Women in Ministry Archives

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" height=82 BGCOLOR="#003333" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Woman of Grace Internet Magazine</B></FONT><B>     |   </B><B>  </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Woman of Grace Internet Magazine"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div>                                                   </div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=398 BGCOLOR="#FFFBF0" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>Women in Ministry Archives</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Archive Articles</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Don't Neglect the Gift!</B></div> <bR> <div> <B> by Sherry Green </B></div> <div>      Lately, I have read many books that show the different conflict of opinions about the "women silencing" verses in the Bible.  However, putting all the  conflict aside momentarily, let us look at other scriptures that make clear our freedom in Christ.  </div> <div>      </div> <div>      We bring to you in this article an undeniable passage that rocks the traditional concepts of a woman's place in the church! - And it was initiated by God Himself.  In the Book of Acts we see very clearly that women were included in the Gift of the Holy Spirit.  Let's look at these scriptures and see the women in the upper room on the day of Pentecost, what happened, and how it is significant for understanding the behavior of the Holy Spirit in female believers.  This can teach us to be active as women in the preaching of the Gospel.  </div> <bR> <div> -The purpose of the Holy Spirit in the believers as described by Jesus; 1. to be empowered , 2. to be witnesses all over the world. </div> <div>  <B>     Jesus being risen from the dead … gave them this command;</B></div> <div> <B>“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about."  "...but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”… “But, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on  you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  </B></div> <bR> <div> -The women were numbered among those waiting for the promised gift of the Holy Spirit.</div> <div> <B>     “Then they returned to  Jerusalem ….When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying.  Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew: James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.  They all joined together constantly in prayer, </B><I><B>along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”</B></I></div> <bR> <div> -They were all together in one place, and all of them were filled.</div> <div> <B>     “When the day of Pentecost came, </B><I><B>they were all together in one place</B></I><B>.  Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and </B><I><B>filled the whole house where they were sitting</B></I><B>.  They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest </B><I><B>on each of them</B></I><B>.  </B><I><B>All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”</B></I></div> <bR> <div> -The sound of the believers in the upper room was loud enough to gather a crowd.</div> <div> <B>     “Now there were staying in Jerusalem God fearing Jews from every nation under heaven.  When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans?  Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language?  …Some, made fun of them and said, They have had too much wine.”</B></div> <bR> <div> - Peter indicated that the women as well as men were speaking by the Holy Spirit's power when he referred to this event being the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy.    </div> <div> <B>  “Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: ….These men are not drunk as you suppose.  It's only nine in the morning</B><I><B>!  </B></I><B>No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:  `In the last days, God says, </B><I><B>I will pour out my Spirit on all people, Your sons and your daughters will prophesy..' “ </B></I></div> <bR> <div>      We may safely conclude that the women received the promise of the Father, and were not silent when the Holy Spirit came upon them on the day of Pentecost.    </div> <bR> <div>      When the Holy Spirit came upon them all why did not Peter instruct the women to keep silent, and quench the tongues of the Holy Spirit from speaking out in them, if it was the will of God for women to keep silent?   Rather, the New Covenant was introduced with an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the women, as well as the men, contrasting how the Jews of that day had excluded women from almost all points of public worship.  </div> <bR> <div>      It was a day of promise.  The women as well as the men received the promised gift of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus said, “You shall be my witnesses..”  God gave the Holy Spirit to the men and women empowering them to witness in “..Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” </div> <bR> <div>      This study simply shows the work of the Holy Spirit in women on the day of Pentecost, and thus God's intention for believers who happen to be women. God sets the standard by not differentiating between men and women from the very first day of the New Testament Church! They were all filled, spoke out in tongues, and were empowered to witness publicly of the Gospel.  </div> <bR> <div>      Women, the Good News is that we are new creations in Christ - the old has passed away - all things are become new.  Don't think of yourself in the old natural way.  You are created into something more by being born anew in Christ.  Your challenge is to grow in your understanding of God's perfect intention for you.  Through Christ's potential within -you can be all you were meant to be!  Do not get sidelined because of traditional religious views, and misapplications of certain passages of scripture about women.  Let the Holy Spirit express God in your life powerfully just like the day of Pentecost.  Have faith knowing that you are a daughter of promise, “And I will pour out my spirit <I>on all people</I>.. Your sons - <I>and your daughters -  </I>shall prophecy.“   </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>How to Get Started in Ministry</B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Questions and Answers with Denise Capra</B></div> <bR> <div> Dennis and Denise Capra pastor<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000033" FACE="Vagabond" > </FONT>the Faith Ministries World Outreach Center in Kansas City, Missouri.  Their ministry at the</div> <div> Kansas City church and training center forms a nucleus for world  missions where Denise, Dennis, and many others, bring the Gospel to the Nations and their own home town.<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000033" FACE="Vagabond" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>1.  Denise, how did you get started in ministry?</B></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#006699" FACE="Arial" ><B>The more</B></FONT> I grew in a revelation of how much God loved me… the more I was compelled in ministry-minded ways.  We hosted a home group for ten years out<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000033" FACE="Arial Narrow" > </FONT>of a church we belonged to and led teams on street witnessing outreaches to the Mardi Gras.  Before becoming a Christian, I liked to party.  That transferred over.  We liked people, and enjoyed hospitality.  I'd see a new person in church and would feel compelled to make sure they had heard the message of God's grace. Had they received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit?  I sensed a personal responsibility to tell them what I knew!  All of this gave us a good foundation for working with people.  </div> <bR> <div> Starting our own church was a developmental thing.  It seemed like it took a sledge hammer on the head to finally “get” what God was trying to do in our lives. We just didn't see ourselves fitting the mold as pastors.  Now, of course, we understand that we didn't need to fit a mold!  God didn't want us to fit a mold.  We began the church in 1994, compelled by God's love, meeting weekly in a rented facility.  We saturated ourselves in the Word, passionately excited about sharing it.  We still party for Jesus, caring for people with God's delivering power and grace.</div> <bR> <div> <B>2.  What obstacles did you overcome getting started?</B></div> <bR> <div> First, I'd say even getting started was a major obstacle.  We always felt unqualified.  But, we learned we couldn't go by our feelings.  God called us and God qualified us.  </div> <bR> <div> Then, feeling an invisible rejection from the religious community was another block in the road.  We just went around it.  It was settled in our heart, although it is good to have other ministry leaders recognize what God is doing-- it is not always going to happen that way.  We didn't need anyone's permission to obey  God's directives to us.  New definitions had to be written in our hearts about God's calling.  God was so faithful to give us supernatural confirmations through His Word.</div> <bR> <div> "I was satisfied being behind the scenes... even though I had a burning desire to share the Word."</div> <bR> <div> <B>3.  Did you experience any limitations put on your ministry by others because you are a woman?</B></div> <bR> <div> Yes there were some limitations.  Many of them were self-imposed initially.  I had to progressively overcome personal insecurities.  I was satisfied being behind the scenes orchestrating even though I had a burning passion to share the Word.  God really had to get through to me that His plan was different.  He could reach more people by me being willing to do it His way.  God spoke to me along the way and revealed that it was His calling for me to preach and teach the Gospel message.</div> <bR> <div> When God speaks it clears up all the scuttle-butt.  Getting opportunities to share the Gospel are open doors from God.  If God gives you an open door,  you need to use the faith He has given you and have the courage to walk through it.  This requires more dependency on Him.  Even though we had been strongly indoctrinated against women preaching and teaching, I honestly think we just never quite believed it.  It didn't seem consistent with the way Jesus treated people.  Also, I am blessed with a husband that, even though he has a strong personality, doesn't try to hinder any gifts I exercise. </div> <bR> <div> There are definitely encounters along the way with resistance to a “woman minister” most often by other ministry leaders.  I really look at it as though it is someone else's personal issue to sort out.  I don't feel like I have to prove anything.  It doesn't matter who does the ministering, whoever receives and gets blessed is the important thing.