Did you know only a handful of Scripture passages can be used to argue against the full inclusion of women in ministry leadership—and all of them are disputed by scholars? The first one we’ll examine is a mysterious passage about head coverings. Some Christians believe 1 Corinthians 11:3-16 affirms male headship as grounded in the created order rather than a changeable principle dependent on circumstance.[i] They believe it teaches male headship and women’s subordination as a timeless principle.[ii] They think Paul wanted women who prayed and prophesied publicly to dress in a manner Continue Reading
How Prophetic Gatherings Offer Insight and Guidance for Followers of Christ
Years ago, my husband Scott and I flew to a city fifteen hundred miles from home to experience a special prophetic gathering for the first time. Three people recognized as prophets would be ministering to the candidates chosen by the pastor and elders of the church. All of us had prepared with prayer and fasting. I approached the platform nervously, Scott at my side. We took our seats facing the rest of the congregation. The prophets stood to the side of the platform. As the Holy Spirit prompted them, they took turns sharing what God was giving them, mic in hand. I’d resisted the Continue Reading
How to be Discerning About People Who Say They are Prophets
Some time ago, I was given a suggestion to check out a certain minister with a large social media audience who regularly posts prophetic messages online. The person ardently following this (self-proclaimed) prophet considers him a major source of spiritual input for personal growth. I clicked on a couple of links and quickly decided not to trust this "prophet" for any kind of spiritual guidance. These days, anyone with a bit of Bible knowledge and familiarity with prophetic terminology can build a platform and attract followers. It’s pretty simple to convince lots of folks you Continue Reading
How the Gift of Prophecy Offers Strength, Encouragement and Comfort
During what many Christians called “the refreshing,” an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the 1990’s, my family had spent a weekend attending special meetings at a church with a connection to our own. Before undertaking the 10-hour trip home, we stopped at a gas station. A long-haired, bearded man sat cross-legged on the station’s sidewalk. Beside him lay a small, grubby backpack. I walked by the unkempt stranger quickly as I herded my three young boys toward the gas station’s restrooms. “If you’re looking for the bathrooms, they’re that way.” He pointed. I thanked him curtly, not Continue Reading