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The Question of Women and Ministry

Man is human. Woman is human. God took a rib from man, and made a match. Man was made from dirt. Woman was made from man.

The woman is a literal equal part to/of the man. Woman is human—the same species—not a different, inferior species.

Gal 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

There are gender roles in sex and marriage. There are obvious differences in our bodies and abilities. There are cultural cues that give us customs and manners. These assist us in serving and respecting each other. However, man-made traditions are never meant to be interpreted as dominant vs inferior, roles.

The fact there were slaves in the times that holy scriptures were penned does not justify slavery. Scriptures pertaining to slavery were nuggets of wisdom on how to be a good Christian regardless of your situation. By no means does the Word of God intend to legitimize the injustice of slavery. Such insinuations are poor interpretations of the heart of God. God is a deliverer. God looks at slavery and writes the glorious, supernatural book of Exodus. And God is the grandest HR Director. He established the sabbath and jubilee without the assistance of a labor union. Those ideas and accomplishments are more remarkable than people credit them.

And just as the existence of slavery in historical times doesn’t excuse the idea and practice of slavery….the lack of females in leadership roles in biblical/historical times doesn’t set a precedent that females can’t or shouldn’t function in any particular leadership role.

I believe 1 Corinthians 14:32–35, 1 Timothy 3:1–7, and 1 Timothy 2:12 are written by Paul to young Pastors to help them lead and conduct church services, particularly in the understood cultural norms of their day (around 55 AD).

1 Corinthians 14:34-35

the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. 35 If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.

The above Scripture certainly isn’t meant to be interpreted as concrete and oppressive as some attempt to use it. After all, Joel prophesied that daughters would prophesy, an angel told women to go and tell of Jesus’ resurrection, women spoke in tongues in the Upper Room, there were prophetesses in the New Testament, and there were women teaching in the New Testament, albeit false teachers such as Jezebel are mostly what we’re aware of.

Still, the problem of Revelation’s Jezebel—as a teacher—was not her gender, but her content and negative influence.

Also, tough Scriptures pertaining to women in ministry are seen in 1 Timothy chapter 2:

11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.

Although these verses seem (on the surface) pretty clear-cut, the underlying lessons are the loudest thing we should hear. For example, quietness of spirit is an important emphasis in this chapter that Paul is trying to convey, beginning all the way back at verse 2. This important message is also seen in 1 Peter 3:4.

“but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”

Such meekness aligns fully with Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount that applies to both male and female. These characteristics contrast with Queen Jezebel who was ambitious, opportunistic, conniving, and domineering in nature. Also, Miriam who was a prophetess (Exodus 15:20), instigated rebellion toward the leader-Moses (Number 12) and she is judged by God with leprosy, before later being healed. Therefore, Paul and Peter were inspired by the Spirit to encourage a sweet, lowly, submissive nature.

A quiet, gentle, submitted personality is important for men and women alike

Ephesians 5:21

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Women receive a specific admonishment concerning submission and it’s very much on purpose. And the reason is not just to better their marriage, although that’s important. All the more, God compares the church to a woman. Christ, by the way, is in love with the church. Hence, the analogy expands to make the church a betrothed bride and Christ is referred to as the soon returning groom. To the greater degree, it is a logical application for us to see that the heavy instructions given to women are to be also seen as discipleship notes for the church. This kind of imagery extends all the way back into the Old Testament, seen vividly in Song of Solomon. Jesus continued the imagery with familial parables. And the bride comparison continues all through the New Testament, even into the book of Revelation.

It was a woman who first fell and birthed sin into humanity. But it was also a woman who birthed the redeemer who would save us from sin in the first book of the New Covenant.

In Scripture, women have been judges, prophetesses, prayer leaders, worshippers, warriors, teachers, intercessors, testifiers of the resurrection, in-church tongue talkers, feet washers, and givers. So…

I think it is biblically okay for a woman to hold any position or perform any ministry.

It isn’t, in my opinion, a misinterpretation of Scripture, to view these seemingly restrictive scriptures through a more culturally and socially evolved eye. Our primary lens should be Galatians 3:28. We mustn’t allow the enemy to distort God’s heart, or shame the church as being archaic, and insensitive.

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Christ is the Head of the Church. The church is the Bride of Christ. The church is to be clearly, eternally submitted to its Head. Christ is in love with the church. He has given her the Spirit, and gifts. Don’t stifle her from serving.

