pastor elder teacher -wife ?

[Alithis]

When did the position of "wife " become an automatic position of "pastor " or elder or prophet etc ?

we see this more and more these days , though admittedly more so in wealthy church circles (prosperity etc ) .

where the wife of a pastor is automatically "a pastor " also ?simply because they are the wife or the pastor ?

what is the scriptural backing for that ?
and why oh why does it only apply in that setting and none other ?

that is to say .. if a man is plumber ..is his wife also a plumber by default ? nope
a SURGEONS partner also a SURGEON by VIRTUE OF MARRIAGE ? nope .. cant see that operation happening any time soon .

why was Lappidoth in the bible not a prophet ? his wife Deborah was a prophetess.. ??

this seems to be a very newish thing and also mostly only practiced where it is advantageous to recognition (fame ) or wealth or status .

the only scripture so far iv heard presented is about a husband and wife being "one " .. but i find that an out of context reference .. I am one with my wife .. she is a mother ... so that make me a mother too? errr nope i have a different position and role (not to mention gender -praise God) our one-ness does not automatically make us both the same in position or role or calling or gifting ..

so why is this being applied more and more these days what is it scriptural foundation . ?

 

[Brighten04]

When did the position of "wife " become an automatic position of "pastor " or elder or prophet etc ?

we see this more and more these days , though admittedly more so in wealthy church circles (prosperity etc ) .

where the wife of a pastor is automatically "a pastor " also ?simply because they are the wife or the pastor ?

what is the scriptural backing for that ?
and why oh why does it only apply in that setting and none other ?

that is to say .. if a man is plumber ..is his wife also a plumber by default ? nope
a SURGEONS partner also a SURGEON by VIRTUE OF MARRIAGE ? nope .. cant see that operation happening any time soon .

why was Lappidoth in the bible not a prophet ? his wife Deborah was a prophetess.. ??

this seems to be a very newish thing and also mostly only practiced where it is advantageous to recognition (fame ) or wealth or status .

the only scripture so far iv heard presented is about a husband and wife being "one " .. but i find that an out of context reference .. I am one with my wife .. she is a mother ... so that make me a mother too? errr nope i have a different position and role (not to mention gender -praise God) our one-ness does not automatically make us both the same in position or role or calling or gifting ..

so why is this being applied more and more these days what is it scriptural foundation . ?

Hi Alithis. It seems you are troubled about many things, but only one thing is needful. Stop looking at other people and sit at Jesus' feet and receive His blessings on YOUR life. God is in charge of His church. People are being blessed in ways you have never seen before, and their blessing will not be taken from them. There is scriptural reference to wife and husband joint managing a church.

Acts 16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

God is restoring His church in these days. And I am sorry that it does not look the way you think it should look. In these last days men as well as women are being called into the ministry.

 

[psalms 91]

Hi Alithis. It seems you are troubled about many things, but only one thing is needful. Stop looking at other people and sit at Jesus' feet and receive His blessings on YOUR life. God is in charge of His church. People are being blessed in ways you have never seen before, and their blessing will not be taken from them. There is scriptural reference to wife and husband joint managing a church.

Acts 16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

God is restoring His church in these days. And I am sorry that it does not look the way you think it should look. In these last days men as well as women are being called into the ministry.

I believe that part of the reason women are being used is that men are not answering the call, Gods word will be spread by whosoever He will

 

[Josiah]

When did the position of "wife " become an automatic position of "pastor " or elder or prophet etc ?

we see this more and more these days , though admittedly more so in wealthy church circles (prosperity etc ) .

where the wife of a pastor is automatically "a pastor " also ?simply because they are the wife or the pastor ?

Never heard of that.








.

 

[Brighten04]

Never heard of that.
.

Please read the scripture I posted above.

 

[Josiah]

Please read the scripture I posted above.

I did. Where do they state that, "the position of "wife " become an automatic position of "pastor " or elder or prophet etc ?"

 

[Brighten04]

I did. Where do they state that, "the position of "wife " become an automatic position of "pastor " or elder or prophet etc ?"

It doesn't. But that is a supposition and assumption made by Alithis. He sees husband and wife Pastor and Co-pastor and assumes it is just because she is the pastors wife that she "automatically" becomes co-pastor. He is talking what he does not know. He does not consider that husband and wife could be called into the ministry as the scripture above shows that both husband wife were ministers with Paul and that they had a church in their house. There are reasons why husband and wife co-pastor a church. And there is no "automatically" in it.

 

[Josiah]

It doesn't. But that is a supposition and assumption made by Alithis. He sees husband and wife Pastor and Co-pastor and assumes it is just because she is the pastors wife that she "automatically" becomes co-pastor. He is talking what he does not know. He does not consider that husband and wife could be called into the ministry as the scripture above shows that both husband wife were ministers with Paul and that they had a church in their house. There are reasons why husband and wife co-pastor a church. And there is no "automatically" in it.

AH. Now I understand. Thank you for that explanation. I should have guessed that (fits the pattern for this poster). Again, I appreciate you helping me understand this.

