Today as I was reading Romans 16, a woman named Phoebe was mentioned. Phoebe was a significant servant in the church of Cencherea. She helped, protected, looked after and provided for many. Phoebe's name in Greek means radiant and pure!
Women had a VERY important part in the ministry of Paul. As we find in many verses throughout Romans 16. Paul specifically mentions Phoebe and speaks highly of her and her strong leadership in the church. He introduces her to other Christians as "sister," "servant," "saint," and "helper." Paul valued her as a radiant light for Jesus.
Paul commended her publiclyand 3) she is “a patron has
Complementarity in Ministry
From the very beginning of the Christian church, women have been absolutely crucial partners in ministry with men—partners in marriage and partners as single women.
Paul did not treat women as if they are on the sidelines.
Paul also did not treat women with a differant annointing perspective.
In the history of missions, the role of women, and the courage of women, is simply breathtaking. The fact that God calls men to lead the church as the teaching and governing elders is, in the long run, we believe, a strengthening, liberating, joyful thing for Christ-exalting women. However... God does call women to do amazing things and if men in the church do not learn to commend as Paul did many women could be pushed away from their destiny.
Now I want to encourage women in general today that God has a huge plan for your life!
Women have the opportunity to help others struggling with their daily lives.
God has a significant purpose for you in His church.
I personally encourage you to step out and go to a women's meeting, bible study or other opportunity in your church.
God never created you to stay on your personal island.
Each women is hand picked by God, situated in Christ's body just as He desires. God will select the perfect place for you appropriate to your talents and gifts.
We all go through experiences in life, your story is important!
God will put the exact people in your pathway that needs your aid and help. Many difficult areas of my life have been used for others to find the heartbeat of God.
If a person feels inadequate for the ministry task the Lord reveals to them they need to only remember Jesus' words, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor 12:9).Jesus' life began with a woman named Mary and ended at His resurrection with a woman at the tomb.
The bible recalls several significant women in the new testament and Paul affirms them by name.
I believe public AFFIRMATION is huge when God is creating and working through particular individuals or ministries in the church.
Friend, you are significant!
Allow God to establish you according to His ways, He has a story to tell through your life.
How are you allowing God to use you today?
How are you being commended in your place of worship?
Paul always established credibility for his leadership, remember that this in important.
Today others in church leadership should affirm those whom God calls, whether male or female, and encourage them in faithfully learning God’s Word. We need to affirm all potential laborers, both men and women, for the abundant harvest fields.
I love to hear a woman lead us in prayer corporately on Sunday mornings at my church,that alone is commending!
I am thankful for Gods word today, continue pursuing your calling my friends!
Blessings,