My book is available now. Here’s some links where you can grab the paperback copy. Ebook and audiobook will be available soon.

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578982390/ref=cm_sw_r_em_api_glt_fabc_332E8W5TYM14X0SXM6EJ

TARGET https://www.target.com/p/the-other-prophets-by-shane-michael-pippin-paperback/-/A-84658781

ALIBRIS https://m.alibris.com/search/books/isbn/9780578982397?ds_rl=1264488&ds_rl=1264488&gclid=CjwKCAjw_L6LBhBbEiwA4c46uoayb59wdk9CrW1MoMlEj8vqgBa-F8MXXAu8-6T5ztJRdfLejd9ljRoCUXQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&invid=16853671893&utm_campaign=NMPi_Smart_Shopping&utm_term=NMPi_Smart_Shopping

ABE BOOKS https://www.abebooks.com/Prophets-Pippin-Shane-Michael-Allen-Stroud/31004552214/bd?cm_mmc=ggl--US_Shopp_Trade--product_id=COM9780578982397USED-_-keyword=&gclid=CjwKCAjw_L6LBhBbEiwA4c46utykpKJjutzZNUSadb7TRy5XBV1cPclHBt7lhf1MTlLNXHIBTVMAjRoC5AYQAvD_BwE

There are several other sellers who are also marketing the book.

Dr. Alexis McClinton wrote the foreword.

This is my first book and I’m so excited to share it with you.

I have previously written monthly articles for The Remnant, a revival newspaper. I was also an investigative journalist, writing front page stories for The Daily News in Middlesboro, KY. I have written blog entries for ONE.Org. I’ve had letters to the editor featured in Corbin, KY. I have had several poems published in poetry collections and collegiate journals.

The Other Prophets, according to Target…

includes topics such as numbers, styles, names, burdens, places, dreams, coincidences and colors. All this from the perspective of a long time pastor and gifted evangelist.

My own synopsis of The other Prophets… sees it as a book that began as an overview of prophetic ministry but turned into a burdened intercessory encounter with God.

This book still examines key pieces of the prophetic tool box. But God broke me—in a good way— and gave me tears to fuel me into a broader look at prophetic ministry. What comes forth is a lament for purified hearts, fire baptized, sanctified servants who are something less than famous but more than lukewarm.

On the back is a nifty picture of myself in case someone needs a visual idea of what the author looks like.

The back cover also gives a brief bio to help people understand me. It says I’ve grown into a nearly monastic lifestyle, with growing appreciation for the anchorite, hidden devotion seen in the early ministry of Moses, John Baptist, Jesus, Paul, and the Mystics. Early on, and for more than 20 years, I was quite active in youth ministry and itinerant revivals that often extended for weeks and months at a time. Plus, it mentions I have a lovely bride and three lovable dogs. Ultimately, I’m on a daily mission to build upon my lovesick relationship with Jesus.

If you would like a free pdf copy of the book, email me your email address. I’m earpip@gmail.com.

Otherwise, check out the book and let me know what you think.

Thanks 😀

—Shane

I’m Reading through Jeremiah 23 again right now.

And right on cue, I notice someone shares a post advertising a weekly video with a group of ministers who have lauded the former president with more praise than they’ve given to Jesus Christ. They don’t seem to want Jesus to come back. They want DJT back. And last night they were supposed to be rewarded by having him call in to their show. They were quite giddy about that. These Jeremiah 23 ministers are still hanging around. They’re still subliminally instigating division, hate, civil war, and insurrection.

Psalm 120:7

I am for peace, but when I speak, They are for war.

There’s also still tons of conspiracy theories vying for people’s mental attention. Those demons of deception are bombarding the soul of our nation (including the church).

Jeremiah 11:9

Again the Lord said to me, “A conspiracy exists among the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

The Jeremiah 23 shepherds are destroying and scattering (verses 1-2). Accordingly, the Jeremiah 23 prophets and priests are polluted with wickedness (verse 11).

Hear me. This is prophetic. It is forth-telling, rather than foretelling. This is where we are. We can’t pray it away. We’re in the middle of it. But we can humble ourselves and disconnect from all and every bit of delusion that God helps us to see. We cannot see the traps and missteps if He doesn’t show it to us individually. Part of the spiritual sickness is senselessness. Just as COVID has been realized to impact and diminish the natural senses, endtime deception is impacting and diminishing our spiritual senses.

