At its 100th International Assembly, the Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP) celebrated women preachers. The Assembly opened with a sermon by Cathy Payne and later appointed Kathryn Creasy as executive director of Leadership Development. Sam Clements, General Overseer, said, “Let me say to women, I appreciate your ministry, whether a speaking ministry or a serving ministry.” He said that “Jesus broke with Jewish tradition by allowing women to be a part of His ministry” (“Pentecostal Denomination Celebrates, Reaffirms Women in Ministry,” Charisma, Jul. 29, 2018). Jesus most definitely did value and exalt women beyond Jewish tradition, but He did not appoint any female leaders. There were no female apostles. The New Testament plainly and unequivocally disqualifies women from teaching men or from assuming leadership positions. Paul said, “But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor usurp authority over the man” (1 Ti. 2:12). The qualification for a elder/bishop is that he be “the husband of one wife.” This is repeated twice by way of emphasis (1 Ti. 3:2; Tit. 1:6). From their inception in the early 20th century, most Pentecostal denominations, including the Church of God of Prophecy, have disobeyed this clear teaching by appointing women preachers. The COGOP also holds to the following heresies: tongues speaking is “the initial evidence of the baptism with the Holy Spirit”; sanctification is “an instantaneous work” subsequent to regeneration that “crucifies and cleanses the old nature”; the apostolic sign gifts are operating today; healing is guaranteed by Christ’s atonement “without the aid of medicine.” (For more on this see the teaching courses The Pentecostal-Charismatic Movements: The History and the Error and The Woman and Her Service to God, both of which are available from www.wayoflife.org.) (Friday Church News Notes, August 3, 2018, www.wayoflife.org, [email protected], 866-295-4143) Comments are closed.
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