry tam4givin but I don't agree. I haven't seen her being anything but humble. What false teachers have you seen her reference? What I've seen of her is a woman with a passion for God's Word and a gift for teaching. I'm surprised you continue to watch her if feel this way. But we are all allowed to form our own opinions.
@tam4givin could you be specific about false teachings? I have only seen genuine desire to understand, and seeking out what the Bible says, but I'm pretty new to this channel, too, so have not hardly begun to touch the quantity of vids.
Faith, I am a 64 yr. old grandma. I have been following your channel for about 8-9 months. Thank you for sharing this process with us. Many have come at you in judgment, and you remained honest and gracious. While stones were cast at you, there were many more of us praying for you and your family during this delicate spiritual quest for where you fit as a woman in today’s church. I appreciate how upfront and brave (yes, brave. It takes a strong and brave/courageous person to lay her heart bare for the YT audience) knowing the cost of being so open. Paul understood the cost of sharing the Gospel. He bore the scars of beatings, being stoned and so on. You also weighed the cost, and went on to study, pray, seek spiritual guidance, and through it all, continued to bring us videos. Like I said-brave. When people throw emotional stones of judgment at you, keep your eyes focused on our Savior. Keep your heart and mind on His Word. Always remember that there are many, many of us that are praying for you, and that we will continue praying for you and your family. May God bless you as you seek to become the best servant of Christ that you can be. I shall be looking forward to your next video.
My daughter and I often used to daydream about a “build a Bible “. I was looking for a specific Bible that didn’t exist- how cool to have one where you could click all your needs and have it created for you: Translation, number of ribbons, tabs or no tabs, how much journaling space, cover type, etc. I would love to see the one you come up with!! I appreciate your honesty and openness in these videos!
I really appreciate the example you are setting by showing the process of wrestling through hard questions. Somewhere along the way we have forgotten how to ask questions and sit with God in the unknowing. And I think as we watch you do this it can make many of us feel uncomfortable because it’s much easier to assume we know it all and more importantly, we are right about it all. 😅 (Coming from a reforming know-it-all.)
Being a babe in my FAITH, any questions I ask or question the Word. I was accused of not being saved or the Holy Spirit is not…all kinds of evil attacking me. I am the type of person who wants to know why? who, what, when, and where? I’m a researcher by nature. Sometimes I have to slow down to let scripture sink in. I do my morning devotional and then study a chapter a day. Breaking down each sentence. And it’s really helped me.
Female Pastors or female Leadership in the church is not a hard question. Just because someone is good at something or has a passion for it, doesn’t mean we do it. Being a Christian means foregoing our own desires to follow Gods plan.
Yeah! you said what I have been saying for fifty years. I ran into the hard-core "No women teaching" in college and in my attempts to attend seminary I was told I could take hospitality or music classes only because I was a woman. You did a great job on this touchy subject and I am so grateful to see a beautiful woman applying scripture in a sound doctrinal stance for young women to see who we are in Christ. Jesus told Martha not to fret over "hospitality" to leave Mary alone because she "chose the good part." Like you I chose the good part and finally received my seminary degree at the age of 58. I now have a vital counseling ministry in my church where I share the gospel one on one mostly with young adults with many of the struggles you address. I know I can use your vids and have truth. Thank you for your ministry. .
The person saying 'no women teaching' itself is not Biblical right? We see several examples of the New Testament. So to conflate that person to the more common thoughts from the complimentary side is wrong as that person is in the extreme. I think I understand what you are saying 'choose the good part', but I don't think you would disagree that ALL of God's revealed Word to is is the Good Parts. What is bad or not relevant in the Bible? God bless you and what you do. You are not describing your role as anything that is against the teaching of the Bible. You are not one a founding pastor of a church, a lead senior pastor, an overseer elder.
I came across this video and appreciate your candor. I also am a woman who has struggled with my gifts and calling. God gifted me as a teacher and have just graduated from Seminary, and I also am a Biblical counselor/pastor. I have come, over my 56 years as a Christian, to consider myself a middletarian. So, your statement that you are in the middle too was refreshing. I believe in submission and the headship model, and I believe women using their gifts, even in leadership. Keep seeking after Christ and growing in the knowledge of Him! God bless you and shine His beautiful face on you!!
Thank you for sharing your heart! As I listened to you, I kept thinking how we need to not get so caught up in secondary issues, and I was so happy to hear you say that we need to give GRACE to each other, especially on the secondary issues. We are all a work in progress. Keep reading the Bible and seeking God! He is a good God, gracious, and can handle your questions, even though some of His children can't. From middle school until I graduated, I attended a wonderful church that lived out a balanced approach to the issue you are struggling with-- the pastor was the pastor and he was a wonderful person, but his wife was such a gifted teacher. The best services were when she was teaching because I learned so much from her. She has written many books and you would probably recognize her name. But it was always so clear and evident that her husband was her head and she respected him and his role as pastor. I lived with this example and never felt concerned about the controversy. However, when I became a mother and my husband and I were struggling financially, I had to stop listening to certain teachers that I really enjoyed because they made me feel like a failure as a mother because I had to work-- there was no financial way we could live on one salary. Eventually I was making more than my husband, then double what he was earning, and now we live on my income alone-- because God has blessed me in my career, and that is HIS doing, not mine. Now 26 years into marriage, I have gained so much peace in my life when I stopped letting others tell me what a Godly woman is. I started leaning on God's word to tell me who I am, instead of listening to people tell me who I am not (especially Proverbs 31). The proof is in the pudding... my children (in their 20s now) and my husband constantly praise me far more than I know I deserve.
As a pastor, I still wrestle with this. But this is one of the best exploration of this topic. This is the most godly discussion I've heard on this. Thanks for displaying the love of Christ even in this debate.
As a pastor - would you take 10 mins to read my blogpost - I believe I have used iron clad exegesis to refute a famous teaching from Billy Crone who says women cannot be pastors - I dug into this for years and believe we are all missing the final piece of this debate puzzle: sirrichardthelionheart.blogspot.com/2021/08/to-be-clear-i-had-never-heard-of-billy.html
It is interesting people wrestle with this. When the focus is on God's Word, it seems pretty clear regarding leadership of a church, sheparding the church, teaching over the entire body of the church versus the Great Godly work of evangelism.
@@danielkim672 It's interesting, I was always strongly against women in ministry, until I was challenged to prove my beliefs via Scripture. All of a sudden things weren't so easy. I'm leaning more towards women in ministry than against. Plenty of Scripture seems to support that position.
@@jessman8597 I suppose one would need to define what 'women in ministry' means to them. In the sort of narrow way I wrote my view, are you disagreeing with those comments? If so, since there are plenty of Scripture to support the opposite of what I wrote, can you quickly share some 3-5 verses so I can look up and study them?
What a blessing and answer to prayer this video is. THANK YOU for being faithful and speaking out loud. The part about believing you have a teaching gift versus a pastoral gift was so incredibly edifying and beneficial to me!! thank you!!
Thank you for all your teachings! I felt a powerful draw to your teachings from the start and am so thankful that you have the strength to continue spreading the good news and teaching others! 🙏🙏🙏
Faith you are fulfilling your calling on RUclips! I’ve enjoyed all of your videos & I’ve shared them with my friends. Thank you for answering the call & encouraging us in our walks.
Girl, I feel you. Lol. I’ve been through that same journey. My mother was a pastor and I am now, I guess, a soft complementarian after wrestling a long time with this. Now I’m married to a pastor and we have 3 kids. At the end of the day, 1 Timothy and Titus makes it clear among other passages. Jesus sent the women you mentioned to evangelize. We can evangelize to all. We are also called to teach what is good to younger women (or spiritually less mature. Titus). The only things we are forbidden are the roles of spiritual authority (Pastor, elder, etc.) and teaching men. But you can totally teach! You clearly are a teacher! And there are a plethora of women who can use a good female teacher. So keep going and may the Lord give you wisdom and understanding on this journey😊❤️
Genuine question. How do we hold to this in a way that doesn't imply that men have nothing to learn from women? I'm trying to learn how to frame it in a positive and redemptive way.
@@nicoleparsons7630 I’ve seen women do other types of classes like methods of studying the Bible, Hermenutics, Greek or Hebrew, Church history. That type of thing. I’d be totally comfortable with doing that myself or seeing other women. But let’s not make less of what God has called women to do. After all, Paul does emphasize to Timothy that women have a big influence and role in teaching our future “Timothys” and “Pauls” and raising and teaching other strong women of God. Just as important as what men have to do. That’s why they compliment each other.
@@mariebo7491 yes, that makes sense, and I'm not trying to lessen the importance of women ❤️ in fact, I know that womanhood and femininity reflects God to the world in ways that manhood and masculinity do not, and vice versa. I totally believe that men and women complement each other and need each other. (I just struggle to understand why gender differences necessitate hierarchy.) I just have a lot of baggage when it comes to complementarian teachings, and I struggle to see how it's good. I'm not taking a side, I'm just sharing the source for my questions. Too often, I've seen men take this verse to mean they have nothing to learn from women because we're "too emotional" or "supposed to submit, so God doesn't really want them to have opinions ultimately." Can you tell me what the difference is between a woman teaching a class or on RUclips to men and women and a woman preaching to both men and women? Again, genuinely trying to understand and see it in a redemptive light.
@@nicoleparsons7630 whether teaching or preaching, when it involves the teaching of God’s word to the people, scriptures reserve that for men. 1 Timothy 2 explains why. The hierarchy is God’s design. Yes, I have seen men abuse this taking scripture out of context. When I see that, I’m out. Lol. Teaching on RUclips is a different context. I have seen women who do teach in RUclips leave a disclaimer in their descriptions that their channels are intended for the teaching of women and are not trying to usurp the authority. of course, nobody can stop men from watching. But that’s not on her. We don’t have to understand it, just trust it. It’s God’s design and when done properly it’s a beautiful interdependent relationship. I know for me, and many others can testify, it gives me a lot of peace. There’s actually a great video on this. Let me find it and link it here for you.
I grew up in the A/G, and there was no question about women preaching and teaching. God uses who He chooses, and that's that. I've never felt like I was held back in ministry. Praying for you and your husband each and every day, along with your precious little ones. Keep going strong.
@@tomtemple69 I honestly don't think it is a problem. There are those who would like to convince themselves and others that they are called when they aren't, but if we take what the bible says and use it to verify the calling we can very easily follow the Holy Spirit's guidance and know in our heart and spirit if the person is called or not.
and it will NEVER be a woman. God isn't going to go against His own word. The mere fact that you think the Holy Spirit would call someone to disobey God shows you DON'T have the ability to discern who's really called or announced to do something.
Thank you for this video, for sharing your thoughts, feelings and knowledge with all of us. I pray for you, your family, your future ministry and those that judge you.
Ignore the naysayers. You sharing your learning with us is a great affirmation of faith and teaches so many of us. You are providing a great service and I thank you.
Thank you so much for opening your heart and sharing and I’m sorry for the hurtful comments you’ve had in the past. You’re honest, opening of your soul is what brought me to this channel. You are inspiring me to get back into my Bible and putting me back in touch with my Savior. I pray that the mean comments do not wear you down because the enemy is always going to work harder when you are making a difference in the God’s mission. He wouldn’t bother otherwise. Peace and love, In His Name, Pam
Wow..I am way older and have struggled profusely on this subject matter for most of my life ! Even to the point that I rejected church and blamed Eve and did not want any part of being a women in the Christian world. Only to be 50 and realize that rejecting my only belief has led me to being empty and confused on love and Jesus whom I totally need daily! I questioned everything pertaining to being a woman in love with GOD because in my mind he was an oppressive man. Wow, just thank you for sharing. The struggle is real and needs to be addressed. What changed for me was just praying and then discovered Leslie Vernick and Psalm 31 women's group and Niki Kozair and falling apart and weeping for hrs in my War Room and just now submitting to my role of what it truly means to be a daughter in Christ! I feel humbled to share because I HAD TO SEEK ALL THIS ALONE! NO Christian women friends till 10 years ago when my brokenness fell to the darkest place I've ever been in my life. Wow. I feel inspired and not alone now by your story! We are teachers and I believe I've always had that gift just not sure how to use it. I am now...GOD SHOWS ME DAILY!!! I LIFT YOU UP IN PRAYER AND LOVE!!🙏❤️
Hey! Thanks for sharing your journey. Beth Allison Barr, a historian, wrote a book called "The making of biblical womanhood: how the subjugation of women became gospel truth" all about this topic. I found it incredibly interesting and she really gets into the history of women in the church. Another book that really compliments Barr's book is "Jesus and John Wayne" by Kristin Kobes Du Mez. Kristin's book gets into how men's roles in the church have evolved throughout time. Both books highlight how common it is for Christians today to believe that what they have been taught about the Bible is the same thing that Christians have been taught for thousands of years even if the ideas are actually less than 100 years old. Anyways, both books are fascinating and I highly recommend them for anyone who is exploring the topic of women's roles in the church.
Yes! Could not recommend both of these more! BTW we all have different definitions of “feminist.” I’m a proud feminist but it means knowing I am equal in value to a man. Not better, not worse. Equal. Jesus was revolutionary in his treatment of women! The first evangelical was certainly our gal, Mary!
I have a tough time seeing either perspective. I’m so glad that I am not to the only one that struggles with this. My husband and I are on different spectrums when it comes to this. It’s nice to see your view and the conversation with your husband. Gave me hope that I might actually be able to talk about agreeing to disagree. I appreciate you trying to discuss hard questions. It refreshing to know that someone is doing it.
Thank you for your honesty . I feel like I went on this journey with you and I hope you find peace in your heart where you have landed on this issue. I cried right along with you this morning, I love that you wear your heart on your sleeve and are willing to be so open and vulnerable. That alone is a gift because it makes you so relatable.