Matthew 18:4

Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven

We must draw near to our God and attempt to block out every other idol, opinion, biased newsfeed, argument, pride, and distraction. As we worship and press, I believe He will heal our eyes and cover us.

Psalm 146:8

The Lord opens the eyes of the blind;

The Lord raises up those who are bowed down;

The Lord loves the righteous;

Early in ‘20, when I saw the vision of deception coming into America… I never mentioned the entry point was the northwest. To be honest, I didn’t know then that that was important. Shortly after the descent and entrance of this spirit of fog and deception, it quickly spread throughout the entirety of our nation and possibly the world; I didn’t see a cut-off.

In the morning before I took off to Seattle (a few days ago. late August), Holy Spirit told me to watch for the signs—things He would show me once I arrived.

The city was just starting to take the boards off the windows after being bunkered down from a full year of riots.

2 Kings 6

17 And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

The next night, Holy Spirit woke me and began to speak to me about the windows. Windows are prophetic. They represent our view. Then, Holy Spirit reminded me of the vision of fog and deception. He told me the locale was pertinent, meaningful. I had seen the darkness, the fog, coming down and in—off of the sea (see). The city was Seattle. A battle for our ability to see was upon us. I saw it as a mixture of darkness and fog. Both are agents that diminish visibility.

Seattle is also the origin city of Starbucks. The emblem of Starbucks is a seductive, nautical creature, a siren. Mythical sirens have a distinct call, a musical sound or singing that is used to lure sailors into the rocks, shipwrecking them. Thus, the siren is the opposite of a lighthouse. The opposite of salvation. It isn’t coincidence that Seattle is known for music. There’s a rich mixture of symbolism and reality, spiritual and natural that exists in this place. However, I will add that I am not calling Starbucks “Jezebel”nor am I suggesting that you not drink their coffee. Instead, I believe it is a physical/natural representation (possibly a manifestation) of a spiritual presence and activity.

Too, I feel that God has revealed to me that here in this Northwest port city (and Portland), there has been a manifestation of the Jezebel spirit acting as a siren, calling in the end times monster known as “Deception.” This massive influx of deception has churned out nonstop conspiracies, false narratives, lies, and false prophecies. After all, Jezebel is the queen of false prophets.

1 Kings 18

Now therefore send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel, and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.”

Nevertheless, the sign God wanted me to see was windows being un-boarded. The view, and clarity returning. On the end of the eighth month, God told me He was opening windows of opportunity and prophetic vision for a season of receiving dreams, visions, and prophecy. A season of divine communication and download for consecrated, sanctified prophetic vessels. For the next eight months God will be showing things to His prophets. I saw an 8 turned on its side, and taking on the appearance of eyeglasses. God, for a special season, is equipping prophetic persons with an enhanced ability to see.

Matthew 6

22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,your whole body will be full of light

Also of interest, just outside of Seattle is where Microsoft is located. Microsoft developed the computer operating systems known as Windows. And Microsoft was co-founded by a man named Gates.

Consider, part of the New Testament Saul becoming Paul was a prophet’s prayer that resulted in scaly things falling from Paul’s eyes and Paul was able to see clearly again (Acts 9:18).

And Samson prayed that God would avenge him of his eyes that had been gouged out (Judges 16:28).

Also, the clearest sign of Joel’s promised last days outpouring is spiritual vision (Joel 2, Acts 2).

Furthermore, there are are many Scriptures throughout the Bible that reference heavenly doorways, windows, and gates. Common men who loved God were caught up into these portals, or they saw beyond natural limits. God hasn’t removed Himself from the happenings of humanity. We are God’s story. His supernatural creativity is still active. We are blessed to be alive in this historic, prophetic hour.

Watch. God is about to do it. The eyes of the Body are about to be healed. Secrets are about to be revealed. God has friends. And God has some things He wants to share…and show.

I truly feel my calling has become that of a watchman. That title might sound cool, but I’ve discovered that it’s a position that can leave me feeling lonely, misunderstood, hated and other wonderful luxuries. JI

Having said that, I have another watchman word. This word isn’t the coolest thing you’ll ever read, and it isn’t concerned about building me a following. It’s just an honest report from my post on the wall. It a look at where we’ve been, where we are, how we got here, and where I believe we’re going.

