adminCHURCH governance, especially women’s role is one of the most contentious issues in contemporary times.
It is worthwhile seeking spiritual guidance on what the Lord is saying in a number of scriptures, concerning women in the church, for in some quarters, women in ministry are regarded as rebels and some male Christian leaders do not accept them as teachers.
Some women on the other hand argue that the same Lord who calls men into ministry also calls women to do the same work, for the Great Commission was not only to one gender, and neither was it to a select race, ethnic group, country, continent and/or age group.
I make this argument because I have seen women doing enviable works to advance the cause of the kingdom. And, with a nation teeming with countless apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11) it is important to know whether these men match what Paul says to Timothy in 1Timothy 3 and in Titus 1: 5-9.
Paul says: “This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of
God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” (1 Timothy 3: 1-7)
It is also in this spirit that we bring to our readers the leading woman who walks side by side Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa — Prophetess Ruth Makandiwa.
I have heard her read the bible on audio CDs, before Rev Makandiwa preached. I have also seen her on TV and DVDs working like an usher for him during the miracle sessions.
There are also a number of women I know who go to the United Family International Church, who speak very highly of her gifting and humility. Last week, there were reports that she led a very successful women’s convention at the City Sports Centre.
There are many others like her — Apostle Eunor Guti of Zaoga FIF; Pastor Bonnie Deuschle of Celebration Church; Pastor Petunia Chiriseri of His Presence Ministries
International and more. Instead of thwarting their gifting, why not allow them to blossom, for the benefit of the kingdom?
We also need to rest the argument about women’s role in the church in the same manner we have to rest issues like the manifestation of miracles after the preaching of the word.
Events Calendar
Event: Ebenezer 2nd Anniversary Conference — Oasis of Life Ministries International
Dates: July 6-8
Venue: 1250 Tynwald South Industrial Area
Speaker: Apostle Ray Ndlovu
Contact: 0772379760; 0733186949
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Event: Escaping Limits Convention — Revival International Ministries, Eagles Destiny
Dates: July 27-29
Venue: Zimbabwe College of Music
Theme: “ . . . This nonsense must end”
Hosts/Speakers: Apostle Raymond and Agrita Mujeyi
Contact: 04-2918432; 0772853584; 0733835778
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Event: Kingdom Impact Conference
Dates: July 9-15
Venue: AFM Houghton Park Highway Assembly
Theme: Releasing a generation of authority (Genesis 1:28, Luke 11:2, Matthew 6:33)
Time: 6pm-8pm
Speakers: Overseer Chinyemba; Apostle Florence Kanyati; Pastor Makachiri; Pastor Madau
Contact: 0772345678
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Event: Public Seminar — Hatfield Worship Centre
Dates: July 14
Venue: Hatfield Worship Centre, Cnr Elgin and Kilwinning Road, Hatfield
Theme: Goodbye to Failure
Time: 1:30pm-5pm
Speakers: Rev C. Chidimuro
Contact: 0773 612 172; 0772 674 850
E-mail/Web: [email protected]
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Event: Pastors and Lay Church Leaders Training Workshop
Date: July 30-August 3
Venue: Methodist Church in Zimbabwe — Gweru City Assembly, Lobengula Street
Time: 8am-5:30pm
Hosts: Pastor Joseph W. Boomenyo, Gospel Vision International (Zimbabwe)
Speakers: Rev John M. Balmer, Jr and more
Contact: 0772407163; 0778419899; 0772363258
E-mail/Web: [email protected]
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“Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go.” (Genesis 28:15)
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