Thank you! Thank you for your bravery to ask difficult questions and search the bible for the truth. Thank you for being honest about your journey. It is so important that we know we can and should ask questions. It makes us stronger in our faith. Thank you for exemplifying this. I’m not the same denomination, but your videos have been so helpful for me to get deeper into scripture. Thank you so much for what you do! God bless.
Yes! Yes! And more yes! I told you this before in your previous videos, you ARE called to be a teacher of the Word! 💯 You clearly have the anointing for it! I absolutely agree with that brother in Christ. And believe me, I know EXACTLY how you feel. Being a woman in ministry myself, I've been rejected and pushed away by many because I'm a woman. I've had the nasty comments, nasty emails etc etc. Know that you are not alone. I do suggest that you seek the Lord for personal intercessors that you can trust. People that will dedicate themselves to praying over you and your ministry every day. People that you trust to hold you accountable. Believe me, it makes a HUGE difference! God bless you and your family! Love you! ❤️✝️❤️
Lady’s I have been in the same boat as you all .. I was raised complimentary so I just always assumed it was right.. It was when I did a study on the Angel of the Lord that lead me to women in ministry.. Hagar was the start of my study in women because he came to her and Samsons mother when he came to her 2 times… My eyes were opened.. I kept going through the Bible and the more I studied the more I knew if I told anyone what I had learned it would turn my life upside down. I knew I would have to leave the church that I was a member at for 10 years .. My husband who had been there for 20 years .. I cried for so long until the Lord filled my heart with a boldness like I had never had .. I knew I had the gift of teaching and one night I took to the streets and preached Gods word because he pulled me to the streets.. I preached and 2 people were saved by the grace of God right on the side of the road… I’m not a feminist and I’m not a women only belongs in the kitchen.. I’m somewhere in the middle where God calls who he wants to call and who am I to say he can’t call someone because of their gender or status… Debra was the the stone that broke the camels back … ❤ God bless y’all …
Thank you! I look forward to each video! They’ve made an impact in my life!! Im sorry people are hurtful. I’ve struggled with this as well. Thank you for continuing to bless people despite the discomfort!
Hi Faith💗 I actually love your rawness and willingness to communicate where u r and your wrestling. I believe the Lord honors those who care enough to wrestle with scripture looking to the truth. Anyways, I have these type of questions and emotions all the time about secondary things and they can totally feel like foundational things especially when people are reacting as if they are. This issue is a SECONDARY ISSUE and although it's important to seek the Lord for truth in those, keep reminding yourself it's not foundational. You are a teacher and a very amazing one! You are gifted to teach others throughout your life through platforms like this channel. You have so much biblical insight, biblical education, and biblical understanding that the Lord is using you to spread the Gospel. You have already been doing that girl. You have already been extremely faithful and super ultra transparent with your subs. You are doing exactly 💯 what the Lord has called you to. I've wrestled with these too, but at the end of the day let's press on doing what God is calling us to! You can not please everyone and people will choose to move on sometimes and thats ok too. Keep up ministry for those God is bringing 🔥 🙌 I believe you are truly doing your best to please the Lord and be faithful to scripture.
Much respect. I just found your channel today. I think you, your walk, and your discussions are great! Whether agreeing or not, I love the discussion process and your wrestling with the issue. You definitely have a gift. Your humble approach while being so open and honest about your journey is inspiring. I think your ministry here and now on RUclips is amazing and I think you can reach as many or more as any “pastor”. I haven’t even looked at your numbers, but who cares! You’re mKing a difference! Keep up the great work!
What you are doing here is a great ministry!!! At least to me! Thank you for your openness and thank you for your teaching! Ultimately we are accountable for our Lord Jesus Christ for how we live out our faith
I agree with you, I totally see and respect both sides and understand why it’s so debated! I think the enemy uses mean comments to keep people trapped and afraid to share what truths God is revealing to them. Another great and insightful video Faith💛💛
I am so incredibly proud of you and of this video. Thank you for walking this out in front of us with grace and humility. So grateful that I found you on RUclips; I cannot wait to see how God will use the gifts He has placed in you for His glory and for the good of His Church. Love you, sister!
Thank you so much for this genuine and heartfelt video. I’m also wrestling with this issue and come from a similar spiritual background. Your willingness to be vulnerable has deeply blessed me ❤️
What is the purpose of the church, the body of Christ, the bride of Christ? How does purpose of a wife inform our understanding of the purpose of the church? Who is head of the Church? Is it a man? Is it a pastor? Who has all authority over the church? Man or woman, all believers who comprise the body of Christ are part of a body, under a head, who has all authority. As the church, we are in the position of a wife. That doesn't change based on the position one holds in the church - a pastor and a janitor are the wife of Christ, the body of Christ and under the headship and authority of Christ. Whether we are teaching a class or serving food, as Christians we are called to be submissive to the authority of Christ, to be obedient to His commands. Do we say, there has to be more for the wife of Christ than just obedience to Him? Do we strive, as a church to become self governing...to usurp the Position of Christ as the authority. Do we long for what the flesh wants? Yes... that battle is real. It's the same battle that a woman called to submission to her husband faces. It's a my will vs the will of my head. The analogy of Christ and the Church to the husband and the wife, makes it so clear that we are all the wife in relation to Christ. When I see a Christian woman struggling, longing to stretch the bounds of the role to which God created her, I think of the church pushing against teaching of Christ, longing to usurp Christ and take authority that is not ours as the church.
Thank you for demonstrating your faith and bravery in asking those hard questions. I am finding Mike Winger's series very informative because he seems to be approaching it from a strictly Biblical perspective. The enemy will use every chance to divide us on the non-essentials. I pray that we, as consumers of your content, will resist the temptation to masquerade ad hominem comments as opinions or advice! God Bless you in your journey to grow ever closer to Jesus and follow His Will.
I am for you. YOU go girl. You are expressing my heart's desire to partner dance with my fellow brothers in the church and not just to be told to stay in my lane.
I think this might be my first RUclips comment ever. You are strong and wise and brave. A million years ago I felt called to minister and was told that as a woman I couldn’t. It devastated me in such a way that it had ramifications on my life for decades after and I stepped away from God and church. This year I realized how wrong I was for that and sorely regret losing so much time knowing and learning about God. Your videos have helped me learn how to better study the Bible. I have grown so much closer to God through people like you and through daily Bible study. You are an inspiration to more than you realize. You do have gifts. The fact that you are not just throwing in the towel shows that you are not a willow but such an oak! If you did put out a Bible I’d be one of the firsts to get it!
Faith your openness and honesty is so refreshing in a time where people tend to only present their "ideal self" to the world. Your gift is teaching and you are truly a force for good in the world. Your methods for reading scripture and taking effective notes have been invaluable to me and I cannot wait to see what you do next!
Faith, I am still a relatively new subscriber and Patreon, but you have helped me so much in my own Bible studies. I kept buying Bibles … all different versions … thinking that if I found the “perfect” Bible then all of my questions would be answered. Every time I went back to my old Bible that is being held together with duct tape but which contains all of my scribbles and notes for years. I took one look at your Bible and realized that all of the answers are in my beloved Bible and that I could add stickies and tape in full empty pages when needed for more study notes. I said all of that to say this…I have done your study of Galatians, and I am working through the Romans study, and you are a Teacher of the Word. Not everyone who goes through seminary needs to Pastor a church. You probably reach more people for Jesus on You Tube than by Pastoring a church … who knows ? I, personally, feel that I am specifically be taught one-on-one by you when I do your Bible studies or watch your videos. It’s crazy how I was led to your channel in the first place. One of your videos popped up in my You Tube feed one day, and I noticed your name. My mom’s middle name is Faith, and. I thought “hey, what can I lose? 15-20 minutes? Instead, I gained a Bible teacher who taught in a way that was engaging, enriching, and Scripturally sound. Does that mean that I will always agree with everything you say? Probably not . Does it mean that if I find myself disagreeing with something you say that I’ll verbally attack you ? Absolutely not !! What that would mean would be that I needed to dig deeper in Scripture for God’s answers. You have a God- given gift. What you ultimately do is between you, God, and your husband. As for me … I want you to stay on You Tube teaching ! Thank you for all that you do, along with your transparency and kindness. It comes down to “it’s all about Jesus who was, who is, and who is to come”. 👼
My personal view for how Mary being sent from the tomb can still be a complementarian roll, is that she was sent to go tell “His disciples” in Matthew (perhaps hinting that she was not a “disciple“ herself), and to tell “His disciples and Peter” in Mark. Luke and John also have her telling the disciples what she saw. Personal testimony and witness and sharing is one thing, leading a church is another thing. This is just my view of it, I guess, but looking at scripture, I don’t see Mary as being the equivalent of an ordained minister.
I've so appreciated seeing you struggle with this question and openly sharing your process. It's helped me to know its okay to be unsure and questioning longstanding tradition and teachings while also finding out our personal paths. God cares about our life calling, too!
Faith, I FEEL YOU! I have been given a similar gift, to teach. I have been told the same things about women can't be ordained and I have noticed that the Lord used women to be leaders in the Bible, so that was my affirmation that yes, I can lead and teach, just without being ordained. And I do believe that the Lord will use women to spread HIS LOVE throughout the nations, which is so needed, right now! I believe He is raising us up and equipping us women to do His work, more & more. We do have a place in ministry. Ministry IS SO broad!
I think what the problem is, is everyone has an opinion. God has given gifts to all people. Not just one side. All. Maybe your calling is to teach, which is something you are so amazing at. But also preaching, but more evangelical. What you have been doing has strengthened me. I’m so blessed by your knowledge and your heart for the Lord and us. Keep rocking this process. You’re amazing. God loves you and I’m positive Hes blessed by you.
No matter what side people land at on this subject, Christians need to approach it with grace and kindness! No judgement or hostility! There are no questions that shouldn’t be answered and discussed. Be Blessed ❤ ignore the mean comments, soak in the love and appreciation your audience offers
Faith, you are very gifted in teaching and speaking. When I saw the tears in your eyes, I just wanted to reach out and hug you!! Thank you for being vulnerable and honest! Hugs!!
I am 64 year old father of 2 girls and at no point in my life have I wanted my girls to be held back because of their gender. In mid 2000 I left a National Baptist Church to go to Methodist for this very reason. I highly encourage you to pursue what the Holy Spirit is leading you to do. Numbers 6:24-26.
Thank you. This has long been an unsettled question for me. Amen - we are created for more than "get married and have babies". It doesn't necessarily mean that we are all called to platform ministry, but without wrestling with the question we may not find our unique part in fulfilling the call and commission of the gospel.
I came from the opposite.. where women can do it all. The more I dig deep the more I realized that I needed to step back and relinquish control of things. Its also hard to ask these questions with egalitarians and found myself unwelcome. Mike Winger has been a breath of fresh air in all this for me.
Faith, I feel this whole video so much on so many levels.. I resonate so much in having such a strong urge to teach.. maybe especially in teaching women.. I am so happy you shared this. don't let people bring you down. live your identity in Christ as He calls and leads you !! And just to say, I resonate with the struggle on this front. Oh and that bible you dream to publish.. carry on. I'll buy for sure !!
It makes me very sad that people were horrible in the comments of your other videos. 😢 I too have had this very struggle. 3 years ago I started a Bible study group in my home. We were struggling to find a small group that just wanted to dig deep into the Word of God. I really felt God nudging me to start this group with friends a neighbors and some of my employees. Shortly after I started the group I came head on with this topic. And there literally was no one else willing to step up. I truly want to be obedient to God and I also truly felt God’s calling to do this. I searched and searched and search. In the end I felt like if I was disobeying God by leading people (including men) to open their Bibles and dig, then I would have to face God’s judgement at the judgement time. But I would go to the judgement seat, hand in hand, with those who found his truth and his character because of my conviction to spread the Gospel. Now 3 years later, all the neighbors directly around us attend and are digging in and finding God. I’ve had many employees attend, many of my husband’s coworkers attend. Etc etc. We have deeply studied Acts, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel and now are entering 2 Samuel. The members say they never studied the Bible like this in church, some never have been to church and never opened the Bible before. Now the subject of me being a woman does keep me more in check. I make sure everything is 💯 Biblical. I’m careful not to overstep and respect the men of our group. The point is, we are called to spread the Gospel and that is the bigger issue.
Also, I wish I could give you a hug 🤗 And I would be honored if I ever had the opportunity to sit down and study with you. Maybe someday in heaven we will get to hang out. Just keep showing people the way. Because if you ignore that calling just because you are a woman, you will have way more to talk to God about on judgement day. I believe he will be saying to you. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” 🤗 ❤️
Wow! What an amazing ministry!!!!! I am blown away thinking about you hat a blessing you are to your community! Reminds me of the post-Pentacost, early church days! Thank you for sharing that!
I have been going through Mike Winger's series and an underlying theme in Paul's writing seems to be not depriving men of respect. Especially since the Roman culture was very male centric probably had nothing checking their pride going into the church. Modern culture has sort of flipped the other way and made it clear that I can and will be replaced by women. And I mean everything, I once encountered a women that claimed reproduction doesn't require a man, which was not true but she seemed to believe it. So when you say "I’m careful not to overstep and respect the men of our group", I think that shows you have the right attitude about this. Thank you for the extra consideration and I hope your Bible study is still going strong.
@@viperstriker4728 thank you so much ! And yes, the Bible study is still going strong. Stronger than ever. Since 2019. No bells and whistles. Just the Word of God. Digging in and letting it speak. Perhaps that’s the answer. That a woman or a man is not the key ingredient. But that God’s Word is.
