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Why I Am Not A Preacher

a1joycemeyerA few years ago and a few kids back, I had this short hair cut that inspired my best friend to refer to me as Joyce Meyer.

Our most outstanding similarities, beyond the short hair, included a focus on kingdom work and a desire to teach.  But Unlike, Joyce, I chose to not be a preacher in the church.

Someone recently said to me, “Serena, I believe you could preach a better sermon than 90% of the men in the church.”

I know I could, but I don’t. Here’s why:

 

I choose to respect the boundaries of God.

I believe that the bible contains the words of God. Though they were penned by humans, I believe all scripture to be inspired by God and authoritative (2 Tim. 3:16). When I see boundaries that God has place on our activities, relationships and our actions, I choose to honor those. The same God that says do not lust, do not commit adultery and do not steal says:

The women should keep quiet in these church meetings. They are not allowed to speak out but should be under authority, as the Law says.  If there is something they want to know, they should ask their own husbands at home. It is shameful for a woman to speak up like that in the church meeting. 1 Cor. 14:34-35

A woman should learn while listening quietly and being completely willing to obey.  I don’t allow a woman to teach a man or tell him what to do. She must listen quietly,  because Adam was made first. Eve was made later.  Also, Adam was not the one who was tricked. It was the woman who was tricked and became a sinner. 1 Tim. 2:11-14

In one of her sermons, Joyce referred to the restriction on women preaching saying, “It’s all a bunch of nonsense  anyway.” (Watch a clip  here.)

Yes, Mary Magdalene announced Jesus’ resurrection. Yes, Jesus valued women and gave them a place at his table and in his ministry (Luke 8:1-3). But the message to infant church was for women to be quiet in the assembly.

How do I know this message wasn’t for a certain era or culture? Because Paul goes all they way back to the Garden of Eden. Creation and the Fall is an all time/ all people sort of thing.

But it feels good and seems good. Yes, it might seem good. It might feel good. But God says, “Don’t.” Any reasoning against it is simply rebellion. Remember Satan himself  masquerades himself in things that seem good and feel good.  He “disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:14) and as doctrines of light.

I love God more.

This is not an easy teaching for me.  And it was not an easy decision for me. Whether it is taking the floor or subtly teaching from my seat, I have had made the choice to bridle my strength because I love God more than I love myself.

I do think that I could preach better than some men. I do think I have a better understanding than a lot of men. I do I think I have a more spiritual outlook than many men in leadership.  But my thoughts, no matter what they are, don’t give me license to teach over my brothers.   My Lord asked me to restrain myself, so even when I don’t want to or understand it, I will because I love him.

Submission isn’t degrading. 

As a devoted Christ-follower, I have accepted the charge to follow his example.

 “Father, if you are willing, please don’t make me drink from this cup. But do what you want, not what I want.” Luke 22:42

Jesus, in act of courage and sacrifice, gave up his life for the Father’s cause. I can give up my voice if he asks me to.

Creation

The one who made the world made the rules. The planets obey in orbit. The seas obey in tides.  I choose to obey by honoring my created purpose found in Genesis 2:18.

 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

I was created to be the sustainer, the life-giver and the suitable helper. I choose to honor my Creator by fulfilling the role he intended me for.

The Essence of God 

God chose us to bear his image, his essence, as women. I guess because of a  our “boys rule” culture, the male attributes of God are more valued. But the truth is that God displays himself in gentleness and quietness as well. If God can display his essence in quiet ways, it is my privilege to imitate him.

Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.  1 Kings 19:11-12

Beauty

I want to be beautiful. I am nearing 40 years old. My hair is gray. I am riddled with stretch marks. Wrinkles and extra layers of skin under my chin are forming. But I still crave to be beautiful. I yearn for beauty. God tells me there is a beauty that time cannot fade. I want that beauty.

The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. 1 Sam. 16:7

Your beauty… should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Pet. 3:3-4

God says my gentleness is valuable to him. He says that my quiet spirit is beautiful to him. And I want to be beautiful for him.

Jul 28, 2014Serena
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Comments: 26
  1. Rhonda Marcus
    6 years ago

    You have no extra chin layers. Your neck is lovely.

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  2. Lori
    6 years ago

    Love.

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  3. Gene
    6 years ago

    A friend of mine shared your article on Facebook. Thank you so much for writing this. I am so leery (nervous, scared?) to teach on this even in Bible studies with believers, let alone talk about it with non-believers. I was pretty appalled at Joyce Meyer’s flippant attitude toward it in the link you provided. Your heart and service to God really help to give me strength and encouragement in teaching God’s word. Thanks again!

