I’ve been praying, searching the scriptures, listening and reading various viewpoints from pastors, teachers and theologians about their thoughts on the role of women in the body of Christ. I’ve been also searching my own heart before the Lord on why I seem to have an issue with female pastors speaking from the pulpit in my church. It’s been happening regularly for about a year now. There are no perfect churches so why does this bother me so much? I believe the Holy Spirit has given me insight and spiritual understanding on this matter.

I was a hardcore feminist before. Korean culture with its Confucius’s influence has always been a chauvinistic society. Women were never treated well by men probably since its inception. The women in my family lineage from both sides were abused, cheated on, marginalized by their men, and these stories have been passed down by my mom to her daughters.

It really literally killed me to learn to be submissive to my husband because the scriptures told me to do. I cried and weeped so much in the first two years because I hated to obey the scriptures on this arrangement in the marriage. Having a non-believing husband also made it even more difficult.

Through this experience I have learned how to be content in all circumstances as Apostle Paul also had to learn. I have learned to obey the scriptures above my feelings and strong desires. I have learned to have self control over my mouth, and to forgive easily when someone hurts and offends me. This happens often enough in ministry work so it’s a good skill to learn.

Scriptural submission to human authority is a very important obedience to honor God. Because of my background in feminism, having a chip on my shoulder against men, and my marriage with a nonbeliever; having a female pastor speaking on the pulpit makes it harder for me to keep myself submissive to my husband which the Holy Bible wants me to do.

This side of my flesh is still very much alive and this evil beast always wants to be unleashed again. Perhaps for women who were raised in good Christian homes with godly men will not have an issue like I do. But personally I need to find a church that has a traditional view on this topic because of my weakness and background.

I am now actively looking for a new local church since my church does not appear to be changing their mindset. I have asked for another meeting with my community group pastor to talk about this topic again and to give him a heads up about my conclusion and decision. I will pray about talking with our lead pastor too.

Women’s leadership role in the church has been debated much already. There are many articles and viewpoints out there from both sides. Jesus promised that if you keep searching, you will find. Therefore I encourage you to keep searching the scriptures, read and listen to many gifted teachers in the body of Christ, and pray until you have peace from the Lord on your conclusion and decision.

Pastor Derek Prince’s teaching on this subject influenced me the most in my conclusion and decision. – https://youtu.be/dr3Wcf_U2Bk

Pastor John MacArthur said in his message about this subject that really stood out for me. He said that the angels are the most submissive creatures in the universe. They completely obey God’s word. Rank and order matter to them greatly. Therefore for the angels’ sake, it’s a good wise thing to be submissive to the human authority ordained by God in the scriptures. I want the angels of the Lord to help me, my family and my ministry work without conflict and hesitation. Therefore I want to keep myself aligned to my rightful places in my marriage, church and society. Here is his message if you want to hear. His preaching style is more assertive than Derek Prince but try to look over his stern face and voice, and simply listen. https://youtu.be/n8ncOf82ZJ0

Matthew 7:7-8 (AMP) ^{– 7} “Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock andkeep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who keeps on asking receives, and he who keeps on seeking finds, and to him who keeps on knocking, it will be opened.”

Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV) – ¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

1 Corinthians 11:10 (AMPC) – Therefore she should [be subject to his authority and should] have a covering on her head [as a token, a symbol, of her submission to authority, that she may show reverence as do] the angels [and not displease them].

1 Corinthians 11:10 (NMB) – For this reason, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head – for the angels’ sakes.

7/21/21 – I’ve been thinking again about female pastors. It’s a very controversial topic in the church. I used to be fine with it but after hearing thoughts about this topic from teachers like Derek Prince whom I highly respect, I decided that I don’t support female as pastors. Then recently I discovered that the pastor in NJ who was organizing and sending out a excellent prayer guides during the pandemic time for a revival is a female pastor! Her name is Dr Jamie Morgan. Her first name made me think that it is a man. I checked her out and she leads her own church as the head pastor. Times Square Church who I highly respect also has one female pastor and she is the president of their seminary school too.

Dear Lord Jesus, I ask you to help me figure out what my position should be about female pastors. I was certain after listening to Derek Prince and other teachers but now I am not so sure. I leave this theology at your feet and ask you to guide and lead me to your truth. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. Thank you 🙏.

10/18 – Good article about pastor CHO who passed away recently. His church in South Korea is the biggest church in the world. He spoke about the importance of women in the growth of his church and his thoughts about female pastors. A worthwhile reading for reflection. – https://www.charismamag.com/blogs/fire-in-my-bones/50236-dr-cho-s-greatest-gift-to-the-global-church?utm_source=Charisma%20Magazine%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=subscriber_id:5904711&utm_campaign=CHM%20Mag%20Newsletter%20-%202021-09-16

“If you ever train the women, and delegate your ministry to them, they will become tremendous messengers for the Lord. Some of you are going to quote 1 Corinthians 14:34 (MOUNCE), ‘Women are to be silent in the church.’ I’ll tell you one thing, brothers and sisters. Once women are called into the ministry, they no longer belong to the category of women. They are messengers of the Lord.” – Pastor CHO of Yoido church