Words Just for Women
A Collection of Messages Exhorting Christian Women in Ministry
By Queen E. F. Phillips
Published by QEP
Enterprises
Houston, Texas
Copyright 2010 Queen E. F. Phillips
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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Table of Content
Searching for Unsearchable Riches
Preface
The rise of women in leadership within the Kingdom of God is amazing. But it’s not surprising because since the beginning we were included in God’s plans and purpose. This is also evidenced during Jesus’ earthly ministry (Luke 8:1-3). Although women are now on the frontlines in ministry and Kingdom building, the need for encouragement is even greater because of the rise in opposition to the move of God among women who have surrendered as vessels of honor for the Master’s use and glory.
Many of us have been called into the ministry as Christ’s representative here on Earth to work alongside our brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ. What an honor and a privilege.
Each day I’m personally thankful that He chose me to partner with Him in carrying out His plans and purpose; therefore, I am committed to doing my best to represent Him well.
I am also excited about my sisters who are committed to the work of the ministry, and the advancement of the Kingdom of God. It is my prayer that you continue; and that you not become weary in well doing for in due season you shall reap if you do not give up. I also want to encourage those of you who are reluctant to make a commitment to the ministry for whatever reasons. Get involved. Get excited with me!
Reflecting on my years of struggling with the call to leadership, spiritual encouragement and mentorship were scarcities. Now I realize that the messages I delivered years ago (most of them during Bible College in my early years of ministry development) were actually for my personal encouragement.
Being thankful for the insight and encouragement of the Holy Spirit, I compiled this eBook, Words Just for Women from a few of those archived messages to encourage you in your work in the ministry.
Let me know if this eBook encourages you.
Feel free to email me at qfphillips@gmail.com.
Queen
Need for Responsible Women in the Church
I read an article some time ago in the Houston Chronicle, “When Couples Share the Pulpit” (Husband & wife clergy team sharing the ministry): In an interview with the reporter, they discussed how they share the counseling appointments, how they share the Christian education duties; and yes, they even share in the preaching. And one of the wives said, “What we offer a church together is more than we could offer separately.”
I’m not focusing on should women pastor or not; I’m not focusing on whether or not women are called to preach. My emphasis is on sharing in the ministry together.
Isn’t togetherness, being united (being one) what Jesus emphasized in the gospel of St. John? In essence, this wife is saying there’s more to offer the people of God when they are working and serving together rather than trying to function separately.
Of course, everyone is not called to pastor, neither is everyone called to preach, but we all have individual gifts for ministry, and we all can share, or should I say, work together in the ministry. Working together enables and empowers us to accomplish more and achieve more than when one person is trying to do everything.
Women have always made themselves more available to the service of the Lord in the local church than our brothers. Therefore, responsibility is common place. Local churches need women who will accept and share responsibilities in the church’s ministry and be effective. And in order to be effective, there are some qualities we should possess.
Let’s consider Deborah as an example. The book of Judges takes its name from the rulers of Israel during the period from Joshua to Samuel. The Bible says that the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua but after the death of Joshua and their fathers of that generation, there arose another generation that knew not the Lord nor the works He had done for Israel. Now they did evil in the sight of the Lord. They forsook the God of their fathers and followed and served Baals—the gods of the people around about them. And therefore they provoked the Lord to anger. So those nations that their fathers did not drive out as God had commanded became enemies (Ref. 2:10-14). God allowed them to oppress the children of Israel.
Nevertheless, God being merciful raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hands of their oppressors each time they cried out unto God. Think about this: How many times have you cried out to God for help and he came to your rescue? Therefore, the primary responsibility of the judges was to bring the people back to God through military deliverance. It’s important to note here: This military deliverance in the natural was prophetic of the militaristic need for deliverance in the spirit realm. There is a constant conflict or war between the flesh and the Spirit (Galatians 5:17).
In this fourth chapter of the book of Judges, we have a detailed story of Deborah and Barak sharing the responsibility of carrying out God’s plan to deliver Israel out of the hands of Jabin, king of Canaan and Sisera, the captain of his army. We see this was a powerful nation, because the bible says he had 900 chariots of iron. Yet, they were no matches for our God! And for 20 years Jabin had made life unbearable for the Israelites.
Deborah is the only woman in the line judges— a perfect example of a responsible woman committed to God’s call to leadership. First, we see that Deborah is a “prophetess.” So, she is responsible to God. Next, we see that she is a wife. Her husband’s name is Lapidoth, which means ‘torches’. Therefore, she had to be responsible to her husband and the affairs of her home life. Secondly, Deborah judged Israel at that time; so she had several responsibilities—to the people, again to God, and to her husband. Here, we have a woman in leadership that took on responsibilities assigned to her.