I have just found your site a month ago. I am a lot older than you are but I so enjoy how you get so excited over Gods Word and how you help everyone who listens to learn Gods Word. This is your ministry. God put you here for a reason. I just wanted to encourage you. God Bless
Please continue sharing your lifelong journey of asking these questions. Your openness really helps normalize the struggle of questiond with conflicting views that just don't have clear answers.
I hope you get to create a journal/study Bible. You have sparked my love of the Bible again. I had struggled for years with loving how I read and study. Thank you for all you do!
9:06 "I wouldn't say I'm an extreme feminist." Faith, you don't have to identify as a feminist - extreme or otherwise - to be heavily influenced by feminist thinking, which permiates our culture. Just look at the sentence you say immediate after that about how women **MUST** be made for **MORE** than **JUST** being wives and mothers. That is a feminist view of marriage, motherhood, and the family whether you want to wear the label or not. Sadly, the church - even the increasingly small parts that still believe women should primarily focused on their roles as wives and mothers - is not very good at articulating the ways in which those roles are essential to building the kingdom, and it often comes across as "oh just go over there and keep yourself busy with dinner and the kids, while the men are over here doing the actual important things." Yeah, that's a problem. It's giving women (such as yourself) a sense of what the kids are calling FOMO (fear of missing out). The problem is not in the roles themselves, which ARE Bibilical, but in the ways we view the roles, which more often than not, even by the most well-read and well-intentioned amoung us, are UN-Biblical.
Children need their dads just as much as they need their moms. Fatherhood is as much a calling as motherhood is, and dads should be expected to make sacrifices in their ambitions and career goals for the good and flourishing of their children and their family, too. What that will look like practically depends on the family, but it's not like parenting is only the mom's job. I want to live in a culture that values the contributions of both men AND women at home AND in society. A culture that truly values children and parents and sees rearing children as an important thing for both men and women to participate equally in, and that does everything it can to support that
I cannot tell you how much I respect you. Your willingness to just be honest and open. The courage to question and find the answers even if that answer is not black and white. If the church had more teachers like you, it would be a healthier place.
Faith thank you do much for your words. You have both scared & encouraged (more encouraged) me to want to stay my own channel. Even with the mean comments. You show strength & I appreciate that. Please know that with you sharing you have encouraged at least one if not several of us to be more bold for Jesus & step out of our comfort zone. Thank you Faith & God bless
I appreciate your honesty and I want you to know that I have been and will continue to pray for you. I will say this: I have been on both sides of this argument. I attended a church with a female "pastor" at one time. And I don't put that word in quotations to be disrespectful, but because she was extremely unqualified to be so. But, I was egalitarian up until about a year ago when I started studying Reformed Theology. I was Pentecostal(ish) and I honestly had just always been taught that the verse in 1 Timothy was a cultural decision that Paul made and didn't apply to the church today. So I honestly got to a point where I kind of resented Paul and would completely skip over that verse when reading my Bible. But for the last year, I have been digging deep into the Word and find myself aligning more with complimentarianism. I believe that the Bible gives us many good descriptions of what a woman's role is. Not just in Proverbs 31 (which, lets be honest, is WAY overused), but also in Titus 2. And as far as your mention of Mary, the woman at the well, etc...the main conclusion I have come to is this: The great commission is not just for men. Every one of us is to preach the Gospel, which is what those women in the Bible did. But there is a difference between preaching the Gospel to your neighbor, your Facebook friends, your RUclips followers, and being a Shepherd/Elder, leading a church. I would also like to say that this...your RUclips channel...absolutely IS a ministry. Ministry isn't just pastoring a church, it's spreading the Word and helping others grow in their faith. I have been going back and watching some of your older Bible Study videos. I loooooved the ones on Ecclesiastes 1 and John 3. Please don't stop doing those because Christian women NEED good, deep Bible study and some of us could use your help. ;) Sorry to be long-winded. I hope that made sense. And, as I said, I appreciate your honesty and I pray that you will continue to study this topic and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit. God bless, Faith.
Yes. One more thought to add - God will never call you to be something that goes against his word. His word is clear in many passages about the qualifications for pastors/elders/deacons. I think it is backwards somewhat to say we feel called to do something, therefore it must be from God (I can think of many examples where this would not be right). We should start with his word first, and then use discernment for our feelings. the Bible definitely speaks to our heart and the deceptive nature of following it. I definitely would confirm that you have a gift of teaching, just not in an authoritative way over men. That is just God's design, just like his design for marriage is one man and one women. He would never call someone, no matter how much someone feels like he did, to be in a relationship that they would call marriage that was not his design. What about the people who say God wants them to be happy and they are not happy in their marriage? Definitely not God making them feel called to end the marriage because they are not happy. So again - to summarize my point - simply that we should see what God's word says and then filter our feelings and decisions through that.
I am a new believer. I have only been reading the Bible for a month now and I came across you a few days ago and I have just been watching all your videos as you just make reading the Bible and being a Christian more realistic. That there are struggles and that you don’t need to be perfect and that as you learn more your viewpoints change. So thank you for making these videos. I have no idea about what all this debate is about as I don’t know the scripture well enough yet. But I would definitely buy a study Bible if you were part of it! I think it would help immensely for new believers!
I wrote the comment below maybe a month or so ago to one of your previous videos regarding this, but I deleted it, not wanting to make your struggle more difficult. You ARE ministering and teaching and I am so VERY grateful for you! Here it is: “I am a former Catholic and have been on a journey for the last few years to really KNOW Jesus, to actually learn for myself instead of having the Word “explained” to me. I came across your videos within this past year and I can’t even begin to tell you what you have done for me. I have listened to you speak about your calling and your desires to reach all nations. You have such a passion and a true gift in sharing the Word, TEACHING others how to understand, love, and live the Word that I can’t help but thank God that you are not behind a Pulpit right now - that you are right here - reaching those of us in need of your gifts at this moment in time. (Forgive me, as I know that just sounded terribly selfish and maybe it is? I don’t know, but there is more gratitude in it than anything else). This is a poorly worded comment, but I am not going to reword, as I hope with all of my heart that you can read through it and really SEE and HEAR the thankfulness in it. Your videos have truly been a gift and a blessing to me. Thank you
Thank you for sharing what you are learning with this. I have also asked these questions and coulds never find anyone actually dicussing it instead of just saying "this is whats right" without explaining. Thank you for being open with this and explaining it along the way.
Thank you so much for making this video. As a woman and a Christian (and specifically a Southern Baptist), this is something I have always struggled with. I remember when I was a kid, there was one day after church where I was sitting in the car with my dad waiting on my mom and sisters to come out, and my bible was open in my lap, and I was reading it. I remember telling my dad that I wanted to be a pastor when I grew up, and he told me, right away, with no hesitation "women can't be pastors". I remember immediately asking him "where do you get that from?" and he pointed me to the verse in Timothy, and I left that conversation disheartened. Then later, a lifelong friend of mine, who is a woman, went to seminary, and currently pursuing ordination. I am unsure whether or not to consider her calling genuine, after all, God wouldn't call someone to something He disallows, right? but the bible says what it says. There was also a lady at my church when I was a teenager, who volunteered with the youth group a lot. I looked up to her a lot, but when the topic came up, I found that she was an extremist Complementarian. I mean like, no women in the workforce, no women in government, no women in ministry unless they're teaching children or other women, all of it. That shook me for a while and made me wonder if my views were the extreme ones. I then did a deep dive into the scriptures myself, looking for any relevant passage I could find, to find biblical basis for women in non-pastoral leadership roles. I eventually came to a peace about it, but it took a while. Many years later, I do firmly believe that pastor (and maybe head of the household too? but there's some grey area there in the case of widows with children) is the only leadership role the bible prohibits from women, but that that doesn't mean we can't go into ministry. I believe that the great commission was given to all believers, male and female alike, and that there's a difference between ministry/discipleship and being a pastor. I can't shepherd a church, but I could lead a bible study, I can minister to my atheist friends at college, and disciple them if they ever come to Jesus while I know them. I once took a spiritual gifts quiz, and it said I had the gift of shepherding. I take this with a grain of salt, bc it was a quiz, but still, I firmly believe that there are ways to use that gift for the glory of God without becoming a pastor. I also believe that it is possible to be a Christian AND a feminist without compromising either. I believe that to be a Christain and a feminist is to believe that we are just as much made in the image of God as men are, that we are just as valuable, just as loved, and that being daughters rather than sons doesn't make us any less children of the King. To be a Christian and a feminist is to acknowledge that the Proverbs 31 woman, that the example of the ideal biblical wife, was a businesswoman who bought a vineyard, and founded a winery. To be a Christain and a feminist is to acknowledge that God appointed a female judge over Israel for a time, her name was Deborah. To be a Christian and a feminist is to acknowledge that there was a female deacon in the New Testament. To be a Christain and a feminist is to acknowledge that Adam was with Eve when she ate that fruit and that they share the fault equally (he didn't do his job as spiritual head of the household in shepherding her away from that). To be a Christain and a feminist is to acknowledge that when the bible says "There is no longer Jew nor Greek, nor slave nor free, nor male nor female" that the last pair shouldn't be interpreted differently than the first 2 pairs. That in all 3 cases, it means we are equal at the foot of the cross. I am glad that I listened to my dad back then, because God is using me now in ways, I never thought He would. I consider myself a missionary to my college campus. Honestly, I wish more Christians would consider themselves missionaries to whatever place they find themselves in. There are currently 6 different people I'm trying to reach with the gospel, and I've already had very long conversations about God (all including the gospel, of course) with 3 of them so far. I see now that same desire in me that made me want to be a pastor when I was a kid, before I knew what the bible said on the topic, that desire to serve, that passion for the lost, I see it playing out, not as a pastor, but as an evangelist. My career isn't even related to this calling, but the thing is it doesn't have to. With this calling, the goal is to take the gospel with you into your profession. If I get my dream job and wind up an animator, I'll be a missionary to the animators in my studio. If I end up doing something else with my degree and being a software or web developer, then I'll be a missionary to the other developers in my workplace. That's my calling. And if I hadn't been told that being a pastor is off the table, then I might not have ever found it. Like you said, middle road. I personally believe that women should not be pastors, but in all other ways, we can serve the same as any man. Yet, like you, I do not look down on other believers who disagree with me on this, in either direction. The lady at my home church, whose strict views made me doubt my middle ground stance until I'd studied the bible more, and the friend I've known since birth who's becoming a pastor despite being female, I love them both, and I still consider them sisters in Christ. On all secondary issues to the faith, I refer to the passage that talked about meat sacrificed to idols, and the debate the church at the time had over whether it was ok to eat it. Agree to disagree. It's a lot easier to say when you're on the side that thinks it's fine. It's a lot easier to say "I think this is ok, but I won't do it around you, because I know you disagree, and I don't want to be a stumbling block for you" than it is to say "I think this is wrong, but I won't judge you for doing it because you are my sister in Christ, and we are both washed by the blood of the Lamb, and the bible is ambiguous about it anyway." But even so, it's worth saying
(I didn't read every word you wrote.) you wrote: I personally believe that women should not be pastors... I post on women's matters a lot. I suggest you reply.
It's unfortunate that your dad discouraged you from becoming a pastor at such a young age. I feel for you, I've been struggling with this for years as well, and it's been a struggle starting out 100% egalitarian yet being led by God to see a grace in complementarianism towards women. It's like Calvinism vs Arminianism, why argue about it as long as we're leading people to Christ? I would like to encourage you, if you ever have a daughter who says she desires to be a pastor, to open up the option of being a pastor of a women's ministry. As far as I recall in 1 Tim. 2:11-13, it says a woman isn't to teach over a man, but it doesn't deny women the privilege to teach other women. The only requirement in that regard is upon the student, to learn in quietness and submissiveness. If you disagree with that viewpoint, it's okay 😊 as long as we remain united in Spirit, these disagreements should not be significant
Ministry is serving. My wife will never be a pastor. But she prays for women and children and if we are together and a dating couple is with us and the man ask a question she is able to give her own input and it has. A lot of value. But that same man will not meet with her by himself and talk about the same subjects
- “ I also believe that is possible to be a Christian and feminist without compromising either” … says the woman openly defying the Word of HaShem. Repent before it’s too late for you.
A few thoughts… I watched the first 3 (I think) of Mike’s videos. I plan to finish the series, but you know, life. Anyway, I like his term “soft complementarian”. I feel like that defines your “somewhere in the middle” idea fairly well. Anyway, when I read Scripture, I do my absolute best to be sure to follow the two main rules: (1) Read the verses and passages IN CONTEXT, and (2) Know the difference between PRESCRIPTIVE passages and DESCRIPTIVE PASSAGES. Thus far in my studies of this topic, the times that women were leaders, “sent out”, ministering, etc. are all Descriptive. So the examples that egalitarians tend to give are generally not commands given to women as a whole, but describe events that occurred with women at that point in biblical history. On the other hand, when the rules/commands/duties etc. are given in regard to Pastors/Elders/Leaders, they are given in a Prescriptive manner. “An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the HUSBAND of one wife, temperate…” [1 Timothy 3:2, NASB] is an example where the language is directly prescriptive in the qualification of an overseer/pastor AND specifically says “husband”. (I know people try to debate that, etc.) NOW, on the “other” side. We cannot say that women are merely created to have babies and clean houses. We read the (both prescriptive AND descriptive) demonstration of the “Noble Wife” in Proverbs 31 as the most detailed and clear example. And we read about the women who served WITH Jesus, but never held authority over the men. But they were not condemned for ministering with Him nor having an income, etc. All the way back in Genesis, we see that God created us male AND female, with different capabilities (physically) and roles. It is not “man works and woman rears children.” It is that manKIND is to rule over the earth, BUT we do that as a team within our separate but perfectly complementary roles. We ARE to submit to our husbands, but we are also his helpMATE. We are a team in the home. As far as the church (organization) goes I believe men are the only ones qualified to be Pastors and direct overseers. BUT, that does not mean every man is automatically qualified. There are still quite a few prerequisites to fulfill that role and they will be held accountable. When we take a step back and stop with this “It’s either this extreme or that one” instead of really seeing how GOD created us and designed our system of living, we allow PRIDE in and that pride dictates our vies of this topic versus our surrendered hearts to Jesus. Anyway, that’s my two cents. *So, I want to say THANK YOU for being willing to dig in to this, not stick with what everyone else is just saying. Thank you for reading your Word. Thank you for sharing your journey and testimony. Thank you for being respectful, easy to listen to, but honest. It is refreshing!
