My Pastor on women prophesying in the church
A Question from Lorna :
"My question is: What is you and your church's position on allowing men and women to prophesy in the church.In otherwords do you believe the Spirit of God instructs today - and speaks through people. (in different settings, including in church)"
My Pastor's response:
Lisa,I am sorry that I have taken so long to get back to you on this question. There have been several matters that have required my time. With regard to the church's position on "allowing men and women to prophesy in the church", I begin by pointing out that the reference to women prophesying is found in 1 Corinthians 11, a passage that does not refer to a formal gathering of the church in a worship service. In other words, this passage is referring to men and women praying and prophesying in public places as opposed to the worship service of a church. Paul makes it very clear in 1 Corinthians 14:34 and 1 Timothy 2:12 that with regard to "speaking forth the Word of God" (i.e. prophesy), the women were to remain silent, not because of inferiority, but rather because of God's directives.
As noted above, I have given a very simplistic definition of what it means to "prophesy" - that is "a speaking forth the Word of God." As witnesses and ambassadors of Christ, every man and woman is called and free to pray for and speak forth the Word of God to others. The woman is not to assume a leadership role in this endeavor, but is to speak the truth of the gospel. However, when in the context of the corporate gathering of the church to worship, women are not to exceed the boundaries of God's revealed will and express a proper sense of honorable and biblical submission, remaining quiet in the churches (1 Corinthians 14:34), not teaching or exercising authority over the men (1 Timothy 2:12). In the context of the church gathered, women are free to teach the other women and children (1 Timothy 5:15l Titus 2:3-4).
This would be a simple response to a seemingly complex question. I am sure that there are many who will take issue with what I have said, suggesting that I have not addresses certain issues. My intention here is not to address all the issues. I am a simple preacher seeking to take God's Word at face value, honoring the meanings of the original words as well as the practice of the church over the past 2000 years.
Please feel free to post whatever portions (if any) of this email as suits you. In all fairness I must point out that our church does not have an official position (written statement) concerning this issue but has and is following the more traditional and conservative interpretation of this matter. Perhaps this will spur the Board of Elders to draft an official statement.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Pastor Ed Godfrey
Hope Community Bible Church





My Husband, My brother in Christ














Comments
I LOVE MY PASTOR!!!
Posted by: Roadkill (Mike) | April 26, 2006 12:02 PM
Yeah! Me too.
Posted by: N. L. White | April 26, 2006 12:37 PM
Yes... Roadkill and N.L. White go to my church... and I, too, LOVE MY PASTOR!!!
Posted by: 4ever4given | April 26, 2006 12:41 PM
You guys are truly blessed to be led by such a God-fearing, God-honoring shepherd.
Posted by: little_gal | April 26, 2006 04:04 PM
I agree!!!
Posted by: Moody Bovine | April 26, 2006 05:42 PM
Hey Moody Cow... (she goes to my church, too.) It's about time you left a comment. (hug)
Little Gal... wish you lived closer. So... Mr. Camp is coming to Arkansas. When are you coming....???
:-)
Posted by: 4ever4given | April 26, 2006 06:02 PM
"Little Gal... wish you lived closer. So... Mr. Camp is coming to Arkansas. When are you coming....???"
Whenever "Mr. Camp" enlists me as a "Little-Gal Friday.";-)
(JK). Actually, it would be cool for everyone to get together at some point-we could have our own "blog-party." (I'm feeling punny tonight).
So, I'm sure your wonderful pastor will excuse you all for one service to go and hear Mr. Camp minister at that "other church" across town. :-)
Posted by: little_gal | April 26, 2006 10:52 PM
Yes... well... except that we are now trying to get him to "stop by" on his way to Alaska... I mean while he is in Arkansas.
Posted by: 4ever4given | April 26, 2006 11:07 PM
we need to make big petition flyers that say:
"Camp On This Church"
Posted by: Roadkill (Mike) | April 27, 2006 08:55 AM
P.s.
I STILL LOVE MY PASTOR!!!
Posted by: Roadkill (Mike) | April 27, 2006 08:56 AM
Yes... AND I LOVE MY PASTOR'S WIFE, too!!!
What is this... a love on our pastor and family blog party!!!
(Love that, Little gal... "blog party"--- FUN!!!)
I'm Workin' on the "Camp On Our Church" thing... What a HUGE BLESSING that would be to have him out this way!!!
Posted by: 4ever4given | April 27, 2006 09:35 AM
OH YEAH?!?
Well.....I love my pastors son!
Posted by: Roadkill (Mike) | April 27, 2006 12:26 PM
Yeah...I love my Pastor's daughter.
oh yeah...his wife too...she's my friend.
Posted by: N. L. White | April 27, 2006 01:20 PM
No... She's MY friend!!!
Posted by: 4ever4given | April 27, 2006 01:20 PM
She was MY friend first!!!
Posted by: N. L. White | April 27, 2006 01:22 PM
Whatever...
Posted by: 4ever4given | April 27, 2006 01:26 PM
I'd say that I love my pastor's wife too but the appropriate nature of that statement would be greatly questioned.
Plus Pastor Ed might give me a swirly.
Posted by: Roadkill (Mike) | April 27, 2006 01:29 PM
Yes... well, I LOVE My HUSBAND way more than my pastor and his family... but they are obviously way up there on my list.
Posted by: 4ever4given | April 28, 2006 09:25 AM