There are lot of controversies today regarding the ministry of women. Many see women wo as weaker vessels and objects to be used only, they cannot take active part in the ministry. In such circles, they are relegated to the background, only used for sweeping, cleaning and washing the church. However, in many places, women ministry is being embraced and it is becoming much more important as we approach the end of the century. In this study we would want to take a closer look at women ministry so as not to lose the blessings God intended for us.
A. Women Ministry Then
Looking at the Old Testament, we discover that God Himself appointed certain women and gave them prophetess and worship leader – Exo. 15:20- 21; Michah 6:4; Deborah a judge and leader – Judges 4:4-5; Huldah reformation II Kings 22:14. Thus the biblical the prophetess of model women ministry is conflict with the role afforded her in most of the world and church. The Old Testament teaches us the necessity of elevating the role of women. Women then need liberty, respect and recognition to allow all their God given talents, anointing and gifts to be expressed.
Women ministry in the New Testament.
- Mary the ‘mother of Jesus – Lk.1:46-55; Gal.4:4;
- Anna the prophetess – Lk.2:36-37;
- Women supported Jesus’ ministry – Lk.8:2, 3; John 4:2829,39;
- Women at the cross – In. 19:25; Mk.15:47;
- Women announce the resurrection In.20:1; Matt.28:8; John 20:17-18;
- Lydia-Acts 16:40; Priscilla – Acts 18:24- 28;
- Philips four virgin daughters -Act.21:8,9;
- Junia the Apostle – Rom. 16:7 and
- The elect lady – II John 1:1.
The overwhelming tendency of leadership in the scripture is masculine. However, anointed, consecrated, chosen Women of God were never denied leadership role or the right to function in a God-given gift or calling.
Controversy about women ministry have hinged on some problematic passages in the epistles of Paul. Luke I Cor. 14:34-35; I Tim. 2:11-12. In reality, Paul was not denying women appropriate expression of ministry in prayer, prophesying, teaching, healing or other ministries, he was only attempting to bring civility to uneducated, unsophisticated gentile women whose mannerisms were patently offensive to the erudite Jewish members of the church and visitors who might be in the meeting.
Women also were not to establish doctrinal standards, this was a function of the apostolic council. The apostolic council sets the doctrinal standards, and the women who ministered were to respect those and not to teach to the ministered were to respect those and not to teach to the contrary. Titus.2:3-5.
B. Women Ministry Now
The church of today need the ministry of women if the great commission is to be fulfilled before the night comes.
- The population of women is about half or more the population of the world. Multitudes of these women, have peculiar needs that attract special attention and which can only be handled by women.
- Women by nature have caring, compassionate qualities and experiences which better provide them the opportunities to counsel on sensitive areas in the lives of women.
- The out pouring of the Holy Spirit upon women shows that God will not waste His gifts on women if it is not needed – Acts 2:17-18.
- Women are better equipped with the love, gentleness, tenderness and knowledge needed to reach millions of children in the world and lead them in the right direction to Christ.
God has raised up and is using many women in our time. Women such as Katherine Khuman, Cindy Jacobs, Jashil Choi and a host of other Godly women.
C. Diversities of women Ministry
There are diversities of ministry yet undiscovered which women can be fully involved in. We are to depend on God to open our eyes to these areas and rise up to the great work committed into our hands by our Saviour, Jesus Christ – Titus 2:3-5; Rom. 12:5-8. The diversities of ministry are:
1. Ministry To Children And Youth: Titus 2:4- 5; IITim. 1:5; Pro.22:6; Ps.144:11-12. Many of these children and youth are wayward, drug addicts and prostitutes, women can volunteer to care and teach them the way of salvation to qualify them their role as leaders of tomorrow.
2. Katherine Khuman, Cindy Jacobs, Jashil Choi and a host of other Godly women. Teaching Leading And Counselling Women: Titus 2:3-5; Acts 18:26; Ps. 34:11. Organised teachings on Godly living, relationship, child-training and rearing, handcraft and house keeping can be planned and execute to establish women in their role as mothers and wives.
3. Ministry of Hospitality, Comfort and Visitation: I Tim. 5:2-5; Acts 9:36:41; Matt. 25:36. Providing care and comfort to the bereaved, orphans, widows, aged, poor and needy, sick and handicapped
4. Organised Women’s prayers Meeting and Intercessory Ministry: Acts 12:12-17; Jer. 9:17-18; Esther 4:15-17. Prayer for our nation, leaders, husbands, children is highly. needed. Intercessory prayer on behalf of the church and Christian leaders is of high demand if the great commission must be fulfilled. Women intercessory prayer ministry is needed today to support and shield leaders from satanic attack.
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5. Singing Ministry: Exod. 15:20-21; I Chro. 25:5-7. Women can yield their voices to the Lord for his glory and the edification of the church.
6. Partnership in Ministry with husbands: Acts 18:26. Two are better than one. Women are to support the ministry of their husbands.
7. Our Family: A Great Ministry: II Tim. 1:5; 3:15; Sussanah Wesley was not a big, great evangelist, but she took her children one by one and taught them sys- tematically the way of salvation. They all experienced the new birth. John and Charles stand our in church history.
8. Ministry to Honourable women and market Women: Acts 16:14-17; 17:4. Women could take up the challenge of reaching to these class of women. Most times they are neglected in our evangelistic outreaches.
9. Prison and Hospital Ministry: Matt. 25:42- 46. The women who are confined to prison and hospital beds need our love and the gospel to set free.
10. Ministry to outcasts: Single mothers and prostitutes get discouraged and frustrated because of the harshness they are exposed to. Women are most suited for this ministry.
11. Ministry of Help and Sponsorship – Luke 8:1-3. This is one area that has long been neglected in women ministry. Women who are blessed by God should support and sponsor churches, ministries, projects and outreaches with their monies willingly. sacrificially and persistently. They should do it as unto the Lord not unto man.
12. Ministry to Rural People: The primitive and Illiterate who live in villages are more open to women than men. We can learn their languages and reach out to them.
13. Personal Evangelism and Soul Winning:- John 4:27-30, Mk.16:15; 28:19-20. Women can do this In pairs as they knock on doors to witness for the church. We do not need publicity, gospel van or loud speaker.
Woman, rise up and be counted – don’t settle in mediocrity. Search out your God-given talents, vision, purpose in life. Don’t be inhibited by traditional views and belief. Be on fire for the Lord. The Lord needs you, the church needs you, the world needs you and sinners are waiting for you to come and win them from their sins and misery.