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  4. Sandi Rog
    6 years ago

    Beautiful.

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  5. Steve
    6 years ago

    As you know 1 Corinthians was a “letter” written to the church in Corinth. Chapters and verses were added many years later. In many ways this has hurt as folks try to “pull out” verses to fit something not intended. I’m not saying this is what was done in this case but it does happen. I would say we need to read the entire letter which includes women praying & prophesying in chapter 11. If women can do so as he points out earlier in his letter why can they not just a few paragraphs later (chapter 14)? Women are NOT to sit quietly by and not be able to say a word. It’s very clear they were permitted to pray, teach, prophesy in the public assembly. The point is they are not to have “authority” over their husband. What do the women do who have no husbands (Paul instructed them to ask their husbands at home). That opens up a whole other interpretation. I will post this on her blog as well.

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    • ServantMichael
      1 year ago

      You have deceived yourself so long that you can say or do anything just to deny the truth. Your statements prove that you DON’T love God and you are not born of Him. Those who love God speak as God speak and NEVER contradict what He says.

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  6. jill
    6 years ago

    Thank you for the passages mentioned. I was raised in The Church of Christ and believe as you do. I do believe we can testify to our friends and neighbors.For those who have no husband, ask a deacon or preacher for consideration or clarification on a subject. In God’s Grace….

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  7. Barbara Bacic
    6 years ago

    I would like to point out something for consideration within this article. There are so many “opinions” and misinterpretations of Scripture to fit what we would like it to say that it is difficult to discern the true meaning of a verse by only focusing on one or a few verses and not doing a careful study of the verse in its true context. That being said, there are various categories of verse, some are poetry , some are for teaching and some are for a specific group at a specific time, dealing with a specific issue. The last is the case with this specific verse based on widely accepted biblical scholarship. It is my suggestion that before posting anything that influences others, you carefully and correctly study and analyze the Scriptures you use and remember to keep them in context. Remember that if you teach another , you are held responsible for your handling of the Word according to God.. you will be held accountable when you stand before God. So please be careful.. Blessings

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  8. Amanda
    6 years ago

    This is an important point, and very well put. This is something that I too struggle with; I am a teacher by profession, training, and passion–I taught for years on every level from preschool to graduate students in a university (while I myself was still a grad student, because “I had such a gift for teaching”), and now homeschool my own children. I am passionate about God’s Word, and there is nothing I want more at times than to stand on a chair and proclaim that! BUT. Then I stop to think about what the Lord HAS specifically ordained me to, as a woman. I disciple soon-to-be four little people–three boys, who will lead their own families one day and do who knows what else for God’s kingdom. And God knows who He’s sending #4 to be! I build a home for my husband, who is a Godly man and loves hospitality, is very social, etc. As a woman, I believe Scripture makes clear that I am crafted to minister in a way that I think we saw Jesus do very, if not most, often. I can hold hands, wipe tears, serve meals, meet needs, get to know, learn to love–individuals. Why would I decide Scripture must be ‘off’ if, for instance, I focus on the fact that I’m not among the leaders who serve the Lord’s Supper (because that’s an office afforded to men)….when I can serve EVERY MEAL in my own home? Plus, bring some to others? WHY would chafe at being disallowed to preach from the church pulpit when, frankly, I need to call sinners to repentance pretty much every hour in my own home (and more often during meals ;)? Or exhort my husband to good works in those dozens of ways I can as his wife?? That is frankly a far more demanding ministry than preaching a weekly sermon. Meanwhile, many male preachers–excellent ones–who live with the frustration of not being able to really minister to their flock on a personal level because, wait for it…..they have to keep up with prep for Sunday morning! As the famous quote goes, don’t pity Miss Amanda the insignificance of her task, pity me the enormity of it!!

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    • Serena
      6 years ago

      You are in my head! Thanks for your thoughtful words!

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  9. Chris
    6 years ago

    It all goes back to the curse given by God in Genesis 3. When Eve chose to take the lead by eating the forbidden fruit, she was therefore given a role. She is to be ruled over by her husband. Even though a woman is fully capable, and even may want to lead in the church, she can’t. Men are also cursed with having to lead. Not all men desire this role, but Adam let Eve take the lead, and he followed her. So, therefore, as men, we must be leaders in the church, even if we don’t want to. I am sure someone will rip this view apart. However, this passage helps me to understand. It is not about who can, or can’t. It is about who God wants, or doesn’t want to fulfill these roles in the church and in the home.

