What does God's Word say about a woman preaching in the church?

Sincerely,
Chatty Cathy

Dear Chatty Cathy,

It says she can’t do it.  1 Cor 14:34-35 makes it clear that women are not supposed to be in leadership positions during the church assembly.  Women have a zillion different roles within the church, but leading the public assembly isn’t one of them.  Men have the responsibility of preaching, teaching, and leading the worship services (1 Tim 2:12).  In today’s politically correct atmosphere, this can be hard for some to swallow, but as Paul said, “We have no other custom” on this topic (1 Cor 11:16).  There is simply no Biblical precedence for women preachers.

I don’t believe in God no more.  I needed prayers answered, and God turned a deaf ear to me.  I have done prayer requests at my church for years, but this year was so bad, I lost everything, and all I wanted was a few prayers answered, and God said, “No”.  So I have quit my church and believe God and all preachers are fake.

Sincerely,
Budding Atheist

Dear Budding Atheist,

We have no easy answers for you; it is obvious that you are hurting very much.  We would caution you in saying that God has turned a deaf ear to you.  God knows what you are going through – and there is a reason.  When Joseph was thrown into prison, he ended up being the king’s right-hand man (Gen 39:20).  When Moses was exiled to the desert for forty years, he ended up being the savior of all Israel (Acts 7:29-30).  Even Jesus proves that suffering can lead to victory; His death on the cross led to the forgiveness of sins (Heb 12:2).

Life here on this planet is full of heartaches, and we here at AYP cannot imagine how hard this last year has been on you.  2009 was a very difficult year for many, many people.  Just don’t forget that adversity can lead to victory.  No battle is won without bloodshed, and no bridge is built without sweat.  God causes all things to work together for good for those who love Him (Rom 8:28).

To complicate issues further, you are right on at least one point… many preachers are fake.  False teachers are rampant (2 Pet 2:1-2), and it may be that where you have been going has been plying you with false teaching that would discourage anyone.  E-mail us at askyourpreacher@mvchurchofchrist.org, and we would be happy to help you find a congregation that faithfully teaches the truth.  It is through many tribulations that we must enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22).  We are so sorry for your suffering; don’t give up.

How often do we give offerings and tithes in the church?  Is it how you are moved by the message or what?  Please explain according to Scripture.

Sincerely,
In The Money

Dear In The Money,

‘Tithe’ is an Old Testament term which means ‘one tenth’.  In the New Testament, we are never told to tithe.  One tenth is certainly a good rule of thumb, but not a New Testament command.

We should never give based off of how we feel in the moment.  Our contribution to the Lord’s work should be planned ahead, not made spur of the moment.  God tells christians to “lay by in store” (1 Cor 16:2) and give as we have “purposed in our hearts” (2 Cor 9:7).  On the first day of the week, Sunday, the local church is supposed to take up a collection from its membership.  This is supposed to be done every Sunday (1 Cor 16:1-2).  The members should give in a purposeful, cheerful, and deliberate manner.  You should already know how much you are going to give before you come to the assembly.  Purpose in your heart ahead of time, and give with good cheer and conviction.

My mother, a very good christian woman, went on to be with the Lord about a year ago.  This happening, I started attending her church.  The pastor there resigned.  He has been preaching at local churches.  I have been going to hear him.  He is truly a man of God.  My mother’s church doesn't currently have a preacher.  I am a new christian; I have prayed about this, and my question is: am I wrong to go to where he is preaching?  I don't feel wrong, but I have others who tell me that I have “preacher religion”, but I don’t know where to go.  Can you give me some insight?

Sincerely,
Visiting

Dear Visiting,

There is nothing wrong with going and visiting other faithful congregations to hear a preacher speak (you called this man a ‘pastor’; if all he is doing is preaching, he is a preacher – not a pastor).  Go right ahead and visit as long as you consider three principles:

1. He is a sound preacher that is faithfully preaching the truth and nothing else.  We recommend reading “Preacher Interrogation” and comparing his preaching to the simple questions we lay out in that article.
2. You are remaining a faithful and involved member of a congregation.  The Scriptures don’t ever give examples of “roving” christians.  Christians are supposed to be active and involved in helping a local congregation to grow, flourish, and serve God (Eph 4:16).  We are supposed to be servants in a local church (Rom 16:1).  If you are always visiting, you aren’t really involving yourself in the life of a local congregation.  There is a balance.
3. Make sure that the church you are attending is faithfully following God’s Word.  Not all churches are equal.  Jesus warned that there are many false teachers that are “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (Matt 7:15).  We recommend you read “Finding A Church” and compare the verses in that article to the behavior of any congregation you attend.

If you consider these principles found in the Scriptures, you will make a healthy decision.

Why do the majority of Christian/Non-denominational/Protestant (Evangelicals especially) base a majority of what they talk about on Malachi 3:10?  Why is there such an importance placed on giving money to a church, TV program, or some charity?  When all we see are rich pastors walking around in $500 suits and a big gold and diamond encrusted ring? Okay, so I understand that God gave us what we have, and we are to share the fruits of our labor, but some pastors teach as if this is the ONLY thing in the Bible.  What about compassion for the penniless?  Oh, right, then they'll bring up the little old lady that gave her last two pennies and how magnanimous of her that she gave all she had, and we are only being asked to give 10%; how positively horrible of me.  Doesn't God know that I am broke?  Doesn't He understand that if I don't pay my rent, I end up homeless?  Doesn't He understand that you can't squeeze blood from a turnip?  Okay, so a miracle will happen?  But how am I supposed to believe that God *wants* me to be financially well-to-do?  I should think He has more pressing issues (like forgiving a sinful world) than whether or not I am going to have a financial breakthrough.  Am I wrong, because it seems to me Jesus never asked for money, neither did any of the twelve (with the exception of Judas and the thirty pieces of silver); in fact, weren't they poor and only had the clothes on their back and what they could carry with them?  Didn't Jesus tell them that this is how they were to live?

Sincerely,
Money Mad

Dear Money Mad,

You are absolutely 100% right.  A large portion of evangelists today teach what is called “the prosperity gospel”.  Mal 3:10 is one of their favorite verses because it is so easy to twist out of context.  Yes, God blesses us when we obey Him.  Yes, God blesses us when we contribute financially to His work… but those blessings aren’t always financial.

James tells us that the poor are often the most spiritually rich because they have learned to trust in God for their daily needs (Jas 2:5).  The church at Laodicea was financially wealthy, and that was their downfall because it led to pride and a sense of self-sufficiency (Rev 3:17).  The riches that really count are spiritual ones (Matt 6:19-21).  These preachers that tell people to “give so that they can get” are snake oil salesman.  They are of the same character as the Pharisees who “devoured widows’ houses” (Mk 12:40).

If this is the type of church that you are attending… there is a better and more godly way.  Yes, we should give of our finances… but that isn’t the totality of the Bible message – it isn’t even the majority of it.  We would be happy to help you get in touch with a faithful congregation in your area that teaches the truth.  After all, the church is supposed to be the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Tim 3:15) – not the pillar and ground of the financial world.  E-mail us (askyourpreacher@mvchurchofchrist.org) with what part of the world you live in, and we will do our best to get you in contact with a congregation in your area.