Comments on: Are Pastors New Covenant ‘Priests’?

By: Mark Traphagen

Mark Traphagen — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 19:53:16 +0000

Ros and Debbie:

I am very, very aware that this issue brings forth strong feelings. It perhaps won’t surprise you, Debbie, that I have a background in the Shepherding movement as well. We were in the Bob Mumford “stream.” I don’t recall any female “co-pastors” in our part of the movement. There was very strong teaching about men being the heads and full representatives of their households. While it was never enforced, there were even suggestions that wives didn’t need to vote since their husbands voted for them.

Because of the way these discussions too often go, I have waited to really engage no the issue until I could do so with a friend I trust and respect. Ros is such a friend. We’ve actually began a face-to-face discussion (this morning, after worship), so the blog discussion may lapse for a bit unless other pick it up.

By: Debbie

Debbie — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 19:27:28 +0000

Also another thought for reference…

ChristianityToday.com did an article last month called “Day of Reckoning” regarding Calvary Chapel’s and their form of church gov’t and the effects it has had. I think you will see similarities.

By: Ros

Ros — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 17:23:12 +0000

Thanks Mark! Let’s see if for once this debate can be carried on among friends without resorting to shouting and namecalling - I have every confidence in you and Justin to make this happen.

By: Debbie

Debbie — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 13:20:21 +0000

One more thought just to make myself clear… the churches I am referring to had women pastors. Primarily co-pastors with their husbands. Again gender has NOTHING to do with it. What comes out of a persons mouth ( sound theology) is the issue.
Some of the positions held regarding the complimentarian views are much too extreme. If you pursue and dig deep enough into the background of some in leadership today… and who discipled them and during what period it will be obvious where their thinking comes from. ( Ex. Sovereign Grace ,Derek Prince,CBMW)

By: Debbie

Debbie — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 12:53:32 +0000

As someone who came out of the “shepherding movement” whenever I hear this talk I run for the hills.
(the issue of women is not even on my radar screen and has nothing to do with it in my context or experience)

The same idea of the husband being the prophet,priest and king falls along the same lines. It is extreme and leads to abuses,either in a home or church. I don’t buy into it anymore.