I agree, it sounds like she’s a ‘soft complementarian’ and is kind of labelling extreme complementarianism as complementarianism. Good on her for going on a journey to find out the truth even though it’s scared her.
Love this Faith! Women can teach but pastoring is so much different. I feel the same way! Keep letting the Lord lead you . Keep creating a space at the table!
Our pastor did a sermon on this very topic.. the whole sum of the teaching was “a woman needs to do whatever God has called her to do. And she needs to be given respect by her peers to do what God has called her to do.” He had finer points… but those sentences sum it up. I personally believe that considering what things where like for women in Biblical times it is no wonder Paul said what he did to Timothy. Not because Paul thought it was actually law. Simply because no grown man apart from those who were already Jesus’ followers would have taken a woman seriously… I also believe if you feel you are called to be a mother, by default you are also called to be a teacher and preacher. We have to be, otherwise how would our children be hearing the Word of God from an early age! Weather you are a biological mother, adopted mother, or spiritual mother we have the privilege/responsibility of being the first to represent Jesus to our kids! Hopefully daddy is a close second! Some days I wish I had gone to seminary just to answer the questions my 6 year old hits me with! And I have 3 others behind her to answer questions for too!
Recently one of our Sunday School lesson series was WOMEN IN MINISTRY. I have NEVER struggles with the idea of women in ministry until last year. Then, all of a sudden…. I had a question and NO ONE COULD SATISFY ME WITH AN ANSWER. I have actually listen to hundreds of sermons, read commentary, prayed, searched, begged God, and my husband told me stop searching and wait on God’s answer. So, while I am studying Mary at the tomb for a Sunday School Lesson, and God spoke to me and said, “who did I send out and ask to spread the Good News? I said Mary. God said, “Well why can’t they be in ministry and pastor?” I cried like a baby!!! I believe hold-heartily women can be pastor!
Bravo to you. Stop paying attention to the naysayers/rude people. You are teaching those of us wanting to go deeper…this is your ministry reaching all of us!
I personally believe women have a place in the church but it’s not over brothers in Christ. I believe women can teach other women and children the truth of Gods word. 1 Corinthians 11 teaches a man is over a women which is why we can’t use authority over them 🙂
Eve in Exile by Rebekah Merkle would be a good book for you. Even if you say you're not a feminist. There were many times I skipped parts of a Christian counseling book because I didn't think it applied to me, only to look at them later to realize those sections did apply to me. You seem to think the complimentarian view is more extreme than it is and Mrs. Merkle does a great job explaining a woman's role. There's also a documentary. I would recommend her father Doug Wilson on this topic too. Canon Press is the RUclips channel. God bless.
My husband was the one that recommended you to me! He really liked your content on worship songs and when he saw all the other things you do he knew how much I would enjoy you and how much I would love your energy! And he is right I have loved all of your content, heart, honesty, energy, strength and more! Keep doing what your doing! Keep doing what you are led to by the Holy Spirit! you are still human and will say things wrong or off and people are going to be human as well. HOLD your ground on where GOD has you!!! love ya girl!
Faith, you are in my prayers! I went through this whole journey! Whether I was called, could I be ordained, could I pastor? All the meanest, rejection, and opinions had me so conflicted! I ended up leaving the church I been in my whole life. I took a year sabbatical and sought God with every ounce of strength I had! God really ministered to me and assured me that I was anointed, gifted, and called to pastor. Fourteen years later, God confirmed my calling through 3 different elders. I was finally ordained in 2014. I had to make a decision. I had to decide if I was going to submit to and obey God or disobey God because of being rejected by so many who didn’t agree. I chose obedience.
As a mostly complementarian woman in a mostly egalitarian denomination, remember you only answer to God. My path or any other human does not come between you and God, and I or any person in comments does not know what God has called you to do. I think you are entirely too concerned with the criticism you receive and sister remember Jesus says not everyone will love us for our message, and that is okay. Only you can know if you are faithful to your calling. I enjoy your honesty in this video and will pray that God gives you clear signs and leanings of what He has called you to do.
Faith, this was so encouraging and brave! I cannot imagine the torment and pain you've been wrestling, but I have been praying for you! I've been praying for Joe and your boys as well. I can appreciate you asking the hard questions. It is frustrating knowing that people basically shut you down because they can't go into detail with an answer that satisfies. I grew up being told all the don'ts, but no one ever gave me an alternative, which basically turned into legalism. Thank you for opening up and sharing where you are on your journey. I'm all ears to hear what you are willing to share without judgment. I will continue to pray for y'all. 💜
I have a friend who goes to a denomination that restricts women in leadership. But she has her own ministry page. Churches will call her to schedule her to speak and she travels to where they are. And I’ve watched her deliver a message on Sunday morning in a very complimentary church by including a power point (it’s a “presentation” that way) and she did an altar call at the end with several coming forward. She preached!!
If she preached, she sinned according to the Bible. It is very easy to spin something to how we understand or want it to be. That includes sin. There are plenty of opportunities for women to teach other women and children so why would we, as women, want to live outside of God's Word? That is what needs to be questioned.
Thanks for sharing this part of your journey, Faith! I would also want to respectfully add that we shouldn't condemn feminism either! I think Christians have a wrong understanding of it: while some parts of it are more extreme and not necessarily biblical, at the core, feminism means having social, economical, political, etc equality between men and women, that is, men are not inherently superior to women and shouldn't be violent against them or abuse them (and that is biblical, since we are both created in the image of God. Different roles doesn't mean that men have more value than women). I think feminism should be seen in light of the Scriptures in that way: we all deserve respect and a fair treatment, no matter our gender ❤️ it doesn't have to be extreme or a taboo among Christians, I think
This is my view too!!! The extremists have distorted the original meaning of feminism. Plus the more I read the more I see Jesus as the original feminist- he was so radical in his treatment of women. He gave them unprecedented value and showed they had a voice and he was respectful
@@Veronica_penpaperinkandstudy I think any philosophy whether political, cultural, or spiritual, is on a continuum and will have extremism at one end. It happens with people who say they’re Christians, yet they truly hate and harbour such anger towards those who don’t agree with their vitriolic messages. I also believe Jesus was amazing with women and He is the only example we should look to for how to treat others. Not Paul. Paul was a grumpy bachelor. I think he was a bit of a jerk.
@@Veronica_penpaperinkandstudy I also think that God in general (not just when Jesus came) has always put a high value in women: if you read the Old Testament there are plenty of examples of God unprecedentedly protecting women through his Law, and how Israel had to be different in how they treated women too. Also in all the faithful women that paved the way to Jesus in the OT 🙌🏻🥰
I'm very new to the Bible 3 months into a reading plan now, and you have played a pretty big role in teaching me how to understand, where to even begin and how to enjoy the process🌻 I am very grateful for your bible study tips as no one in my circles reads the Bible at all and it means allot that you share your passion it's helped me begin to understand and grow closer to God we live super far apart but you have touched my life in a positive way and I'm sure countless others as well❤️ 💐
Thank you for sharing where you are currently, it is something I’ve wondered. I do also believe that this is your calling-I love how excited you get when you share/explain things from the Bible. When I was first saved I was super excited abt reading the Bible, I was just hungry for it. I would read two to three chapters and look up sermons for them after wards to listen to as I worked around the house. I don’t know how I got away from that but I did-I was still reading but it almost felt like I was doing it because I knew I should be and I don’t know how much I was actually soaking in. I stopped looking up stuff when I had questions. Finding your channel which happened because of the Mike Winger series funnily enough, encouraged me to be excited about my Bible reading again. The way you combine stuff I would call art journal- ish (something I was really into before I got saved) and serious studying has really sparked my love of the Bible again. So I thank you for that. I’ve even begun to take free Bible courses online through several places I feel I can trust and have gotten a lot out of that too.
Unbelievable how cruel people can be...I wish there was a way for those people to conduct themselves with respect... it's ok to disagree....but, disagree with kindness...I love your work, Faith...I always learn something new from you. God will not give you more than you can handle.
Sometimes I think they can be mean because they aren't saying it face to face. Hiding at home on the keyboard makes it easier. I think this comment needs way more likes. I wish I could like it a hundred times but instead I will offer ya 🏆☺️
Your Pentecostal friend was absolutely correct --- in fact, it was obvious to me from even the very first videos I watched that Teaching is your Gift, and not ministering. But with that being said, I think that teaching and ministering are both equally important. In fact, in my experience, I frequently obtain a deeper understanding of Scripture from teachers since we are able to dive deep into words, verses, contexts, and we can ask questions. It's much more interactive. And you're right, you're not perfect, no one is except Christ --- so don't beat yourself up for any struggles, doubts, or questions you may have. That's part of God's plan for you, and he never said it would be easy.
I enjoy watching your videos. Not only are you a good Bible teacher, you also challenge me to go deeper. One thing that truly makes me sad, is you feel the need to constantly apologize for living out your calling. This is the ministry God has given you. There is no need to apologize for it. ❤
Thank you so much for all you do. I love your teachings. You truly do have a gift. they are full of the Word and very passionate. Thank you so much for being real with us and allowing us to encourage you and support you.
Thank you Lord for your goodness all along the way, thank you for the cross and for your love! Lord I pray for every single person that watches this video, may they see You and turn and glorify you. Amen
Amen! ❤
Amen. You're such an inspiration to me and you're to me the proverbs 31 woman. I'm sorry people are mean and don't get your message because they get stuck you keep going for the rest of us who need your inspo!!!!
Cheering you on Faith!💛☺
Go listen to The podcast For the Gospel. He answer the questions about women very fair and with Grace.
Amen! 🥰☺
I've been following Mike's series too. Your vids have popped up every now and then and I finally decided to comment. I've had to go through a process over the last ten years with this topic as well. I feel you, and am praying for you 🙏
I love that Melissa Dougherty, one of my other favorite RUclipsrs, is supporting you! Y’all are both awesome!
@Melissa Doughtery, it was very kind of you to reply to Faith. You are one of the best Bible teachers on the web. Please keep doing what you are doing and may God bless and protect you in your ministry.
Love you Melissa !!!! You inspire me in my minister as a Mother 😍
Thank you, @Melissa Dougherty :)
💖🙏🥰
Submission doesn't oppose egalitarianism or complementarianism.... submission is a reality of the Christian life for all Christians all the time. We submit to one another in love.
Hi Faith, I'm one of your male viewers, and I've thought about commenting on the other videos concerning this topic for a bit now. As someone who has asked similar hard questions that could be costly on a communal and familial level, I can 100% relate and really admire your openness and commitment to scripture and mission. I think what most people don't realize is that the conclusions, or lack thereof, which come from asking the hard questions don't come easy. When we wrestle these things out, it's not because we woke up one day with a posture of rebellion. We arrive at them kicking and screaming, throwing ourselves at the mercy of God, open to the guidance of the Spirit. We just need to be given the space to ask hard questions and steer into God's Word without feeling like a "bad person" for doing it. As you continue to wrestle with your calling and theological position, I pray you continue to see and experience God every step of the way. You are a blessing to so many, I share your videos with fellow Bible nerds often. Keep up the good work for the Kingdom!
Wow, thank you Kyle! 🥹
Totally agree
Well said, Kyle. You took the words out of my mouth.
Israel means to wrestle with God. Let us wrestle together. Thank you, Kyle, for your shared strength as a man. The strength of a man comes from more than just the strength of his arms.
100%!!!
My preacher is a firm believer that we have to ask the hard questions in order to grow in our faith. I can't count the number of times he has told the congregation that our questions do not scare God. They delight God because it shows we have a desire to know Him better. I love that I am able to go to my preacher with my questions and he will direct me to resources for me to study and gain insight to my questions. He also does not condemn me or fuss at me if I come to a different understanding on those secondary issues. He will often sit down and we will discuss our view point and how we came to our belief using the scripture.
WOW! That's amazing and SO important!
Love this!!! Also totally agree.
I love that -- "our questions do not scare God." The best conversations I've had with my pastor all involved us talking about things we disagreed on. I value his input and wisdom, even if we don't agree on every point. There's so many layers to faith-- we are not going to be on the same page every topic every time!
I truly believe you are an extremely gifted teacher. As a faithful Christian, you will do what God sees you doing. I can tell you, your Bible study videos and now programs you have put out are amazing and you already are helping so many of us. I am so proud of what you're doing AND your questioning. That's how we learn and mature in our faith and lives. Never stop seeking!
I agree with you, Lisa. Faith, you are a gifted teacher. I enjoy your videos & learned to dig deeper into God's Word. You are a great blessing to me and all you view your channel.