 

[Brighten04]

AH. Now I understand. Thank you for that explanation. I should have guessed that (fits the pattern for this poster). Again, I appreciate you helping me understand this.

You are welcome.

 

[Full O Beans]

We have married pastors...and the wives aren't pastors because they are married to one. They are pastors themselves.

 

[Alithis]

Hi Alithis. It seems you are troubled about many things, but only one thing is needful. Stop looking at other people and sit at Jesus' feet and receive His blessings on YOUR life. God is in charge of His church. People are being blessed in ways you have never seen before, and their blessing will not be taken from them. There is scriptural reference to wife and husband joint managing a church.

Acts 16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

God is restoring His church in these days. And I am sorry that it does not look the way you think it should look. In these last days men as well as women are being called into the ministry.

haha im not troubled ..i am challenging what is becoming a very new tradition . "test all things "
i assure you .. the place this is occurring the most is where there is status fame and money to be had .. im pretty sure the mega church and prosperity teachers are not" the restored church"

The verses above are as natural a greeting as any .. they in no way can be taken that paul is "teaching "the scenario i the Op
so where is it taught in scripture ?

dont rush in defensively ..observe it objectively. there is a trend for a pastor's partner to call themselves a pastor also ,or a prophet or whatever .
yet this principle is ONLY applied where it is advantageous to the one doing it and in no other area .

the topic is NOT about woman teaching (though i have a feeling it may take the front seat ..haha )

 

[Alithis]

We have married pastors...and the wives aren't pastors because they are married to one. They are pastors themselves.

by that reasoning would they have not been called to be pastors well before they married ?..if they were already pastors before they married then they are not included in this scenario im asking about .

 

[Alithis]

It doesn't. But that is a supposition and assumption made by Alithis. He sees husband and wife Pastor and Co-pastor and assumes it is just because she is the pastors wife that she "automatically" becomes co-pastor. He is talking what he does not know. He does not consider that husband and wife could be called into the ministry as the scripture above shows that both husband wife were ministers with Paul and that they had a church in their house. There are reasons why husband and wife co-pastor a church. And there is no "automatically" in it.

again.. if they were called to be pastors before they married then they do not fit "this" scenario im speaking about .your equating the topic to an emotional defense of a singular situation you know of and defending "that" - relax ,im not attacking it . im asking what is the scriptural foundation for the trend .
For if however they married a pastor and then "decided to become one "... thats questionable - carnal in motivation
motive is everything .. but then only way to test motive in regard to position of recognition and advantageous position outwardly ... would to remove them from the position againt thier will and see how they respond ..- if law suits are forthcoming -that would be a pretty big tell dont you think ?

 

[Brighten04]

by that reasoning would they have not been called to be pastors well before they married ?..if they were already pastors before they married then they are not included in this scenario im asking about .

If a senior pastor has co-pastors underneath him/her, does it matter if one of the co-pastors is the spouse of senior pastor? And what is it to you? I think you are being nosy dipping your nose into business where you don't belong. You say test all things, but you really mean condemn all things that do not suit your personal perception of how things should be. You are like Martha in the kitchen complaining because Mary is sitting at Jesus's feet being blessed because "she does not belong there. Make her come into the kitchen." Well we know how that turned out don't we? The precedent for husband and wife pastoring together has been shown by the scripture posted. It makes no difference that it was a greeting. Paul acknowledged the husband and the wife and their church. You cannot say it was not so. There is no law saying husband and wife cannot co-pastor together.

 

[Brighten04]

again.. if they were called to be pastors before they married then they do not fit "this" scenario im speaking about .your equating the topic to an emotional defense of a singular situation you know of and defending "that" - relax ,im not attacking it . im asking what is the scriptural foundation for the trend .
For if however they married a pastor and then "decided to become one "... thats questionable - carnal in motivation
motive is everything .. but then only way to test motive in regard to position of recognition and advantageous position outwardly ... would to remove them from the position againt thier will and see how they respond ..- if law suits are forthcoming -that would be a pretty big tell dont you think ?

So stop beating around the bush and state specifically what you are talking about. All of this saying without saying makes no sense.

 

[Alithis]

So stop beating around the bush and state specifically what you are talking about. All of this saying without saying makes no sense.

never mind - your approaching the topic from defensive stance with no need and have not picked up the question .
not every topic or thread is of extreme importance ..just a passing discussion .-let it slide

 

[Brighten04]

never mind - your approaching the topic from defensive stance with no need and have not picked up the question .
not every topic or thread is of extreme importance ..just a passing discussion .-let it slide

OK:thumbsup:

 

[Alithis]

:swing:

 

[tango]

again.. if they were called to be pastors before they married then they do not fit "this" scenario im speaking about .your equating the topic to an emotional defense of a singular situation you know of and defending "that" - relax ,im not attacking it . im asking what is the scriptural foundation for the trend .
For if however they married a pastor and then "decided to become one "... thats questionable - carnal in motivation
motive is everything .. but then only way to test motive in regard to position of recognition and advantageous position outwardly ... would to remove them from the position againt thier will and see how they respond ..- if law suits are forthcoming -that would be a pretty big tell dont you think ?