</div> <bR> <div> I like the way the Message Bible reads in 1<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000033" FACE="Arial" >st</FONT> Corinthians: “God's various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit.  God's various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit.  God's various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is:  Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits.  All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people!  The variety is wonderful.”</div> <bR> <div> "We are definitely operating as a team."</div> <bR> <div> <B>4.  How have you overcome those limitations?</B></div> <bR> <div> I overcame the limitations put on women mostly because of necessity!  In order to do what we were endeavoring to do-- no one else would or could do it.  In our ministry vision with the local church, and the training center, I have the primary organizational and administrative gifts.  My husband's gifts are evangelistic and inspirational.  We are definitely operating as a team.  Dennis and I have had to grow in respect and understanding toward one another or else it just wouldn't work.</div> <bR> <div> I recall particular incidents where a male ministry leader often treated another female minister who was an active leader in the same room with him as “invisible.”  I had to attribute that mistake fully to his own personal problem.  I know it is not my job to convince him of God's plan for man and woman to be restored to the place God originally designed for them at creation.  The way I've handled situations with people like this is to ask myself, “How would I treat a handicapped person?”  The answer is with care, consideration and sensitivity.  I have always felt that modeling integrity, and moral character that comes from who I am in Christ is more influential than any other response.  I just need to be who I am.</div> <div>      </div> <div> Most of the hard questions I have come up against in my own mind have gotten answered in my heart.  I have had to replace old traditional limiting beliefs with what is more consistent with God's nature and what His Word really says.  God's Word is its own commentary.  We can't just pull scriptures verses apart from the rest of the Gospel, building theology that makes the Word become contradictory.</div> <bR> <div> "Be wise enough to respond to Him with a deepening trust."</div> <bR> <div> <B>5.  What helpful advice do you have for other women who are still struggling and hesitant to pursue God's call to ministry?</B></div> <bR> <div> I want to encourage other women to do what is in their heart!  Operate by the biblical mandate out of Galatians 5:13, “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” We can use our gifts motivated by love to serve others.   Be ready to take steps of faith and obedience when promotion comes from God.  Be wise enough to respond to Him with a deepening trust.  I feel like I should have been more sensitive to His leading earlier in my life.  But everything I did in the past was God's preparation.</div> <bR> <div> I look at it this way, God knows me better than anyone.  He knows what He put in me.  He knows what He created me for.  First and foremost, it is a relationship with Him.  I like to think about how <I>nothing</I> can stop me from fulfilling what He created me for except for ME!  The past can't. Other people can't.  They may deter it.  But they cannot stop it.  God is the one who promotes.  God is big enough to get me where I need to be.  If He can do it for me, He can do it for you.</div> <bR> <div> "The fruitful outcomes of my ministry have been living out my life's dream."</div> <bR> <div> <B>6.  What encouragement can you offer women today from the fruitful outcomes of your own ministry?</B></div> <bR> <div> Truly, the fruitful outcomes of my ministry have been <I>living out my life's dream.  </I>You get to fulfill the desires of your heart.  Following God's call with your gifts and passions is the most personally rewarding thing you can do, and makes you into the best person you can be.  It brings the most satisfaction for everyone involved.  Doing what God says to do leaves your life in peace.  Others' expectations of you are their own issues.  God's expectation is what counts.</div> <bR> <div> There is nothing like seeing the supernatural, miraculous outcomes of speaking God's Word, sharing the Gospel and then seeing the fruit of it.  That's what it's all about, to see lives touched and changed forever.  I consider it such a privilege to be allowed to step into the experiences God has planned for me.  I enjoy the goodness of God and the surprises I encounter arranged by Him.</div> <bR> <div> <B>7.  Who or what has been the greatest inspiration to your ministry?</B></div> <bR> <div> I would have to say that first and foremost besides Jesus, it would be Dave and Bonnie Duell.  They have impacted us greatly through their living example for ministry leaders and family. We have been able to be up close and personal by getting to know them as friends.  They model honestly, with consistence and excellence, what ministry really is about… serving others.   I respect most how unpretentious they both are.  It is so refreshing to see the genuine life of Christ lived out through someone. </div> <bR> <div> We have also been greatly challenged and taught through Andrew Wommack's ministry and Dr. Jim Richards books.  The message of faith-righteousness and `grace as God's ability' has revolutionized our Christian walk.