First of all, this word is not condemning the common, smaller church that still has in-person meetings with great attention and adherence to safety.

But rather…

things like a big NYE conference should probably not have happened this year. That was undoubtedly a Covid spreader. Obviously, our religious liberties are extensive in America. Yes, evidently we even have the right to be spreaders of deadly viruses.

Many American businesses have been suffering financially. Nevertheless, most of these have honored state laws and safety protocols.

Americans are doing their best. Frequently, leaders and business owners are encouraging each other with phrases like “we’re in this together.” This commonly heard phrase partly means, we are all suffering somehow. Hence, the encouragement is knowing that you’re not alone in your struggles.

Well, it’s true that they are in the struggle—together. Meanwhile, some Churches and ministries are managing to stay open if they choose to rebel against the admonition of those in expertise and authority. Some ministries are flexing their “rights” and choosing to not be in the struggle—together—alongside the rest of the country.

Here’s the crux, gathering huge crowds to do Christmas Caroling in a heavily populated county that’s already plagued by overcrowding in its hospitals is a smack in the face of the hundreds of thousands who have had death, sickness, or loss of jobs and finances in their family. Not to mention, many such Christian conferences or street rallies do not adhere to wearing masks and other safety measures.

The fact that these meetings were held, and in many cases, almost no one wore masks, and social distancing wasn’t properly organized, administered or emphasized is an embarrassment to the body of Christ.

How did we get here? Well, here’s what I believe God is showing me concerning our wandering journey. In a church culture that has pushed for the pendulum to swing away from over-valuing and relying on the office of Pastor…I sense the pendulum has swung too far. This often happens when change and transition are occurring. Unfortunately it also leads to extremes.

We have been in a moment where our most esteemed value has been given to prophets, apostles, and worship leader-celebrities.

Now, suddenly, we are in dire need of Shepherds. We need seasoned leaders. We greatly need the grace gift of mature, intelligent Pastors.

It seems we have been driven into errors due to ego, immaturity, flamboyance, emotion, zeal, and ambitious opportunity.

I don’t want to sound angry, arrogant, or judgmental. I’m burdened.

Nevertheless, I still like, respect, love and pray for those I think have made reckless, stubborn, maverick, or dangerous ministry decisions. These aren’t easy times. There have been tough decisions to make.

However, I am…disappointed. And I’m also hoping there are few fatalities because of any year’s end money-raising ministry events or public gatherings for the sake of making [political-stance] statements.

Let us humble ourselves and repent of valuing ministry voices based on how loud, trendy, or popular they are. May we realize that our bucking against pastoral monopoly within the church has now caused us to go a bit too far in that regard.

May we remember the beauty of a simple church. Indeed, a simple Pastor with a Shepherd’s heart is a golden treasure.

A new idea of the church is probably a revival of what’s been lost. And I admit, I didn’t see this coming.

Simplicity

Humility.

Love

Prayer

👆🏼These are things I believe God is wanting to restore to the church.

I believe God has a trick play up His sleeve. It’s something we didn’t see coming. I believe God wants us to get back to the basics. I believe God wants to lead us out of DC, and back to the heartland. I prophesy a revival of the small, local church…as opposed to the mega church enterprise. After all, small churches are the most exciting places in the universe when God’s glory shows up and folks fill nearly every seat and parking spot. I promise…it’s an awesome thing.

In summary, the church has been somewhat embarrassed and shamed over the past year. Our discernment has been off. Our prophecies have been off. Our focus and allegiance has been off.

We’ve made some costly mistakes and we’ve seriously lacked in wisdom and leadership.

Still, out of this tumultuous time, I see God bringing us back to our center. 1. He’s going to revive the local church. 2. He’s going to revive the Pastor (Shepherd).

Jeremiah 3:15
And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding.

Lastly, as God moves our hearts back to simple, selfless purity…a new unity will emerge in the ministry offices like we have never seen before. I see a wheel with spokes. I see all offices contributing and serving.

John 17:10-11 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.

Also, I believe we will see more women becoming Pastors and they will be anointed, wise, and godly.

Plus, I feel that Sunday night meetings will make a comeback in many places, especially as the spirit of revival rests on local bodies.

Eph 4:11
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,