IS IT GOOD FOR UNMARRIED PERSON TO BE ELECTED AS A BISHOP? ,SHOULD A WOMAN BE CALLED AN APOSTLE OR A BISHOP?

[APOSTLE DR. PRINCE NNAMS]

Fellow Brothers, Sisters, Pastors and Lawyers, I would like us to delibrate on this Topic, either in support or Against with Bible refrences, should a woman , married or unmarried be addressed as an Apostle or a Bishop?

Secondly, should a woman head a church where there are other qualified pastors or ministers in the same church?

[lorenzo neal]

This is interesting. I am a young, divorced pastor. Should I be pastoring even though I have been preaching since junior high school (now over 20 yrs) and a seminary graduate and trained minister of the gospel? By some of your definition I should not. Honestly, sometimes I believe I shouldn't but I haven't heard God tell me differently and my reasons were simply because there are some familial issues that I cannot address as a single pastor (and even before I married/divorced I did not address because of no experience or knowledge). I sought counsel before I married and before I divorced. I asked forgiveness and repented after I divorced and sat myself down before pastoring again. Was I wrong for returning to pastoral ministry after divorcing even though I do not plan to remarry (and yes I do not plan to remarry). Also what about the pastors/bishops who never marry. Please help me understand.

[Tijuan C Evans]

I must ask this; you said that you sought counsel before marraige and before divorce, What counsel did you seek? Secondly when you returned to pastoring how did you return, was it in your own time or was it by/with strong minded brothers who were able to restore you to your rightful place.
It often times is not what you do but how you do it. Was it done biblically, Because as we know the BIBLE is our roadmap for life.
There are numerous unmarried Bishops and even Bishops whom have gotten divorced after receiving their confirmation to Episcopacy.
If you wish to discuss further let me know

[Rev. Eric Culberson Jr.]

Wont get into everything you said but I would bring to this to light:

Paul refers to Phoebe as a minister or deacon of the church at Cenchrea. The Greek word which describes her function is "diakonos" which means literally "official servant." She is the only deacon in the Bible to be identified by name.

Acts 6- The first deacons choosen and all were named

1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

[Doris Trueheart]

If the church membership is 75% women, then I would expect to see an increase in the number of women rising into leadership positions. The Lord pours out his spirit upon all flesh and his sons and daughthers prophesy. When God created man, male and female he created he them. In heaven (in God's perspective) there is neither male nor female. He is no respector of persons. The question raised is should a woman head a church where there are other (referring to male) qualified ministers? My question is who is the MOST qualified? Perhaps the elders need to fast and pray and hear from God before laying on of hands. Thirdly, God should give evidence of his choice by the anointing he places on the individual. Perhaps so many churches are failing because unqualified people are being put into positions.

[Evangelist Marianna Humphrey]

You asked a question, Is it good for unmarried MAN(not person) to be elected as a Bishop?? According to 1 Timothy 3:1-7 according to the scriptures KJV of course it states:: If a MAN desire the office of a Bishop he desireth a good work... A BISHOP is blameless *THE HUSBAND* key word husband (Male) of one wife.. If a man that is married does not know how to rule his own house(family), manage it and keep it under control, How can he take care of the Church of GOD.. A Bishop must have these qualifications according to the scriptures.. I know some of u all like to deviate from the word of GOD and make it fit u, especially the Women who call themselves Bishops, it is heresy, some of u even have said Oh I have a new divine revelation.. GOD is a GOD of order, so many r polluting the word, watering it down to fit u, and those I have no part with or felowship with because u r in error... Now if u say u believe the Bible is right, if i remember correctly the word is written something like this* He is the same GOD yesterday , today & forever more* he changes not..Now I have one better for those who are for female Bishops, chapter 4 of 1st Timothy states NOW THE SPIRIT speaketheth expressly, that latter times(now) some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils..

So is it good for unmarried MAN 2 B elected, how is that wise, what has he ruled, managed or kept under control???


Now according to the definition of an Apostle it states: men divinely commissioned to represent Christ
Yet I do know of Women Apostles, Because of the fact of the five-fold Ministry , He gave some, apostles,and some prophets; and some, evangelists; and some pastors and teachers (Purpose of Gifts) for the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ(equipping .building up) So in that sense of the Word as a Gift an Apostle has no agenda, according to Ephesians 4:11-12.. It does not state specifically like the BISHOP is the HUSBAND of one WIFE..


The Word of GOD is right all by itself and I won't take it back..

[Rev. Eric Culberson Jr.]

But Deacon Bass would a statement like "whether married or not" qualify as you leaning towards your own understanding, and going against what the word of God says? I mean we could debate over the role of women in the church all day. But IT IS WRITTEN what the qualifications of a Bishop should be and Married is one of them correct?