</div> <bR> <div> We have been touched by multitudes of other men and women of God that we've known through relationships at church, world travels, and ministry times together.  All these impact our lives in an on going way.</div> <bR> <div> "I challenge myself.  I pull away and get a new perspective!"</div> <bR> <div> <B>8.  What do you consider the most important factors to enjoying success in ministry?</B></div> <bR> <div> I believe what Dave Duell says.. “Hey, if you are not having fun, you are in religion!” I try to keep it FUN.  I believe that enjoying life is critical.  So many people get caught in the trap of wanting to be successful in ministry.  I sure want that too.  But I don't want that at the expense of what's most important.  The temptation is always there. I have choices to make daily.  Will I allow the pressures, anxieties and stresses to close in?  I get to choose!</div> <bR> <div> I challenge myself.  I pull away and get a new perspective.  It is so important for us to invest in ourselves by allowing time for the Holy Spirit's help and work in our hearts.   We need to stay teachable, keep learning and growing.</div> <bR> <div> <B>9.  Do you have an expanding vision for ministry in the future?</B></div> <bR> <div> I really feel like <I>the time we live in </I>is the churches' greatest hour.  What will I do with what God has given me?  I want to do what David did, as it says in Acts “For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation… ”  I desire to serve the purpose of God in <I>my generation</I>.  We should want this as women!</div> <bR> <div> Concerning the future, our ministry really has a heart for the nations and those who haven't had all the saturation of resources and opportunities.  We are amazed at how other ministry leaders around the world have had so little to work with.  We want to contribute into that.  I feel like we are just beginning to lay the foundation for what God is planning for the future.  I believe it will just get better and better!  “But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.”</div> <bR> <div> "Be real.  Accept who God has made you to be."</div> <bR> <div> <B>10.  What are some of the pitfalls to avoid as a woman in ministry?</B></div> <bR> <div> I believe that there are many kinds of pitfalls in ministry.  Here are some ways to avoid them:</div> <bR> <div> <U>Don't let other things take Jesus' place in your life.</U></div> <div> The Lordship of Jesus must be the number one priority so other things - even good things don't take His place.</div> <bR> <div> <U>Don't think of ministry as an opportunity for self-promotion.</U></div> <div> Our motivations need to be rooted in the love of God.  The worst thing someone can do is promote themselves!  That is an indicator of fear and insecurity.</div> <bR> <div> <U>Don't get a persecution complex as a woman in ministry.</U></div> <div> In regard to how we are viewed by those who may not agree with our calling or those who don't validate us… I believe it really needs to remain a non-issue.  The real deal has to do with obeying God and not men anyway.</div> <bR> <div> <U>Be confident.</U></div> <div> You don't have to prove anything to someone else.  There needs to be a confidence that naturally exudes from us.. just out of our relationship with the Lord.</div> <bR> <div> <U>Don't get distracted.</U></div> <div> As women, there is always so much to do.  Grow in the areas of self-management so that you can really fulfill what God has placed on the inside of you.</div> <bR> <div> <U>Guard against competition games.  </U></div> <div> Be real.  Accept who God has made you to be.  Don't compare yourself with others.  Just be yourself.  Since God loves you so much, you need to love yourself too.</div> <bR> <div> <U>Deal with your weaknesses.</U></div> <div> Be willing to be honest with yourself and Jesus just what those weaknesses are.  Trust that His strength is made perfect in your weaknesses.</div> <bR> <div> <U>Be willing to Work.</U></div> <div> Do you like work?  Ministry is really work.  What about your time, energy, and money?  Are you really investing in your future by sowing seed for it now?  We must be willing to work in God's kingdom on God's terms.  The way to success is not our demanding way.</div> <bR> <div> <U>Be willing to Work with others.</U></div> <div> There are many lofty ideas and over-spiritualized concepts that will have you floating off on a cloud somewhere.  We have to work with others.  If we want to achieve greatness for God, be willing to not <I>have to </I>get the credit.  Who are we trying to make a name for?  We need to function in teams!  Psalm 68:11 says, “The Lord gives the command; the women who proclaim the good tidings are a great host.”</div> <bR> <div> <U>Stand fast in the Liberty which is in Christ Jesus.</U></div> <div> What was Jesus teaching us in the parables?  Study the principles of God's Word found in the ministry of Jesus.  Look how HE treated women! As you see His emphasis of equality, it should free you to be a whole person with or without a man's approval.  The freer we become the more we'll function in our destiny-- as a woman of God. <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#003366" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="id24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Women in Ministry"><U>Back to Women in Ministry</U></A></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>