A good teacher does not constantly draw attention to self and be stubbornly defiant to more mature teachers, her church and God. She has gone further and further from God, even lying. People are not saying she is a bad person. She is disobeying God and greatly neglecting and emotionally abusing her children. She is an emotional wreck. She use to admit she gets almost zero sleep, is a full time pastor’s wife, mother of toddlers, and spends hours every day on RUclips. She makes very unwise decisions like going to a false teacher for wisdom, claiming she has to do these videos for money yet then rents a building away from home and fill it up and decorate! Sitting at Jesus’s feet is not being a pastor or teaching. She wants everyone to be humble except her! A good teacher is humble! A good teacher obeys God in welcoming Godly discipline even rebuke when needed. But she wants to only go by part of God’s Word, not all of it. God warns us about taking away, adding, twisting to what we feel or want. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I'm sorry tam4givin but I don't agree. I haven't seen her being anything but humble. What false teachers have you seen her reference? What I've seen of her is a woman with a passion for God's Word and a gift for teaching. I'm surprised you continue to watch her if feel this way. But we are all allowed to form our own opinions.
@tam4givin could you be specific about false teachings? I have only seen genuine desire to understand, and seeking out what the Bible says, but I'm pretty new to this channel, too, so have not hardly begun to touch the quantity of vids.
Eww
Faith, I am a 64 yr. old grandma. I have been following your channel for about 8-9 months. Thank you for sharing this process with us. Many have come at you in judgment, and you remained honest and gracious. While stones were cast at you, there were many more of us praying for you and your family during this delicate spiritual quest for where you fit as a woman in today’s church. I appreciate how upfront and brave (yes, brave. It takes a strong and brave/courageous person to lay her heart bare for the YT audience) knowing the cost of being so open. Paul understood the cost of sharing the Gospel. He bore the scars of beatings, being stoned and so on. You also weighed the cost, and went on to study, pray, seek spiritual guidance, and through it all, continued to bring us videos. Like I said-brave. When people throw emotional stones of judgment at you, keep your eyes focused on our Savior. Keep your heart and mind on His Word. Always remember that there are many, many of us that are praying for you, and that we will continue praying for you and your family. May God bless you as you seek to become the best servant of Christ that you can be. I shall be looking forward to your next video.
❤️
My daughter and I often used to daydream about a “build a Bible “. I was looking for a specific Bible that didn’t exist- how cool to have one where you could click all your needs and have it created for you: Translation, number of ribbons, tabs or no tabs, how much journaling space, cover type, etc. I would love to see the one you come up with!! I appreciate your honesty and openness in these videos!
I really appreciate the example you are setting by showing the process of wrestling through hard questions. Somewhere along the way we have forgotten how to ask questions and sit with God in the unknowing. And I think as we watch you do this it can make many of us feel uncomfortable because it’s much easier to assume we know it all and more importantly, we are right about it all. 😅 (Coming from a reforming know-it-all.)
When you publish your nerd Bible, I want to put in my order NOW.
you are inspiring, keep teaching and sharing your knowledge with us,
Being a babe in my FAITH, any questions I ask or question the Word. I was accused of not being saved or the Holy Spirit is not…all kinds of evil attacking me. I am the type of person who wants to know why? who, what, when, and where? I’m a researcher by nature. Sometimes I have to slow down to let scripture sink in. I do my morning devotional and then study a chapter a day. Breaking down each sentence. And it’s really helped me.
@@mattierutherford6956 Keep up the good work, sounds like you are on the right track! 👏❤
Female Pastors or female Leadership in the church is not a hard question. Just because someone is good at something or has a passion for it, doesn’t mean we do it. Being a Christian means foregoing our own desires to follow Gods plan.
@Brandon P
What God gives a light and then demands for it to be dimmed? What God sets ablaze a fire for it to be put out?
Yeah! you said what I have been saying for fifty years. I ran into the hard-core "No women teaching" in college and in my attempts to attend seminary I was told I could take hospitality or music classes only because I was a woman. You did a great job on this touchy subject and I am so grateful to see a beautiful woman applying scripture in a sound doctrinal stance for young women to see who we are in Christ. Jesus told Martha not to fret over "hospitality" to leave Mary alone because she "chose the good part." Like you I chose the good part and finally received my seminary degree at the age of 58. I now have a vital counseling ministry in my church where I share the gospel one on one mostly with young adults with many of the struggles you address. I know I can use your vids and have truth. Thank you for your ministry. .
The person saying 'no women teaching' itself is not Biblical right? We see several examples of the New Testament. So to conflate that person to the more common thoughts from the complimentary side is wrong as that person is in the extreme. I think I understand what you are saying 'choose the good part', but I don't think you would disagree that ALL of God's revealed Word to is is the Good Parts. What is bad or not relevant in the Bible? God bless you and what you do. You are not describing your role as anything that is against the teaching of the Bible. You are not one a founding pastor of a church, a lead senior pastor, an overseer elder.
I came across this video and appreciate your candor. I also am a woman who has struggled with my gifts and calling. God gifted me as a teacher and have just graduated from Seminary, and I also am a Biblical counselor/pastor. I have come, over my 56 years as a Christian, to consider myself a middletarian. So, your statement that you are in the middle too was refreshing. I believe in submission and the headship model, and I believe women using their gifts, even in leadership. Keep seeking after Christ and growing in the knowledge of Him! God bless you and shine His beautiful face on you!!
This.video.is.everything. I thought I was the only one struggling with this internally! Thank you for this and don't stop 💓
Thank you for sharing your heart! As I listened to you, I kept thinking how we need to not get so caught up in secondary issues, and I was so happy to hear you say that we need to give GRACE to each other, especially on the secondary issues. We are all a work in progress. Keep reading the Bible and seeking God! He is a good God, gracious, and can handle your questions, even though some of His children can't.
From middle school until I graduated, I attended a wonderful church that lived out a balanced approach to the issue you are struggling with-- the pastor was the pastor and he was a wonderful person, but his wife was such a gifted teacher. The best services were when she was teaching because I learned so much from her. She has written many books and you would probably recognize her name. But it was always so clear and evident that her husband was her head and she respected him and his role as pastor. I lived with this example and never felt concerned about the controversy.
However, when I became a mother and my husband and I were struggling financially, I had to stop listening to certain teachers that I really enjoyed because they made me feel like a failure as a mother because I had to work-- there was no financial way we could live on one salary. Eventually I was making more than my husband, then double what he was earning, and now we live on my income alone-- because God has blessed me in my career, and that is HIS doing, not mine. Now 26 years into marriage, I have gained so much peace in my life when I stopped letting others tell me what a Godly woman is. I started leaning on God's word to tell me who I am, instead of listening to people tell me who I am not (especially Proverbs 31). The proof is in the pudding... my children (in their 20s now) and my husband constantly praise me far more than I know I deserve.
As a pastor, I still wrestle with this. But this is one of the best exploration of this topic. This is the most godly discussion I've heard on this. Thanks for displaying the love of Christ even in this debate.
As a pastor - would you take 10 mins to read my blogpost - I believe I have used iron clad exegesis to refute a famous teaching from Billy Crone who says women cannot be pastors - I dug into this for years and believe we are all missing the final piece of this debate puzzle:
sirrichardthelionheart.blogspot.com/2021/08/to-be-clear-i-had-never-heard-of-billy.html
It is interesting people wrestle with this. When the focus is on God's Word, it seems pretty clear regarding leadership of a church, sheparding the church, teaching over the entire body of the church versus the Great Godly work of evangelism.
@@danielkim672 It's interesting, I was always strongly against women in ministry, until I was challenged to prove my beliefs via Scripture. All of a sudden things weren't so easy. I'm leaning more towards women in ministry than against. Plenty of Scripture seems to support that position.
@@jessman8597 I suppose one would need to define what 'women in ministry' means to them. In the sort of narrow way I wrote my view, are you disagreeing with those comments? If so, since there are plenty of Scripture to support the opposite of what I wrote, can you quickly share some 3-5 verses so I can look up and study them?
What a blessing and answer to prayer this video is. THANK YOU for being faithful and speaking out loud. The part about believing you have a teaching gift versus a pastoral gift was so incredibly edifying and beneficial to me!! thank you!!
Thank you for all your teachings! I felt a powerful draw to your teachings from the start and am so thankful that you have the strength to continue spreading the good news and teaching others! 🙏🙏🙏
Faith you are fulfilling your calling on RUclips! I’ve enjoyed all of your videos & I’ve shared them with my friends. Thank you for answering the call & encouraging us in our walks.
Girl, I feel you. Lol. I’ve been through that same journey. My mother was a pastor and I am now, I guess, a soft complementarian after wrestling a long time with this. Now I’m married to a pastor and we have 3 kids. At the end of the day, 1 Timothy and Titus makes it clear among other passages. Jesus sent the women you mentioned to evangelize. We can evangelize to all. We are also called to teach what is good to younger women (or spiritually less mature. Titus). The only things we are forbidden are the roles of spiritual authority (Pastor, elder, etc.) and teaching men. But you can totally teach! You clearly are a teacher! And there are a plethora of women who can use a good female teacher. So keep going and may the Lord give you wisdom and understanding on this journey😊❤️
I, too, am a pastor's wife and I landed at this same place as you, Marie Bo.
Genuine question. How do we hold to this in a way that doesn't imply that men have nothing to learn from women? I'm trying to learn how to frame it in a positive and redemptive way.
@@nicoleparsons7630 I’ve seen women do other types of classes like methods of studying the Bible, Hermenutics, Greek or Hebrew, Church history. That type of thing. I’d be totally comfortable with doing that myself or seeing other women. But let’s not make less of what God has called women to do. After all, Paul does emphasize to Timothy that women have a big influence and role in teaching our future “Timothys” and “Pauls” and raising and teaching other strong women of God. Just as important as what men have to do. That’s why they compliment each other.
@@mariebo7491 yes, that makes sense, and I'm not trying to lessen the importance of women ❤️ in fact, I know that womanhood and femininity reflects God to the world in ways that manhood and masculinity do not, and vice versa. I totally believe that men and women complement each other and need each other. (I just struggle to understand why gender differences necessitate hierarchy.)
I just have a lot of baggage when it comes to complementarian teachings, and I struggle to see how it's good. I'm not taking a side, I'm just sharing the source for my questions. Too often, I've seen men take this verse to mean they have nothing to learn from women because we're "too emotional" or "supposed to submit, so God doesn't really want them to have opinions ultimately."
Can you tell me what the difference is between a woman teaching a class or on RUclips to men and women and a woman preaching to both men and women? Again, genuinely trying to understand and see it in a redemptive light.
@@nicoleparsons7630 whether teaching or preaching, when it involves the teaching of God’s word to the people, scriptures reserve that for men. 1 Timothy 2 explains why. The hierarchy is God’s design. Yes, I have seen men abuse this taking scripture out of context. When I see that, I’m out. Lol. Teaching on RUclips is a different context. I have seen women who do teach in RUclips leave a disclaimer in their descriptions that their channels are intended for the teaching of women and are not trying to usurp the authority. of course, nobody can stop men from watching. But that’s not on her. We don’t have to understand it, just trust it. It’s God’s design and when done properly it’s a beautiful interdependent relationship. I know for me, and many others can testify, it gives me a lot of peace. There’s actually a great video on this. Let me find it and link it here for you.
You are wonderful, thank you so much for sharing with us where you are at. My wife and I love watching your vids, and our hearts are with you!
Wow, thank you
I grew up in the A/G, and there was no question about women preaching and teaching. God uses who He chooses, and that's that. I've never felt like I was held back in ministry. Praying for you and your husband each and every day, along with your precious little ones. Keep going strong.
Same! We actually just had this discussion on Sunday, in our women's group.
problem is, how do you know someone is "chosen by God" for something? people just have a strong desire and attribute it to God?
@@tomtemple69 I honestly don't think it is a problem. There are those who would like to convince themselves and others that they are called when they aren't, but if we take what the bible says and use it to verify the calling we can very easily follow the Holy Spirit's guidance and know in our heart and spirit if the person is called or not.
and it will NEVER be a woman. God isn't going to go against His own word.
The mere fact that you think the Holy Spirit would call someone to disobey God shows you DON'T have the ability to discern who's really called or announced to do something.
@@cryptojihadi265 ok. God bless you.
Thank you for this video, for sharing your thoughts, feelings and knowledge with all of us. I pray for you, your family, your future ministry and those that judge you.
Thanks Arlene!!!!
Ignore the naysayers. You sharing your learning with us is a great affirmation of faith and teaches so many of us. You are providing a great service and I thank you.
Thank you so much for opening your heart and sharing and I’m sorry for the hurtful comments you’ve had in the past. You’re honest, opening of your soul is what brought me to this channel. You are inspiring me to get back into my Bible and putting me back in touch with my Savior. I pray that the mean comments do not wear you down because the enemy is always going to work harder when you are making a difference in the God’s mission. He wouldn’t bother otherwise. Peace and love, In His Name, Pam
Wow..I am way older and have struggled profusely on this subject matter for most of my life ! Even to the point that I rejected church and blamed Eve and did not want any part of being a women in the Christian world. Only to be 50 and realize that rejecting my only belief has led me to being empty and confused on love and Jesus whom I totally need daily! I questioned everything pertaining to being a woman in love with GOD because in my mind he was an oppressive man. Wow, just thank you for sharing. The struggle is real and needs to be addressed. What changed for me was just praying and then discovered Leslie Vernick and Psalm 31 women's group and Niki Kozair and falling apart and weeping for hrs in my War Room and just now submitting to my role of what it truly means to be a daughter in Christ! I feel humbled to share because I HAD TO SEEK ALL THIS ALONE! NO Christian women friends till 10 years ago when my brokenness fell to the darkest place I've ever been in my life. Wow. I feel inspired and not alone now by your story! We are teachers and I believe I've always had that gift just not sure how to use it. I am now...GOD SHOWS ME DAILY!!! I LIFT YOU UP IN PRAYER AND LOVE!!🙏❤️
Hey! Thanks for sharing your journey. Beth Allison Barr, a historian, wrote a book called "The making of biblical womanhood: how the subjugation of women became gospel truth" all about this topic. I found it incredibly interesting and she really gets into the history of women in the church. Another book that really compliments Barr's book is "Jesus and John Wayne" by Kristin Kobes Du Mez. Kristin's book gets into how men's roles in the church have evolved throughout time. Both books highlight how common it is for Christians today to believe that what they have been taught about the Bible is the same thing that Christians have been taught for thousands of years even if the ideas are actually less than 100 years old. Anyways, both books are fascinating and I highly recommend them for anyone who is exploring the topic of women's roles in the church.