In addition to listing her areas of responsibility, we must take a look at her qualities that empowered her. In essence, it’s a woman’s qualities (aka character) that determine her level of responsibilities and her accountability. Now let’s consider the essential qualities of a responsible woman by taking a closer look at Deborah.
Quality #1: Obedient
Deborah was led by God and more importantly she obeyed the voice of God when He gave her instructions as the judge (leader) of His people. Obedience to God is critical to the success of all of life, whether ministry or personal. In addition, as responsible women in ministry being Spirit-filled is a must. We must be led by the Holy Spirit and obedient to him in order to be effective in the ministry. The bible says in all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your path (Proverbs 3:6). If one is operating or attempting to lead and support without the guidance and help of the Holy Spirit, there is always a greater potential for failure especially if someone else is in the primary leadership role and you’re assisting. It is displeasing to God to usurp authority over the pastor or anyone in the lead position. The fact that the bible specifically names Deborah’s husband implies that her role as wife was significant
We must remember that God is a God order and ministry or church business should be handled in an orderly manner. There is no doubt about Deborah’s divine leadership because she prophesied to Barak that God would deliver their enemies unto them.
Quality #2: Initiative
Deborah had initiative. Responsible women must have initiative. She made the first move upon hearing the voice of God. It was custom for the people to come to the judge for counsel and judgment, but the bible says Deborah sent and called Barak. She didn’t wait for him to come to her. Women, sometimes we must make the first move to initiate what God places on your heart in the work of ministry. Plan a meeting with the pastor, or write a brief synopsis of what God has laid on your heart concerning an area of ministry. There are many areas that need help, i.e., children’s ministry, missions and outreach, etc. These are common ministries where there is always a need, but often a lack of commitment. Perhaps, the church administrator is the leader you need to talk to; whatever organizational structure in place, initiate contact for the purpose working together in advancing the Kingdom of God. Let that particular contact person know that you are willing to accept responsibility in the ministry of the church.
Now, with the acceptance of responsibility there must be commitment. Commitment says that you’re going to faithful, reliable, dependable and trustworthy once you take on a responsibility. From personal experience I know that a lack of commitment can be an obstacle to the progress of the local church’s ministry. Also, when people are committed to working together it hinders spiritual and numerical growth, as well as hurt many that are depending on the ministry of the church to meet their needs.
Quality #3: Supportive
Being supportive is synonymous to a variety of characteristics in a responsible woman. Deborah is not only supportive but she is loyal in responsibility; she is encouraging, caring, and sympathetic toward Barak. After Barak was aware of the assignment, listen to what he said, “If you will go with me, then I will go, but if you will not go with me, then I will not go.”
What was he saying? Basically, he was soliciting Deborah’s support. “Deborah, I want and need your support. In ministry, one of the most evident ways a leader knows that you’re supportive, loyal, dependability, caring and encouraging is by your presence. It is noteworthy that Barack wanted Deborah to go with him into battle. He made it clear, if you don’t go, I’m not going. This says two things: He trusted Deborah’s positional power…her divine appointment, and her going represented the presence of the Lord.
Of course, not all men are as outspoken or honest as Barak about wanting our support. But Barak believed in the call of God on Deborah and respected her as God’s anointed and appointed. Sometimes ego is a hindrance if men are trying too hard to fulfill their role as head without the support of a responsible woman. It is a strong man that will admit, I need, or I want the support of responsible women in ministry.
Let me say to the men that it is not a sign of weakness to admit you need a woman’s support. God purposefully designed (formed and fashioned) woman to compliment man according to Genesis 2:18, “And the Lord God said, it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him.”
So Deborah gave Barak the support he needed by going with him to Kadesh. Like Deborah, responsible women will be supportive in carrying out Kingdom assignments
Quality #4: Courage
Deborah demonstrated great courage. She placed herself in a dangerous situation—war. She risked bodily injury and even death but went anyway. Without a doubt, she trusted God. Women in our society are very courageous especially in corporate America. Another term that comes to mind is aggressive. It is obvious that courage is a must for women who enlist in the Armed Forces. What about those who are not fighting physical wars, or the threat of wars? Truth is Christian women must have that same kind of courage as the women who fight in physical wars. And just as critical is the courage to engage in spiritual war. Opposition can be overwhelming, but women must keep the faith. Remember the Lord is our strength. Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid for the Lord your God will not fail you nor forsake you.