Along The Way –
Deborah & Barak In Shared Leadership Judges 4
(Written by Kevin A. Hall 05.26.17)
A few weeks ago,
I read a portion of scripture in which the Apostle Paul gave instructions to
the church about women in leadership roles. In 1 Timothy 2:12 he states, “I do
not permit a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man; she is to remain
quiet”. Now this verse got me thinking…Is this a broad statement? Does this
apply only to this one occasion that Paul was concerned about? Many in our
churches use this text as proof of male only leadership. While this writing
will not address this issue, I have since then found numerous times in which
the Lord shows His heart for the contribution of women to His Mission. In so
many instances we see Him empowering women to lead the charge, and quite a few
times, the men were absent. I can think of Lydia who was the first European
convert of the Apostle Paul who became a key figure in the New Testament Church
(Acts 16). She was the leader of the women in worship by the river. He was
seeking out a place of worship as was his custom. Wherever there were 10
families, a synagogue was found. However, these women met by the river. Lydia
and the rest of the women displayed their faith as unrecognized religions were
prohibited in the city of Philippi. Where were the men? In the absence of
men, our courageous women have no choice but to step up! God bless our very
gifted women of whom many are gifted above men. I am currently assisting a
church here in Andros Bahamas and one thing is clear - there are no men in the
church. The church I attend has a male pastor, a male musician (part time) and
a male elder who is advanced in age . It is the women who are playing the role
of pastors, assistant pastors, evangelists and teachers.
To this
end, I find Deborah. This woman of God was in position during a time when the
people of God had lost their faith.