[Rev. Kareem A. Christian]

We live in a day and age when feminist movement has over turned the conviction of believers... It's sad that this wasn't an issue 150 -200 years ago... because everybody knew their roles and functioned in them... It's equally sad to see so many misquoting and taking Scripture out of context... I’ve done extensive studies regarding genders and their functions within the church… (I think I’ll use this as my dissertational subject)… I’ve read various books from both sides and have come to the conclusion that God’s Word has final authority in this matter. One, how can many say they accept the apostles testimony and New Testament but only apply its meaning to what fits their doctrines? Jesus/Yeshua through the Holy Spirit appointed 12 apostles to establish what is known as the church today… Upon the confession and teachings of these 12 apostles we have what is Christianity… The early church followed the teachings of the apostles without debate… Over the last 100 years the Church that was established by the apostles are different from many of churches we see in operation today. Today many don’t govern themselves after the teachings and testimony of the apostles… but after the agenda of the day… we have many that discredit the teachings of the apostle Paul and are coming up with their own doctrines based upon emotions and propaganda…

1. The first problems I see is the misunderstanding of Jewish/Hebrew… many today are using Hellenized Greek as their resource for interpretation…
2. Many are out of touch and out of tune with the different cults that rised after the death of the last apostle John… “The fundamentals of history is, those who don’t know the past are subject to repeat the past…”
3. Yes, Etymology plays a key in understanding linguistics… however, with the erosion of doctrines that’s been practiced and taught in many seminaries across America, it’s hard to get a true understanding of what the Bible clearly teaches. For this matter, if one wants to gain an understanding of the text, one cannot and must not use commentaries that’s dated within the last 120 years… these commentaries are corrupt…
4. One must have resource to a good Hebrew/Greek Bible…

With all that being said, that’s just the basis to understanding the teachings of the Bible… on that note; Joel’s prophecy isn’t talking about what many understand it to be… Joel simply prophesied about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon all flesh… The out pouring of the Holy Spirit purpose is to empower believers to live and follow the teachings of the Bible… The Holy Spirit didn’t change gender functions… (Ephesians is a good reference to understand this.) Secondly, after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit who was preaching? The Bible only record men… nowhere do we read there were women preaching and souls got saved… Now there’s a difference between witnessing and preaching… that’s another study for another time…

Today what’s followed in many churches across America is what Paul called, “teachings after another gospel which is not a gospel…” Mother Theresa has some good teaching regarding this very subject…

To answer the question that was posted… No, a woman has specific functions… and their functions are not to lead men or usurp authority over men… That’s not a culture thing… but a Biblical thing… From Old Testament through New Testament we see God’s mandate for men to lead and women to submit…

[Scott R. Newman]

Brother Min. Kareem

All I have to say is....DITTO. I must've said that at least 50 times in here. Either we are going to do it God's way or no way. We must recommit ourselves back to being God centered, instead of man/woman centered. There is a pervasivness that has found its way in the leadership of the office of Bishop and Apostleship based on the culture has invaded the church and has eroded its original precepts, commands and laws that God has established to do the continuing work of Christ. But like I said, since and especially in our black communities it is the woman who at many times are the head of household, which makes it a easier transition for them to believe if they can be the "mother and the father" then why not be the "father" at the local church as well. This is why I'm so anal about "words" and word play and euphenisms. The more we allow these "little foxes" to get a foothold without challenging them when they appear, eventually those little foxes grow up to be Lions.

The question should be, "HOW DID US MEN ALLOW WOMEN TO USURP MEN?" What's wrong with us?

Adam (man) WHERE ART THOU???

[Archbishop Trevor 'Elihu' Greene]

I am one Apostle that respects and recognizes the women in leadership. WHY? SIMPLE!

-Third in command of Israel was Prophetess Miriam. Were there more men of GOD at the time that would've taken that spot? SURE, but GOD chose her. This is the equivalent of being an Associate Pastor.
-Prophetess Deborah judged over the entire nation of Israel, walking in the office that Moses once held, the equivalent of being Apostle or Bishop of a church.
-Prophetess Anna was in the temple when she saw baby JESUS. Upon seeing him, she began teaching and preaching to both MEN and women about CHRIST.
-Esther was declared queen of the nation, which just so happened to be the nation that was in charge of Israel. So technically, she was declared Queen of Israel. Was she corrupt or unqualified? Not at all, in fact, it was her that started the Feast of Purim.
-In 1st Corinthians 1, Chloe is mentioned as being in charge of the house of meeting for a congregation in that city. Thats the equivalent of being a Pastor of a local church.

Need I go on, because THERE ARE MORE EXAMPLES!

[Archbishop Trevor 'Elihu' Greene]

The families are out of order because the women usurp authority, or the men don't measure up to what they claim to be, or the children are out right rebellious. Th nation is out of order because they are Godless people. The nations are out of order because we don't preach the true Gospel.