I think the "motive is everything" is the key here.

It's easy to fall back on "it's in the Bible" or "it's not in the Bible" in ways that make the Biblical content irrelevant. If we reject everything that doesn't have a Biblical precedent then we can't be here, on the basis God couldn't possibly have created the heavens and the earth because he had never done anything like that before. If we accept a Biblical precedent as a mandate we end up in equally silly places because we take an example and make it universal. If I read the first chapter of Ezekiel and claim to have had a similar vision it doesn't make me a prophet, I should still be tested to make sure I fulfil the characteristics of a prophet (like my prophecies coming to pass, to name an obvious example).

Where the pastor's wife is concerned I don't see any obvious reason why the pastor's wife shouldn't be involved in ministry in some way. If anything I'd be surprised if she wasn't involved in some form of ministry, even if it is the sort of thing that might be regarded as low-key stuff. At my last church the pastor's wife would often lead an aspect of the service, she often hosted prayer meetings and did a lot of women's ministry which ranged from prayer meetings for women to garden parties that were little more than a chance for a bunch of ladies to get together for some fellowship. If the pastor's wife is called to ministry in her own right, before or after marriage, we would need to test the calling as it stood and not take into account her husband's role.

My personal view (which is an opinion rather than anything specifically backed by Scripture) is that if a church has a senior pastor and a bunch of pastors, co-pastors, associate pastors, youth pastors and so on then it's too big. If a church is so large that the people notionally at the top can conceivably have no idea who is worshiping at the church, who is regular, who hasn't been seen for a while, then the pastors at the top are more like executives than pastors. I'd rather see a church where the pastor knows that Mrs Jones hasn't been seen for a couple of weeks and check she's OK. Sometimes it's nice to be able to be fairly anonymous when visiting a church, simply because if I decide the church isn't for me I'd rather be able to slip out quietly than have dozens of people welcoming me and asking if I'll be back next week when the answer is a resounding no. But if someone can attend a church for any length of time and still be essentially anonymous that doesn't seem like a good thing. (I have one specific example in mind here, which I won't name to avoid identifying anyone, but the church in question had over 3000 members and when the person I know who attended had some specific needs it was like they ceased to exist)

In some ways it seems unfortunate that the minister's wife comes under a huge amount of scrutiny despite not being called to anything in her own right. But in that regard it's something she has to accept as part of the "job description" - if she marries a minister she knows what she's getting and if her husband is called to ministry after the marriage she would be a part of testing the calling and would presumably either be in a place to reject it, or at least make it clear whether she was willing to support her husband in his calling. But in that regard it's no different to being the wife of any other high profile figure - we might expect all sorts of questions to be asked if the pastor's wife were behaving in a clearly un-Christlike manner but is it really any different to the expected result if the wife of the chairman of Coca-Cola were to be seen sipping a Pepsi?

On the subject of being a pastor I honestly think anyone who wants to be a pastor probably wouldn't make a good pastor. The only exception is if someone wants to follow God wherever the path takes them, and that path takes them to the ministry. If there's any fleshly reason someone might want to be a pastor it should probably be removed, to make sure people are doing the job as a calling rather than a vocation. To be clear, I believe that if a church wants a full-time pastor they should pay them enough to live reasonably, but not necessarily enough to live in luxury. If someone can make more as a pastor than they could in a secular job the chances are the ministerial pay is too high.

 

[Lamb]

When did the position of "wife " become an automatic position of "pastor " or elder or prophet etc ?

we see this more and more these days , though admittedly more so in wealthy church circles (prosperity etc ) .

where the wife of a pastor is automatically "a pastor " also ?simply because they are the wife or the pastor ?

what is the scriptural backing for that ?
and why oh why does it only apply in that setting and none other ?

that is to say .. if a man is plumber ..is his wife also a plumber by default ? nope
a SURGEONS partner also a SURGEON by VIRTUE OF MARRIAGE ? nope .. cant see that operation happening any time soon .

why was Lappidoth in the bible not a prophet ? his wife Deborah was a prophetess.. ??

this seems to be a very newish thing and also mostly only practiced where it is advantageous to recognition (fame ) or wealth or status .

the only scripture so far iv heard presented is about a husband and wife being "one " .. but i find that an out of context reference .. I am one with my wife .. she is a mother ... so that make me a mother too? errr nope i have a different position and role (not to mention gender -praise God) our one-ness does not automatically make us both the same in position or role or calling or gifting ..

so why is this being applied more and more these days what is it scriptural foundation . ?

I haven't seen this but I believe you when you say this is happening in some churches.

I don't believe that women are "called" to be pastors. I believe that some feel that they should usurp the role and often do. Bill mentioned men not filling their vocations (not those exact words) but that is what is partially at fault here.

Wives are their husbands help-meets, they don't have their husbands' vocations. It could be that they want to be noticed. It could be that they want to show that they can do anything that a man could do. It could be that they have control issues. I don't know. It's not what I see in the bible when we talk about pastors and elders. Women have other vocations that help out the church and need to realize that even the lowliest of vocations are blessed in the eyes of God.