Yes! Could not recommend both of these more! BTW we all have different definitions of “feminist.” I’m a proud feminist but it means knowing I am equal in value to a man. Not better, not worse. Equal. Jesus was revolutionary in his treatment of women! The first evangelical was certainly our gal, Mary!
I have a tough time seeing either perspective. I’m so glad that I am not to the only one that struggles with this. My husband and I are on different spectrums when it comes to this. It’s nice to see your view and the conversation with your husband. Gave me hope that I might actually be able to talk about agreeing to disagree. I appreciate you trying to discuss hard questions. It refreshing to know that someone is doing it.
Thank you for your honesty . I feel like I went on this journey with you and I hope you find peace in your heart where you have landed on this issue. I cried right along with you this morning, I love that you wear your heart on your sleeve and are willing to be so open and vulnerable. That alone is a gift because it makes you so relatable.
I’ve been in ministry for some 18 years. I’m proud of you Faith! Your a GREAT TEACHER. I enjoy ALL YOUR TEACHINGS. God bless you, Sister!
Thank you! Thank you for your bravery to ask difficult questions and search the bible for the truth. Thank you for being honest about your journey. It is so important that we know we can and should ask questions. It makes us stronger in our faith. Thank you for exemplifying this. I’m not the same denomination, but your videos have been so helpful for me to get deeper into scripture. Thank you so much for what you do! God bless.
Yes! Yes! And more yes! I told you this before in your previous videos, you ARE called to be a teacher of the Word! 💯 You clearly have the anointing for it! I absolutely agree with that brother in Christ. And believe me, I know EXACTLY how you feel. Being a woman in ministry myself, I've been rejected and pushed away by many because I'm a woman. I've had the nasty comments, nasty emails etc etc. Know that you are not alone. I do suggest that you seek the Lord for personal intercessors that you can trust. People that will dedicate themselves to praying over you and your ministry every day. People that you trust to hold you accountable. Believe me, it makes a HUGE difference! God bless you and your family! Love you! ❤️✝️❤️
Thank you Jennifer, for your continually supportive and encouraging comments!
Lady’s I have been in the same boat as you all .. I was raised complimentary so I just always assumed it was right.. It was when I did a study on the Angel of the Lord that lead me to women in ministry.. Hagar was the start of my study in women because he came to her and Samsons mother when he came to her 2 times… My eyes were opened.. I kept going through the Bible and the more I studied the more I knew if I told anyone what I had learned it would turn my life upside down. I knew I would have to leave the church that I was a member at for 10 years .. My husband who had been there for 20 years .. I cried for so long until the Lord filled my heart with a boldness like I had never had .. I knew I had the gift of teaching and one night I took to the streets and preached Gods word because he pulled me to the streets.. I preached and 2 people were saved by the grace of God right on the side of the road… I’m not a feminist and I’m not a women only belongs in the kitchen.. I’m somewhere in the middle where God calls who he wants to call and who am I to say he can’t call someone because of their gender or status… Debra was the the stone that broke the camels back … ❤ God bless y’all …
Thank you! I look forward to each video! They’ve made an impact in my life!! Im sorry people are hurtful. I’ve struggled with this as well. Thank you for continuing to bless people despite the discomfort!
Thank you for opening up and sharing! You are very inspiring! Just know that you have supporters too. 🙏🏻
Hi Faith💗 I actually love your rawness and willingness to communicate where u r and your wrestling. I believe the Lord honors those who care enough to wrestle with scripture looking to the truth. Anyways, I have these type of questions and emotions all the time about secondary things and they can totally feel like foundational things especially when people are reacting as if they are. This issue is a SECONDARY ISSUE and although it's important to seek the Lord for truth in those, keep reminding yourself it's not foundational. You are a teacher and a very amazing one! You are gifted to teach others throughout your life through platforms like this channel. You have so much biblical insight, biblical education, and biblical understanding that the Lord is using you to spread the Gospel. You have already been doing that girl. You have already been extremely faithful and super ultra transparent with your subs. You are doing exactly 💯 what the Lord has called you to. I've wrestled with these too, but at the end of the day let's press on doing what God is calling us to! You can not please everyone and people will choose to move on sometimes and thats ok too. Keep up ministry for those God is bringing 🔥 🙌 I believe you are truly doing your best to please the Lord and be faithful to scripture.
Much respect. I just found your channel today. I think you, your walk, and your discussions are great! Whether agreeing or not, I love the discussion process and your wrestling with the issue.
You definitely have a gift. Your humble approach while being so open and honest about your journey is inspiring.
I think your ministry here and now on RUclips is amazing and I think you can reach as many or more as any “pastor”. I haven’t even looked at your numbers, but who cares! You’re mKing a difference! Keep up the great work!
Thank you faith for being vulnerable with us! I’m new in my born again walk and you have helped so much ❤❤❤
This is beautiful ❤😂! I found this on the perfect day. You are in my prayers 🤲🏾
What you are doing here is a great ministry!!! At least to me! Thank you for your openness and thank you for your teaching!
Ultimately we are accountable for our Lord Jesus Christ for how we live out our faith
I agree with you, I totally see and respect both sides and understand why it’s so debated! I think the enemy uses mean comments to keep people trapped and afraid to share what truths God is revealing to them. Another great and insightful video Faith💛💛
I am so incredibly proud of you and of this video. Thank you for walking this out in front of us with grace and humility. So grateful that I found you on RUclips; I cannot wait to see how God will use the gifts He has placed in you for His glory and for the good of His Church. Love you, sister!
Thank you so much for this genuine and heartfelt video. I’m also wrestling with this issue and come from a similar spiritual background. Your willingness to be vulnerable has deeply blessed me ❤️
What is the purpose of the church, the body of Christ, the bride of Christ?
How does purpose of a wife inform our understanding of the purpose of the church?
Who is head of the Church? Is it a man? Is it a pastor? Who has all authority over the church?
Man or woman, all believers who comprise the body of Christ are part of a body, under a head, who has all authority.
As the church, we are in the position of a wife. That doesn't change based on the position one holds in the church - a pastor and a janitor are the wife of Christ, the body of Christ and under the headship and authority of Christ.
Whether we are teaching a class or serving food, as Christians we are called to be submissive to the authority of Christ, to be obedient to His commands.
Do we say, there has to be more for the wife of Christ than just obedience to Him?
Do we strive, as a church to become self governing...to usurp the Position of Christ as the authority. Do we long for what the flesh wants?
Yes... that battle is real. It's the same battle that a woman called to submission to her husband faces. It's a my will vs the will of my head.
The analogy of Christ and the Church to the husband and the wife, makes it so clear that we are all the wife in relation to Christ.
When I see a Christian woman struggling, longing to stretch the bounds of the role to which God created her, I think of the church pushing against teaching of Christ, longing to usurp Christ and take authority that is not ours as the church.
Thank you for demonstrating your faith and bravery in asking those hard questions. I am finding Mike Winger's series very informative because he seems to be approaching it from a strictly Biblical perspective. The enemy will use every chance to divide us on the non-essentials. I pray that we, as consumers of your content, will resist the temptation to masquerade ad hominem comments as opinions or advice! God Bless you in your journey to grow ever closer to Jesus and follow His Will.
I am for you. YOU go girl. You are expressing my heart's desire to partner dance with my fellow brothers in the church and not just to be told to stay in my lane.
I am so proud of you Faith! I’m so blessed to call you sister 😍🥰♥️
I think this might be my first RUclips comment ever. You are strong and wise and brave. A million years ago I felt called to minister and was told that as a woman I couldn’t. It devastated me in such a way that it had ramifications on my life for decades after and I stepped away from God and church. This year I realized how wrong I was for that and sorely regret losing so much time knowing and learning about God. Your videos have helped me learn how to better study the Bible. I have grown so much closer to God through people like you and through daily Bible study. You are an inspiration to more than you realize. You do have gifts. The fact that you are not just throwing in the towel shows that you are not a willow but such an oak! If you did put out a Bible I’d be one of the firsts to get it!
Thank you Beth.
Faith your openness and honesty is so refreshing in a time where people tend to only present their "ideal self" to the world. Your gift is teaching and you are truly a force for good in the world. Your methods for reading scripture and taking effective notes have been invaluable to me and I cannot wait to see what you do next!
AMEN! May God bless you in your ministry! Be strong and courageous!
You go girl!! Thank you for being bold and sharing your heart. So encouraged from this video!
Faith, I am still a relatively new subscriber and Patreon, but you have helped me so much in my own Bible studies. I kept buying Bibles … all different versions … thinking that if I found the “perfect” Bible then all of my questions would be answered. Every time I went back to my old Bible that is being held together with duct tape but which contains all of my scribbles and notes for years. I took one look at your Bible and realized that all of the answers are in my beloved Bible and that I could add stickies and tape in full empty pages when needed for more study notes. I said all of that to say this…I have done your study of Galatians, and I am working through the Romans study, and you are a Teacher of the Word. Not everyone who goes through seminary needs to Pastor a church. You probably reach more people for Jesus on You Tube than by Pastoring a church … who knows ? I, personally, feel that I am specifically be taught one-on-one by you when I do your Bible studies or watch your videos. It’s crazy how I was led to your channel in the first place. One of your videos popped up in my You Tube feed one day, and I noticed your name. My mom’s middle name is Faith, and. I thought “hey, what can I lose? 15-20 minutes? Instead, I gained a Bible teacher who taught in a way that was engaging, enriching, and Scripturally sound. Does that mean that I will always agree with everything you say? Probably not . Does it mean that if I find myself disagreeing with something you say that I’ll verbally attack you ? Absolutely not !! What that would mean would be that I needed to dig deeper in Scripture for God’s answers. You have a God- given gift. What you ultimately do is between you, God, and your husband. As for me … I want you to stay on You Tube teaching ! Thank you for all that you do, along with your transparency and kindness. It comes down to “it’s all about Jesus who was, who is, and who is to come”. 👼
My personal view for how Mary being sent from the tomb can still be a complementarian roll, is that she was sent to go tell “His disciples” in Matthew (perhaps hinting that she was not a “disciple“ herself), and to tell “His disciples and Peter” in Mark. Luke and John also have her telling the disciples what she saw. Personal testimony and witness and sharing is one thing, leading a church is another thing. This is just my view of it, I guess, but looking at scripture, I don’t see Mary as being the equivalent of an ordained minister.
Great comment. Agreed. Mary does show the importance of woman though.
Absolutely.
Agreed.
Also, this was before any formal church was established
I've so appreciated seeing you struggle with this question and openly sharing your process. It's helped me to know its okay to be unsure and questioning longstanding tradition and teachings while also finding out our personal paths. God cares about our life calling, too!
Thanks for the transparency. I pray it evokes mercy in others!
Faith, I FEEL YOU! I have been given a similar gift, to teach. I have been told the same things about women can't be ordained and I have noticed that the Lord used women to be leaders in the Bible, so that was my affirmation that yes, I can lead and teach, just without being ordained. And I do believe that the Lord will use women to spread HIS LOVE throughout the nations, which is so needed, right now! I believe He is raising us up and equipping us women to do His work, more & more. We do have a place in ministry. Ministry IS SO broad!
I think what the problem is, is everyone has an opinion. God has given gifts to all people. Not just one side. All. Maybe your calling is to teach, which is something you are so amazing at. But also preaching, but more evangelical. What you have been doing has strengthened me. I’m so blessed by your knowledge and your heart for the Lord and us. Keep rocking this process. You’re amazing. God loves you and I’m positive Hes blessed by you.
Such an amazing video!!! Thank you for this!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for asking the hard questions that everyone else refused to 💜
No matter what side people land at on this subject, Christians need to approach it with grace and kindness! No judgement or hostility! There are no questions that shouldn’t be answered and discussed. Be Blessed ❤ ignore the mean comments, soak in the love and appreciation your audience offers
Right on! So many of us act like those in the world on the internet and with other Brothers and Sisters!
You KNOW that clear scripture interprets less clear scripture ... May God guide you to His truth
Amen
Faith, you are very gifted in teaching and speaking. When I saw the tears in your eyes, I just wanted to reach out and hug you!! Thank you for being vulnerable and honest! Hugs!!
You are a blessing. Thank you for all of your time and effort.
I am 64 year old father of 2 girls and at no point in my life have I wanted my girls to be held back because of their gender. In mid 2000 I left a National Baptist Church to go to Methodist for this very reason. I highly encourage you to pursue what the Holy Spirit is leading you to do. Numbers 6:24-26.
Thank you. This has long been an unsettled question for me.
Amen - we are created for more than "get married and have babies". It doesn't necessarily mean that we are all called to platform ministry, but without wrestling with the question we may not find our unique part in fulfilling the call and commission of the gospel.
I came from the opposite.. where women can do it all. The more I dig deep the more I realized that I needed to step back and relinquish control of things. Its also hard to ask these questions with egalitarians and found myself unwelcome. Mike Winger has been a breath of fresh air in all this for me.
Your journey is valuable for us, you went through it with your whole heart
Faith, I feel this whole video so much on so many levels.. I resonate so much in having such a strong urge to teach.. maybe especially in teaching women.. I am so happy you shared this. don't let people bring you down. live your identity in Christ as He calls and leads you !!
And just to say, I resonate with the struggle on this front.