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    • Sandi Rog
      6 years ago

      Yes, totally agree.

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  10. Serena
    6 years ago

    I know that some of the comments in this post may appear prideful and some have brought that to my attention. Not only are my comments true, I believe they make my choice to remain quiet more meaningful. I don’t resist preaching because I am shy, not a good public speaker or lack desire. I refrain from preaching and teaching over men in a complete act of obedient faith. I continue to pray and seek God’s face. I rely on my husband as my spiritual head to guide me and even rebuke me when I need it.

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    • Ren
      6 years ago

      It is not pride to admit to your strengths! I completely agree with your conclusions and, as a woman with a strong personality who is apt to teach I can totally relate to your admissions! On my women’s Bible study contributor blog, we have a disclaimer that we know we can’t control our audience, but that we don’t intend our teaching oriented posts to be for instruction of men. I think on-line further fuzzies the line, but your assessment of these scriptures is right despite the ever growing rationalization of many passages from scripture by our western Christian culture. This was a GREAT post.

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    • Cari Rusin
      6 years ago

      Love! I am so glad I am not alone in this understanding of scripture!

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  11. Duane
    6 years ago

    I went to a funeral. The service was lead by women. The biggest question I had was, “Where are the men?” It’s easy to do what God wants us to do when it is something we want to do to, too. The real test of faith comes when God requires us to do something we don’t want to do, or refrain from doing something we want to do.

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    • Serena
      6 years ago

      Brother I have been thinking a lot about that same thing. There’s a lot our brothers in the church can do to help us in this. First is taking their place in leadership and teaching seriously. We need that.

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  12. Ashley
    6 years ago

    I totally agree that women should not be preachers. But this post leads me to a worry/question. Is it ok for women to lead Bible studies for other women? I attend a lot of ladies Bible studies that are led by women and have personally considered leading a Bible study for women in the future. But I don’t want to do this if it is against Scripture. Please advise. Thanks! 🙂

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    • Ren
      6 years ago

      Ashley, it is appropriate for women to teach women! Titus chapter 2!! The heart of women not being preachers is that women should not be teaching men in a leadership role with in the congregation. Women teaching women is absolutely encouraged in scripture!

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      • Serena
        6 years ago

        I would agree. I write here to an intended audience of women (although I have some gutsy brothers who have no problem reading a wordy woman 😉 I also teach to women and lead classes. I am a woman so I feel like I can speak to women’s issues.

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  13. Cari Rusin
    6 years ago

    I also think you could have added one more point… it is part of the curse for women to want to be in the leadership role. No matter the ‘occupation’. As a whole its our curse to fight that desire to lead. Its not what God originally designed. I love how you pointed out that God ‘took it back to creation’ – that is something I hadn’t thought of before – but it is very profound!

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  14. Beckye
    6 years ago

    good points have been made here about the role of men vs women. Men are required by God to lead just as much as women are required to submit. To failure of men
    to lead is just as much a sin as a women taking unauthorized authority.

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  15. erikat
    4 years ago

    I dont agree at all. Times are very different now! The role of women in the church as in everthing else has changed! People is in desperate need of guidance from those who are fulfilled by the grace and love, man or woman. If you believe in the love of god, you intuitively know this! Regardless of any social structure that might or might not have worked hundreds of years ago. It doesnt work now.

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    • Serena
      4 years ago

      I don’t believe it is about social structure. I don’t think it ever was for God. My conviction comes from the historical account of the first deception which occurred in Eden. 1 Tim. 2:14 teaches that concept in the early church. Because the Lord never changes (Heb 13:8, Mal 3:6) and culture is always changing, I have to ground myself in the immutable things of the divine.

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  16. WendyG
    1 year ago

    Most churches interpret the “husband of one wife” phrase to mean a church leader must be married, and be married to his first wife. That alone excludes a large percentage of men from leadership because they are single/widowed/divorced/remarried.

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  17. Katt
    6 months ago

    We’re not living under the law, we live under grace and by faith in the True and last sacrifice. She is getting the gospel out mostly to women and if men want to join in that is their right. And it is not our right to judge…look it up. And, be quiet. Adam was created and God made Eve from his rib not his foot. Standing side by side not under him.

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Serena
6 years ago 26 Comments The Church, Uncategorized, Womanhood, Women's Ministryfemale preachers, submission, teaching over men1,437
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