For 7 years my husband and I co-pastored a church together, we stepped out of ministry which is another story altogether and it has taken us 4years of restoration and lots of tears to come to a place where we are both healed and feel that God is able to use us as intruments in His hand. We have changed church groups are on leadership in our church now but not pastoring.
I have a diploma in theology but have felt God saying to me I need to study further, we are part of a large church group which are impacting the world and we love the leaders in our church as I am their adminstrator I definately carry their heart, however there is one aspect to the church that we can not fully wrap our hearts around but know that God is wanting us to remain faithful to them, and this is where I need your advice from a senior pastors point of view. Our church believes that woman can be in leadership but woman can not lead a church they are not called to be elders (we dont have pastors we have lead elder which is the senior pastor in our terms) the elder couples work together but the husband are the ones that oversee the church further they say that woman (me) can not teach on doctrinal issues as we are not scriptual.
I want to study for my theology degree and they feel I am wasting time as what am I going to do with it in other words. I speak at alot of womans functions mostly outside our church network, and I really feel it will take my teaching to a different level, I dont want to go against them however I truly feel convicted by God to do this, how do I go about doing this without lacking intergity? How do I do this and still honour the man God has chosen to lead this work?
I understand your frustration! I was an ordanined minister along with my husband. The first church we pastored was led by him with me in a support role. I preach, teach, etc. But I was not allowed to because they only allowed men to preach. That year I felt held back, angry, bitter etc. Because I knew that there was much more in me that God has gifted me in. I also knew that my husband believed in me too, however the area we were in and the people we had in our church would not accept such a thing! My hubby asked me to still minister along side of him and lead but only without a title. I ended up being voted into teaching a small adult Sunday school class and found out about it the next week! I was surpirsed and thrilled! God still let me honor my husband and use my giftings during that season in my life. A real leader is someone who influences people even without a title. I believe God has given women and men spiritual gifts to be used for His glory and that we are to sharpen what He has given us. The great thing about God is that He is the Way Maker. He prides Himself on paving the path with impossiblities. Know that this season will not last for a long time, but also to honor those He has placed you with is also right. That does not stop you from learning and growing on the side. There is nothing wrong with preparing yourself for the ministry God has for you and has called you too! Joseph spent many years in the pit, prison, etc, before he ever saw the palace. Let God shape you and mold you during this time! Remember that God will not call you to something big and give it to you early because you if so, you will be crushed. This is a time for Him to widen the steaks of your heart, spirit, etc. So you can hold up that dream and promise when it is time to fully step into it. Another great thing about the Heavenly Father is that He gives us the future one day at a time. I also know that year we pastored I learned how to lead without a title, and even made a great repationship with another couple in the church that are now our life friends! Trust in Him. For all are called according to His purpose in Christ Jesus. I will be praying for you!
With the name Deborah, you must know that you are destined to go where no man has gone before... Your name, which is derived from the word DABAR which means to proclaim, speak, utter, lead, and put to flight, suggests that your words will be so powerful that they will be like the stinging of a bee... You will indeed get under the skin of someone and cause some irritation - but what you produce (royal jelly) is good for the strengthening of a nation...
What am I telling you? You don't know if your willingness to prepare for the spiritual battles ahead of you, is not the impetus that this denomination needs to step into the true flow of Joel 2:28... Perhaps it will be through your developing your gift that you will be like the Deborah of Judges 4 who sat between Ramah - The home of the School of the Prophets and Bethel - the Place of Worship, under the Palm tree (the symbol of prosperity) in the High place of Double Blessing (Mount Ephraim)...
GO TO SCHOOL! In all thine getting, get an understanding!
I also think as time goes on, you will more than likely move out of that particular place of ministry where you can freely function in your gifts and callings and be in a place where you are celebrated. God has you there for this season, but I don't think it's forever.