Oh and that bible you dream to publish.. carry on. I'll buy for sure !!
LOL that makes for at least one person!
@@HowtoFaithALife I'm sure more then just one 🤣
It makes me very sad that people were horrible in the comments of your other videos. 😢
I too have had this very struggle.
3 years ago I started a Bible study group in my home. We were struggling to find a small group that just wanted to dig deep into the Word of God. I really felt God nudging me to start this group with friends a neighbors and some of my employees.
Shortly after I started the group I came head on with this topic. And there literally was no one else willing to step up.
I truly want to be obedient to God and I also truly felt God’s calling to do this. I searched and searched and search.
In the end I felt like if I was disobeying God by leading people (including men) to open their Bibles and dig, then I would have to face God’s judgement at the judgement time. But I would go to the judgement seat, hand in hand, with those who found his truth and his character because of my conviction to spread the Gospel.
Now 3 years later, all the neighbors directly around us attend and are digging in and finding God. I’ve had many employees attend, many of my husband’s coworkers attend. Etc etc.
We have deeply studied Acts, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel and now are entering 2 Samuel.
The members say they never studied the Bible like this in church, some never have been to church and never opened the Bible before.
Now the subject of me being a woman does keep me more in check. I make sure everything is 💯 Biblical. I’m careful not to overstep and respect the men of our group.
The point is, we are called to spread the Gospel and that is the bigger issue.
Also, I wish I could give you a hug 🤗
And I would be honored if I ever had the opportunity to sit down and study with you. Maybe someday in heaven we will get to hang out.
Just keep showing people the way. Because if you ignore that calling just because you are a woman, you will have way more to talk to God about on judgement day. I believe he will be saying to you. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” 🤗 ❤️
Wow! What an amazing ministry!!!!! I am blown away thinking about you hat a blessing you are to your community! Reminds me of the post-Pentacost, early church days! Thank you for sharing that!
I have been going through Mike Winger's series and an underlying theme in Paul's writing seems to be not depriving men of respect. Especially since the Roman culture was very male centric probably had nothing checking their pride going into the church. Modern culture has sort of flipped the other way and made it clear that I can and will be replaced by women. And I mean everything, I once encountered a women that claimed reproduction doesn't require a man, which was not true but she seemed to believe it.
So when you say "I’m careful not to overstep and respect the men of our group", I think that shows you have the right attitude about this. Thank you for the extra consideration and I hope your Bible study is still going strong.
@@viperstriker4728 thank you so much !
And yes, the Bible study is still going strong. Stronger than ever. Since 2019. No bells and whistles. Just the Word of God. Digging in and letting it speak. Perhaps that’s the answer. That a woman or a man is not the key ingredient. But that God’s Word is.
@@findingshalom I would have put the key as "dying to self", but I suppose that is just the summarized version of living out God's word.
I have just found your site a month ago. I am a lot older than you are but I so enjoy how you get so excited over Gods Word and how you help everyone who listens to learn Gods Word. This is your ministry. God put you here for a reason. I just wanted to encourage you. God Bless
Please continue sharing your lifelong journey of asking these questions. Your openness really helps normalize the struggle of questiond with conflicting views that just don't have clear answers.
I hope you get to create a journal/study Bible. You have sparked my love of the Bible again. I had struggled for years with loving how I read and study. Thank you for all you do!
9:06 "I wouldn't say I'm an extreme feminist." Faith, you don't have to identify as a feminist - extreme or otherwise - to be heavily influenced by feminist thinking, which permiates our culture. Just look at the sentence you say immediate after that about how women **MUST** be made for **MORE** than **JUST** being wives and mothers. That is a feminist view of marriage, motherhood, and the family whether you want to wear the label or not. Sadly, the church - even the increasingly small parts that still believe women should primarily focused on their roles as wives and mothers - is not very good at articulating the ways in which those roles are essential to building the kingdom, and it often comes across as "oh just go over there and keep yourself busy with dinner and the kids, while the men are over here doing the actual important things." Yeah, that's a problem. It's giving women (such as yourself) a sense of what the kids are calling FOMO (fear of missing out). The problem is not in the roles themselves, which ARE Bibilical, but in the ways we view the roles, which more often than not, even by the most well-read and well-intentioned amoung us, are UN-Biblical.
Yes yes yes and AMEN! 🙌
Children need their dads just as much as they need their moms. Fatherhood is as much a calling as motherhood is, and dads should be expected to make sacrifices in their ambitions and career goals for the good and flourishing of their children and their family, too. What that will look like practically depends on the family, but it's not like parenting is only the mom's job. I want to live in a culture that values the contributions of both men AND women at home AND in society. A culture that truly values children and parents and sees rearing children as an important thing for both men and women to participate equally in, and that does everything it can to support that
I cannot tell you how much I respect you. Your willingness to just be honest and open. The courage to question and find the answers even if that answer is not black and white. If the church had more teachers like you, it would be a healthier place.
Faith thank you do much for your words. You have both scared & encouraged (more encouraged) me to want to stay my own channel. Even with the mean comments. You show strength & I appreciate that. Please know that with you sharing you have encouraged at least one if not several of us to be more bold for Jesus & step out of our comfort zone. Thank you Faith & God bless
I appreciate your honesty and I want you to know that I have been and will continue to pray for you. I will say this: I have been on both sides of this argument. I attended a church with a female "pastor" at one time. And I don't put that word in quotations to be disrespectful, but because she was extremely unqualified to be so. But, I was egalitarian up until about a year ago when I started studying Reformed Theology. I was Pentecostal(ish) and I honestly had just always been taught that the verse in 1 Timothy was a cultural decision that Paul made and didn't apply to the church today. So I honestly got to a point where I kind of resented Paul and would completely skip over that verse when reading my Bible. But for the last year, I have been digging deep into the Word and find myself aligning more with complimentarianism. I believe that the Bible gives us many good descriptions of what a woman's role is. Not just in Proverbs 31 (which, lets be honest, is WAY overused), but also in Titus 2. And as far as your mention of Mary, the woman at the well, etc...the main conclusion I have come to is this: The great commission is not just for men. Every one of us is to preach the Gospel, which is what those women in the Bible did. But there is a difference between preaching the Gospel to your neighbor, your Facebook friends, your RUclips followers, and being a Shepherd/Elder, leading a church. I would also like to say that this...your RUclips channel...absolutely IS a ministry. Ministry isn't just pastoring a church, it's spreading the Word and helping others grow in their faith. I have been going back and watching some of your older Bible Study videos. I loooooved the ones on Ecclesiastes 1 and John 3. Please don't stop doing those because Christian women NEED good, deep Bible study and some of us could use your help. ;)
Sorry to be long-winded. I hope that made sense. And, as I said, I appreciate your honesty and I pray that you will continue to study this topic and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit.
God bless, Faith.
Yes. One more thought to add - God will never call you to be something that goes against his word. His word is clear in many passages about the qualifications for pastors/elders/deacons. I think it is backwards somewhat to say we feel called to do something, therefore it must be from God (I can think of many examples where this would not be right). We should start with his word first, and then use discernment for our feelings. the Bible definitely speaks to our heart and the deceptive nature of following it. I definitely would confirm that you have a gift of teaching, just not in an authoritative way over men. That is just God's design, just like his design for marriage is one man and one women. He would never call someone, no matter how much someone feels like he did, to be in a relationship that they would call marriage that was not his design. What about the people who say God wants them to be happy and they are not happy in their marriage? Definitely not God making them feel called to end the marriage because they are not happy. So again - to summarize my point - simply that we should see what God's word says and then filter our feelings and decisions through that.
I am a new believer. I have only been reading the Bible for a month now and I came across you a few days ago and I have just been watching all your videos as you just make reading the Bible and being a Christian more realistic. That there are struggles and that you don’t need to be perfect and that as you learn more your viewpoints change. So thank you for making these videos. I have no idea about what all this debate is about as I don’t know the scripture well enough yet. But I would definitely buy a study Bible if you were part of it! I think it would help immensely for new believers!
Welcome to the family!
I wrote the comment below maybe a month or so ago to one of your previous videos regarding this, but I deleted it, not wanting to make your struggle more difficult. You ARE ministering and teaching and I am so VERY grateful for you! Here it is:
“I am a former Catholic and have been on a journey for the last few years to really KNOW Jesus, to actually learn for myself instead of having the Word “explained” to me. I came across your videos within this past year and I can’t even begin to tell you what you have done for me. I have listened to you speak about your calling and your desires to reach all nations. You have such a passion and a true gift in sharing the Word, TEACHING others how to understand, love, and live the Word that I can’t help but thank God that you are not behind a Pulpit right now - that you are right here - reaching those of us in need of your gifts at this moment in time. (Forgive me, as I know that just sounded terribly selfish and maybe it is? I don’t know, but there is more gratitude in it than anything else). This is a poorly worded comment, but I am not going to reword, as I hope with all of my heart that you can read through it and really SEE and HEAR the thankfulness in it. Your videos have truly been a gift and a blessing to me. Thank you
Thank you for sharing what you are learning with this. I have also asked these questions and coulds never find anyone actually dicussing it instead of just saying "this is whats right" without explaining. Thank you for being open with this and explaining it along the way.
Thank you so much for making this video. As a woman and a Christian (and specifically a Southern Baptist), this is something I have always struggled with. I remember when I was a kid, there was one day after church where I was sitting in the car with my dad waiting on my mom and sisters to come out, and my bible was open in my lap, and I was reading it. I remember telling my dad that I wanted to be a pastor when I grew up, and he told me, right away, with no hesitation "women can't be pastors". I remember immediately asking him "where do you get that from?" and he pointed me to the verse in Timothy, and I left that conversation disheartened. Then later, a lifelong friend of mine, who is a woman, went to seminary, and currently pursuing ordination. I am unsure whether or not to consider her calling genuine, after all, God wouldn't call someone to something He disallows, right? but the bible says what it says. There was also a lady at my church when I was a teenager, who volunteered with the youth group a lot. I looked up to her a lot, but when the topic came up, I found that she was an extremist Complementarian. I mean like, no women in the workforce, no women in government, no women in ministry unless they're teaching children or other women, all of it. That shook me for a while and made me wonder if my views were the extreme ones. I then did a deep dive into the scriptures myself, looking for any relevant passage I could find, to find biblical basis for women in non-pastoral leadership roles. I eventually came to a peace about it, but it took a while.
Many years later, I do firmly believe that pastor (and maybe head of the household too? but there's some grey area there in the case of widows with children) is the only leadership role the bible prohibits from women, but that that doesn't mean we can't go into ministry. I believe that the great commission was given to all believers, male and female alike, and that there's a difference between ministry/discipleship and being a pastor. I can't shepherd a church, but I could lead a bible study, I can minister to my atheist friends at college, and disciple them if they ever come to Jesus while I know them. I once took a spiritual gifts quiz, and it said I had the gift of shepherding. I take this with a grain of salt, bc it was a quiz, but still, I firmly believe that there are ways to use that gift for the glory of God without becoming a pastor.
I also believe that it is possible to be a Christian AND a feminist without compromising either. I believe that to be a Christain and a feminist is to believe that we are just as much made in the image of God as men are, that we are just as valuable, just as loved, and that being daughters rather than sons doesn't make us any less children of the King. To be a Christian and a feminist is to acknowledge that the Proverbs 31 woman, that the example of the ideal biblical wife, was a businesswoman who bought a vineyard, and founded a winery. To be a Christain and a feminist is to acknowledge that God appointed a female judge over Israel for a time, her name was Deborah. To be a Christian and a feminist is to acknowledge that there was a female deacon in the New Testament. To be a Christain and a feminist is to acknowledge that Adam was with Eve when she ate that fruit and that they share the fault equally (he didn't do his job as spiritual head of the household in shepherding her away from that). To be a Christain and a feminist is to acknowledge that when the bible says "There is no longer Jew nor Greek, nor slave nor free, nor male nor female" that the last pair shouldn't be interpreted differently than the first 2 pairs. That in all 3 cases, it means we are equal at the foot of the cross.
I am glad that I listened to my dad back then, because God is using me now in ways, I never thought He would. I consider myself a missionary to my college campus. Honestly, I wish more Christians would consider themselves missionaries to whatever place they find themselves in. There are currently 6 different people I'm trying to reach with the gospel, and I've already had very long conversations about God (all including the gospel, of course) with 3 of them so far. I see now that same desire in me that made me want to be a pastor when I was a kid, before I knew what the bible said on the topic, that desire to serve, that passion for the lost, I see it playing out, not as a pastor, but as an evangelist. My career isn't even related to this calling, but the thing is it doesn't have to. With this calling, the goal is to take the gospel with you into your profession. If I get my dream job and wind up an animator, I'll be a missionary to the animators in my studio. If I end up doing something else with my degree and being a software or web developer, then I'll be a missionary to the other developers in my workplace. That's my calling. And if I hadn't been told that being a pastor is off the table, then I might not have ever found it.
Like you said, middle road. I personally believe that women should not be pastors, but in all other ways, we can serve the same as any man. Yet, like you, I do not look down on other believers who disagree with me on this, in either direction. The lady at my home church, whose strict views made me doubt my middle ground stance until I'd studied the bible more, and the friend I've known since birth who's becoming a pastor despite being female, I love them both, and I still consider them sisters in Christ. On all secondary issues to the faith, I refer to the passage that talked about meat sacrificed to idols, and the debate the church at the time had over whether it was ok to eat it. Agree to disagree. It's a lot easier to say when you're on the side that thinks it's fine. It's a lot easier to say "I think this is ok, but I won't do it around you, because I know you disagree, and I don't want to be a stumbling block for you" than it is to say "I think this is wrong, but I won't judge you for doing it because you are my sister in Christ, and we are both washed by the blood of the Lamb, and the bible is ambiguous about it anyway." But even so, it's worth saying
(I didn't read every word you wrote.)
you wrote:
I personally believe that women should not be pastors...