NOT BECAUSE A WOMAN TAKES A LEADERSHIP POSITION!

[Archbishop Trevor 'Elihu' Greene]

Moreh Yahoshua ben Yahweh, please pay close attention as I replay to you. All who would agree with him, please do the same:

Brother please, please tell me where did you get the Idea that Miriam was Third in command? These are the kind of statements that keep people in false teaching…You have no scriptural reference to back up such a claim. It is an assumption because of your preconceived idea..

The "idea" came from GOD Himself speaking through the Prophet Micah in Micah 6:4 saying that HE sent Moses Aaron and Miriam as leaders to guide Israel. Any Christian or Jew (believer or non-believer) would have understood this if they simply read it, let alone STUDIED!

Moses was more than just a judge of Yisrael brother…and to imply that it is the same as Apostle of Bishop you are incorrect….

Don't place Moses on a pedestal that GOD didn't place him on, my friend. Moses was a great man indeed simply because HE WAS OBEDIENT. He was the first Judge of Israel, followed by Joshua. All the Judges followed down that line, and Deborah was no different and you know it. This DOES depict that of a Bishop (literally "Overseer"). Did she or did she not oversee the legal and spiritual affairs of Israel at that time? If not, then WHY would GOD's word declare her a Judge over Israel? Don't lessen her role simply because of sexual organs, for that is carnal. The anointing is spiritual.

Luke 2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Why do you take this scripture as “teaching and preaching”…The scripture says she "spoke"….well first you need to understand SHE WAS A PROPHETESS… So she would be allowed to speak….but she was not “Preaching and teaching”…This is a trivial point but should raise some replies…Notice how what she said was not recorded but what Simeon said was…LOL..My point is they were having a dedication as instructed in the Law and I don’t think Anna speaking of Yahshua was any indication that what we see going on today is a reflection of that event…nice try…

The Prophets of old and even today were to both bring warning, judgment, and EDUCATE the LORD's people. Did she do any different? Of course not. To preach literally means "to proclaim". To proclaim literally means "to speak out openly". So you yourself said that she "spoke" (proclaimed, PREACHED) of the things that CHRIST would do. You don't need a pulpit and special garment in a big place to preach, just an audience, which she had.

Ok your “technically” is incorrect. Scripture does not even attest to your “technicality“..LOL but I understand what you mean…However, she did not become the Queen until the King made her that…and even with that position…If you study kings, queens and their roles there is a mass difference in any king or queen that would rule over Yisrael with Yah’s laws and one who was not of Yisrael chosen by a king who in many ways was pagan himself…as for the Feast of Purim she may have made it a feast but it is not a set feast of Yahweh...There is much debate on if we should observe it along with the rest.

She was queen of that nation. That nation was ruling over Israel. Therefore if she were to give a decree, Israel would have to adhere to it just as well, for she was in authority over them and other nations, regardless of the comparison of rank between her an the king. Also, you are a bold one to say that Purim is a questionable feast. Just because it was not installed by Moses does not mean that it was invalid. If that is an invalid feast, then you might as well declare the entire book and all she did to be invalid also, for GOD name was literally never mentioned in the entire book. Care to be the one to do the editing of a book of the Bible? You spoke of me leading people astray, but you're a man that claims to regards the feast and yet pick and choose what part of the Bible to adhere to.

Now why on earth would you use scripture out of context just to make your point seem valid? I don’t know about anyone else but I don’t see how Chloe would be a poster woman for women Pastor, Apostles or bishops…Did you ever think that those of “the house of Chloe” means that she may have been a widow???? Even without that…where do you get the idea that she is an example of a female Pastor?

Widow woman, maybe. However, in the early church, the houses were the meeting places of the congregation, and the leader of that particular congregation (usually the owner) had the place named as his/her "house". Example: Tabernacle of Moses (yet still GOD's house), Temple of Solomon (yet still GOD's house), Tabernacle of David (still GOD's house). ALL scholarly figures, old and young, understood this simple fact of the pastorate.

Men fear that women will "usurp authority" by being Bishops, Apostles, or Pastors. Not so. First and foremost, DEFINE THE WORD USURP, then you will understand where Paul stood on that matter! I could easily do it for you, but that would take away from your studies.....

[Lester Demings Jr]

I still don't understand WHY on the issue of women as pastors, elders and bishops can the Word go by cultural and time difference but on the issue of homosexuality we MUST go word for word on what the Bible says?
Isn't that inconsistent?
Isn't that hypocritical?
I'm still trying to understand this.
I watched something on The Word Network and a woman said concerning her husband, "When I am home he is the head but when we are at church I am his head."
That is backwards and out of order.
God believes in order and where is the order in that???
There is none if you ask me.