In these troubled times the church appears as an eight cylinder engine that is running on only four cylinders - no spiritual power, ability to maneuver in traffic, or inner strength to do the task Jesus has given us.
Have many abandoned God's spiritual gifting of individuals in deference to gender? Are only men allowed to take certain responsibilities, not because of their spiritual gifting but because of their gender? Have women been pushed into roles where their giftedness can not be utilized or where it is largely ignored?
We are all aware of the ministry roles of men in the New Testament. However, just to site a few examples: Paul spoke of Junias (a woman) as an apostle (Romans 16:7); both "sons and daughters will prophesy" (Acts 2:16); Priscilla was the primary teacher of Appolos (Acts 18:26); and Phoebe was a deacon (Romans 16:1).
Could it be that the other four cylinders have not been allowed to use their God-given spiritual giftedness today as they did in New Testament days? It is time for the church to be an organism of people who use their spiritual gifts rather than being an organization with only men taking the responsibilities that appear to be "leader" oriented. Since all gifts are necessary for the body to be healthy, shouldn't we be identifying our spiritual gifts and encouraging everyone to use them, regardless of gender? Using all eight cylinders would give the church the necessary health to be functional instead of fractured.
Asking the tough questions ~ Bob