I post on women's matters a lot. I suggest you reply.
It's unfortunate that your dad discouraged you from becoming a pastor at such a young age. I feel for you, I've been struggling with this for years as well, and it's been a struggle starting out 100% egalitarian yet being led by God to see a grace in complementarianism towards women. It's like Calvinism vs Arminianism, why argue about it as long as we're leading people to Christ?
I would like to encourage you, if you ever have a daughter who says she desires to be a pastor, to open up the option of being a pastor of a women's ministry. As far as I recall in 1 Tim. 2:11-13, it says a woman isn't to teach over a man, but it doesn't deny women the privilege to teach other women. The only requirement in that regard is upon the student, to learn in quietness and submissiveness. If you disagree with that viewpoint, it's okay 😊 as long as we remain united in Spirit, these disagreements should not be significant
@@mizzycutenezz
This always goes back to Deborah. If you are still studying,
I suggest my short essay on her.
Ministry is serving. My wife will never be a pastor. But she prays for women and children and if we are together and a dating couple is with us and the man ask a question she is able to give her own input and it has. A lot of value. But that same man will not meet with her by himself and talk about the same subjects
- “ I also believe that is possible to be a Christian and feminist without compromising either” … says the woman openly defying the Word of HaShem. Repent before it’s too late for you.
A few thoughts…
I watched the first 3 (I think) of Mike’s videos. I plan to finish the series, but you know, life.
Anyway, I like his term “soft complementarian”. I feel like that defines your “somewhere in the middle” idea fairly well.
Anyway, when I read Scripture, I do my absolute best to be sure to follow the two main rules:
(1) Read the verses and passages IN CONTEXT, and
(2) Know the difference between PRESCRIPTIVE passages and DESCRIPTIVE PASSAGES.
Thus far in my studies of this topic, the times that women were leaders, “sent out”, ministering, etc. are all Descriptive. So the examples that egalitarians tend to give are generally not commands given to women as a whole, but describe events that occurred with women at that point in biblical history. On the other hand, when the rules/commands/duties etc. are given in regard to Pastors/Elders/Leaders, they are given in a Prescriptive manner. “An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the HUSBAND of one wife, temperate…” [1 Timothy 3:2, NASB] is an example where the language is directly prescriptive in the qualification of an overseer/pastor AND specifically says “husband”. (I know people try to debate that, etc.)
NOW, on the “other” side. We cannot say that women are merely created to have babies and clean houses. We read the (both prescriptive AND descriptive) demonstration of the “Noble Wife” in Proverbs 31 as the most detailed and clear example. And we read about the women who served WITH Jesus, but never held authority over the men. But they were not condemned for ministering with Him nor having an income, etc.
All the way back in Genesis, we see that God created us male AND female, with different capabilities (physically) and roles. It is not “man works and woman rears children.” It is that manKIND is to rule over the earth, BUT we do that as a team within our separate but perfectly complementary roles. We ARE to submit to our husbands, but we are also his helpMATE. We are a team in the home.
As far as the church (organization) goes I believe men are the only ones qualified to be Pastors and direct overseers. BUT, that does not mean every man is automatically qualified. There are still quite a few prerequisites to fulfill that role and they will be held accountable.
When we take a step back and stop with this “It’s either this extreme or that one” instead of really seeing how GOD created us and designed our system of living, we allow PRIDE in and that pride dictates our vies of this topic versus our surrendered hearts to Jesus.
Anyway, that’s my two cents.
*So, I want to say THANK YOU for being willing to dig in to this, not stick with what everyone else is just saying. Thank you for reading your Word. Thank you for sharing your journey and testimony. Thank you for being respectful, easy to listen to, but honest. It is refreshing!
I agree, it sounds like she’s a ‘soft complementarian’ and is kind of labelling extreme complementarianism as complementarianism. Good on her for going on a journey to find out the truth even though it’s scared her.
You go Faith! You are very transparent, honest, and humble. Keep teaching your students are ready! ❤️✝️📖🕊🙏🏻
Love this Faith! Women can teach but pastoring is so much different. I feel the same way! Keep letting the Lord lead you . Keep creating a space at the table!
Our pastor did a sermon on this very topic.. the whole sum of the teaching was “a woman needs to do whatever God has called her to do. And she needs to be given respect by her peers to do what God has called her to do.” He had finer points… but those sentences sum it up.
I personally believe that considering what things where like for women in Biblical times it is no wonder Paul said what he did to Timothy. Not because Paul thought it was actually law. Simply because no grown man apart from those who were already Jesus’ followers would have taken a woman seriously…
I also believe if you feel you are called to be a mother, by default you are also called to be a teacher and preacher. We have to be, otherwise how would our children be hearing the Word of God from an early age! Weather you are a biological mother, adopted mother, or spiritual mother we have the privilege/responsibility of being the first to represent Jesus to our kids! Hopefully daddy is a close second!
Some days I wish I had gone to seminary just to answer the questions my 6 year old hits me with! And I have 3 others behind her to answer questions for too!
but if you’re not being faithful to the word of God is God really calling you to that
@@paulan7218 I don’t understand your comment….?….
Recently one of our Sunday School lesson series was WOMEN IN MINISTRY.
I have NEVER struggles with the idea of women in ministry until last year. Then, all of a sudden…. I had a question and NO ONE COULD SATISFY ME WITH AN ANSWER. I have actually listen to hundreds of sermons, read commentary, prayed, searched, begged God, and my husband told me stop searching and wait on God’s answer. So, while I am studying Mary at the tomb for a Sunday School Lesson, and God spoke to me and said, “who did I send out and ask to spread the Good News? I said Mary. God said, “Well why can’t they be in ministry and pastor?” I cried like a baby!!! I believe hold-heartily women can be pastor!
Your story sounds just like mine!
That wasn't God then if it conflicts with hand Bible.
Bravo to you. Stop paying attention to the naysayers/rude people. You are teaching those of us wanting to go deeper…this is your ministry reaching all of us!
This was the most beautiful, gentle and honest video. I truly love you opening your heart to us!! Thank you for sharing,
I personally believe women have a place in the church but it’s not over brothers in Christ. I believe women can teach other women and children the truth of Gods word. 1 Corinthians 11 teaches a man is over a women which is why we can’t use authority over them 🙂
Eve in Exile by Rebekah Merkle would be a good book for you. Even if you say you're not a feminist. There were many times I skipped parts of a Christian counseling book because I didn't think it applied to me, only to look at them later to realize those sections did apply to me. You seem to think the complimentarian view is more extreme than it is and Mrs. Merkle does a great job explaining a woman's role. There's also a documentary. I would recommend her father Doug Wilson on this topic too. Canon Press is the RUclips channel. God bless.
Thank you for sharing this. I will be praying for you and look forward to learning where God leads you in this journey.
My husband was the one that recommended you to me! He really liked your content on worship songs and when he saw all the other things you do he knew how much I would enjoy you and how much I would love your energy! And he is right I have loved all of your content, heart, honesty, energy, strength and more! Keep doing what your doing! Keep doing what you are led to by the Holy Spirit! you are still human and will say things wrong or off and people are going to be human as well. HOLD your ground on where GOD has you!!! love ya girl!
Faith, you are in my prayers! I went through this whole journey! Whether I was called, could I be ordained, could I pastor? All the meanest, rejection, and opinions had me so conflicted! I ended up leaving the church I been in my whole life. I took a year sabbatical and sought God with every ounce of strength I had! God really ministered to me and assured me that I was anointed, gifted, and called to pastor. Fourteen years later, God confirmed my calling through 3 different elders. I was finally ordained in 2014. I had to make a decision. I had to decide if I was going to submit to and obey God or disobey God because of being rejected by so many who didn’t agree. I chose obedience.
Hi Your store is awesome and you’re awesome God bless you.
The Bible doesn't agree with you.
As a mostly complementarian woman in a mostly egalitarian denomination, remember you only answer to God. My path or any other human does not come between you and God, and I or any person in comments does not know what God has called you to do. I think you are entirely too concerned with the criticism you receive and sister remember Jesus says not everyone will love us for our message, and that is okay. Only you can know if you are faithful to your calling. I enjoy your honesty in this video and will pray that God gives you clear signs and leanings of what He has called you to do.
Mad props and major respect on being vulnerable enough to make this great video!!
Wow, thanks Dennis!
Faith, this was so encouraging and brave! I cannot imagine the torment and pain you've been wrestling, but I have been praying for you! I've been praying for Joe and your boys as well. I can appreciate you asking the hard questions. It is frustrating knowing that people basically shut you down because they can't go into detail with an answer that satisfies. I grew up being told all the don'ts, but no one ever gave me an alternative, which basically turned into legalism. Thank you for opening up and sharing where you are on your journey. I'm all ears to hear what you are willing to share without judgment. I will continue to pray for y'all. 💜
I have a friend who goes to a denomination that restricts women in leadership. But she has her own ministry page. Churches will call her to schedule her to speak and she travels to where they are. And I’ve watched her deliver a message on Sunday morning in a very complimentary church by including a power point (it’s a “presentation” that way) and she did an altar call at the end with several coming forward. She preached!!
If she preached, she sinned according to the Bible. It is very easy to spin something to how we understand or want it to be. That includes sin. There are plenty of opportunities for women to teach other women and children so why would we, as women, want to live outside of God's Word? That is what needs to be questioned.
@@leek7987
Thanks for sharing this part of your journey, Faith! I would also want to respectfully add that we shouldn't condemn feminism either! I think Christians have a wrong understanding of it: while some parts of it are more extreme and not necessarily biblical, at the core, feminism means having social, economical, political, etc equality between men and women, that is, men are not inherently superior to women and shouldn't be violent against them or abuse them (and that is biblical, since we are both created in the image of God. Different roles doesn't mean that men have more value than women). I think feminism should be seen in light of the Scriptures in that way: we all deserve respect and a fair treatment, no matter our gender ❤️ it doesn't have to be extreme or a taboo among Christians, I think
This is my view too!!! The extremists have distorted the original meaning of feminism. Plus the more I read the more I see Jesus as the original feminist- he was so radical in his treatment of women. He gave them unprecedented value and showed they had a voice and he was respectful
@@Veronica_penpaperinkandstudy I think any philosophy whether political, cultural, or spiritual, is on a continuum and will have extremism at one end. It happens with people who say they’re Christians, yet they truly hate and harbour such anger towards those who don’t agree with their vitriolic messages. I also believe Jesus was amazing with women and He is the only example we should look to for how to treat others. Not Paul. Paul was a grumpy bachelor. I think he was a bit of a jerk.
@@Veronica_penpaperinkandstudy yes exactly!!
@@ditzygypsy hahaha Paul was very straight forward! I agree that the primordial role model for us should be Jesus🥰
@@Veronica_penpaperinkandstudy I also think that God in general (not just when Jesus came) has always put a high value in women: if you read the Old Testament there are plenty of examples of God unprecedentedly protecting women through his Law, and how Israel had to be different in how they treated women too. Also in all the faithful women that paved the way to Jesus in the OT 🙌🏻🥰
I'm very new to the Bible 3 months into a reading plan now, and you have played a pretty big role in teaching me how to understand, where to even begin and how to enjoy the process🌻
I am very grateful for your bible study tips as no one in my circles reads the Bible at all and it means allot that you share your passion it's helped me begin to understand and grow closer to God we live super far apart but you have touched my life in a positive way and I'm sure countless others as well❤️ 💐
Thank you for sharing where you are currently, it is something I’ve wondered. I do also believe that this is your calling-I love how excited you get when you share/explain things from the Bible. When I was first saved I was super excited abt reading the Bible, I was just hungry for it. I would read two to three chapters and look up sermons for them after wards to listen to as I worked around the house. I don’t know how I got away from that but I did-I was still reading but it almost felt like I was doing it because I knew I should be and I don’t know how much I was actually soaking in. I stopped looking up stuff when I had questions. Finding your channel which happened because of the Mike Winger series funnily enough, encouraged me to be excited about my Bible reading again. The way you combine stuff I would call art journal- ish (something I was really into before I got saved) and serious studying has really sparked my love of the Bible again. So I thank you for that. I’ve even begun to take free Bible courses online through several places I feel I can trust and have gotten a lot out of that too.
Unbelievable how cruel people can be...I wish there was a way for those people to conduct themselves with respect... it's ok to disagree....but, disagree with kindness...I love your work, Faith...I always learn something new from you. God will not give you more than you can handle.
Sometimes I think they can be mean because they aren't saying it face to face. Hiding at home on the keyboard makes it easier. I think this comment needs way more likes. I wish I could like it a hundred times but instead I will offer ya 🏆☺️
Your Pentecostal friend was absolutely correct --- in fact, it was obvious to me from even the very first videos I watched that Teaching is your Gift, and not ministering. But with that being said, I think that teaching and ministering are both equally important. In fact, in my experience, I frequently obtain a deeper understanding of Scripture from teachers since we are able to dive deep into words, verses, contexts, and we can ask questions. It's much more interactive.
And you're right, you're not perfect, no one is except Christ --- so don't beat yourself up for any struggles, doubts, or questions you may have. That's part of God's plan for you, and he never said it would be easy.
I enjoy watching your videos. Not only are you a good Bible teacher, you also challenge me to go deeper. One thing that truly makes me sad, is you feel the need to constantly apologize for living out your calling. This is the ministry God has given you. There is no need to apologize for it. ❤
Thank you so much for all you do. I love your teachings. You truly do have a gift. they are full of the Word and very passionate. Thank you so much for being real with us and allowing us to encourage you and support you.