The House of the Lord
1650 Diagonal Road,
Akron OH, 44320
(330) 864-9073
We do hereby set forth these doctrinal articles, praying that they will affirm our biblical foundation, clarify the atmosphere and remove "some causes" of misunderstanding, friction, and apprehension. These confessions of faith are set forth with the following understanding, namely:
Article 1- The Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible was (a) written by men controlled by the Holy Spirit; (b) that it has truth without any mixture of error for its matter; and (c) therefore, is and shall remain to the end of the age, the only complete and final revelation of the will of God to Humanity; the true center of Christian union and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and opinions shall be tried.
1. By "The Holy Bible" we mean that collection of sixty six books, from Genesis to Revelation, which, as originally written, does not contain and convey the Word of God, but IS the very Word of God.
2. By "Inspiration" we mean that the books of the Bible were written by holy men of old, as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, in such a definite way that their writings were supernaturally inspired and free from error, as no other writings have ever been or ever will be inspired.
(a) 2 Tim. 3:16,17; 2 Pet. 1:19 21.
(b) John 17:17.
(c) Rev. 22:18,19; Rom. 15:4.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article 2-The True God
We believe that there is (a) one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, the Maker and supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; (b) inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; (c) that in the unity of the Godhead there are three subsistences: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
(a) Ex. 20:2,3; Eph. 4:5,6.
(b) Rev. 4:11; 1 Tim. 1:17.
(c) Phil. 2:5,6; John 1:1 3; John 10:30.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article 3- The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person; (a) equal with God the
Father and (b) God the Son and (c) of the same nature; (d) that He was active in the creation; (e) that in His relation to the unbelieving world He restrains the Evil One until God's purpose is fulfilled; (f) that He convicts of sin, of judgment and righteousness; (g) that He bears witness to the Truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony; (h) that He is the agent in the New Birth; (i) that He seals, baptizes, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies, and helps the believer; (j) We accept the perspective of the baptism with the Holy Spirit occurring at salvation, according to 1 Corinthians 12:13, with the footnote of the need to be filled with the Spirit according to Ephesians 5:18, but we lean towards the baptism with the Holy Spirit as an encounter that occurs subsequent to salvation for power to be a witness and transact kingdom business (get tape on "The Baptism In The Holy Ghost" and the pamphlet on "Biblecostalism");(k) We believe that the phanerosis, flashing forths, manifestations, or gifts of the Spirit are still in operation, not as the proof of anything, but as the demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit.
(a) 1 John 5:7 with John 1:1.
(b) 1 John 5:7 with John 1:14.
(c) Luke 1:35; Phil. 2:6; 1 Tim. 3:16.
(d) Job 33:4; Psa. 104:30; Gen. 1:2 and 2:7.
(e) 2 Thess. 2:7
(f) John 16:8 11.
(g) John 15:26,27; Acts 5:30 32.
(h) John 3:5,6.
(i) Eph. 1:13,14; 1 Cor. 12:13; Luke 24:49; John 16:13; John 14:26; Rom. 8:16; 1 Thess. 2:13; Rom. 8:26,27; Gal. 5:22 23; Rom. 8:9,16.
(j) Matt. 3:11; Acts 1:5; Luke 24:49; Acts 11:16.
(k) 1 Corinthians 12:1-10.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article 4- Sanctification
We believe that sanctification has a three fold meaning: (a) that of setting apart of things, days, or persons specifically for God, and that the believer at the time of his regeneration is so set apart, by God the Father; (b) the progressive work of the Holy Spirit (i.e. indwelling, filling, perfecting) whereby the believer obedient to the Word of God experiences the power of the indwelling Christ for holiness of life and victory over the old nature, (c) which work will be completed when the believer stands in Christ's presence, which is the ultimate or final sanctification.
(a) Heb. 10:10,12,14; 1 Cor. 6:11.
(b) 2 Cor. 3:17,18; Eph. 4:12 14; Jude 24.
(c) 1 Thess. 5; 1 John 3:1 3.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article 5- The Devil or Satan
We believe that Satan was once (a) holy and enjoyed heavenly honors; but that through pride and ambition to be as the Almighty, fell and (b) drew after him a host of angels; that he is now (c) the malignant prince of the power of the air, and the unholy god of this world. (d) We hold him to be Humanity's great tempter, (e) the enemy of God and His Christ, (f) the accuser of the saints, (g) the author of all false religions, the chief power back of the present apostasy; (h) the Lord of the Anti Christ, and (i) the author of all powers of darkness-destined however j) to final defeat at the hands of God's Son, and (k) to the judgment of an eternal justice in hell, a place prepared for him and his angels.
(a) Ezek. 28: 14 17; Isa., 14:12 15.
(b) Rev. 12:9; Jude 6; 2 Pet. 2:4.
(c) Eph. 2:2; 2 Cor. 4:4.
(d) James 1:13 15; Gen. 3:1 5; 1 Pet. 5:8.
(e) 1 John 3:8; Luke 22:3,4.
(f) Rev. 12:10.
(g) 2 Cor. 11:13 15
(h) 1 John 4:3; 2 John 7.
(i) 2 Thess. 2:8 11; Eph. 6:12.
(j) Rev. 19: 11,16,20 and 20:1 3,10.
(k) Matt. 25:41.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article 6- The Creation
We believe in the Genesis account of creation, and (a) that it is to be accepted literally, and not allegorically or figuratively; (b) that Humanity was created directly in God's OWN image and after His own Likeness; (c) that Humanity's creation was not a matter of evolutionary change of species, or development through interminable periods of time from lower to higher forms; (d) that all animals and vegetable life was made directly, and God's established law was that they should bring forth only "after their kind." This does not preclude evolution within a species, but from one species to another.
(a) Gen. 1:1; Heb. 11:3; John 1:3; Col. 1:16,17.
(b) Gen. 1:26,27; 1 Cor. 11:7.
(c) Gen. 2:7; Gen. 2:21 23.
(d) Gen. 1:11,24; 1 Cor. 15 39.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article 7- The Fall of Man
We believe (a) that Humanity was created in innocence under the law of its Maker, (b) but by voluntary transgression fell from its sinless and happy state, (c) in consequence of which, all of Humanity are now sinners, not by constraint, but by choice; and (d) therefore under just condemnation without defense or excuse.
(a) Gen. 3:1 6,24.
(b) Rom. 5:12,19.
(c) Rom. 3:10 19; Eph. 2:1 3; Rom. 1:18; Ezek. 18:19,20.
(d) Rom. 1:32,20,28; Gal. 3:22.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article 8- The Virgin Birth
"The Virgin Birth" is the theological language for the virgin conception. Jesus' birth, although attended by supernatural portents, was quite normal. It was His conception that was miraculous.
We believe (a) that Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Ghost in a miraculous manner, (b) conceived in Mary, a virgin, as no other person was ever conceived or can ever be conceived of woman, and (c) that He is both the Son of God, and God, the Son.
(a) Luke 1:35; Matt. 1:20.
(b) Isa. 7:14; John 1:14; Luke 1:34,35.
(c) 1 John 5:20; 1 Tim. 3:16.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article 9-The Atonement for Sin
We believe (a) that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace (b) through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God, who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon Him our nature, yet without sin, honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made a full and vicarious atonement for our sins; (c) that His atonement consisted not in setting us an example by His death as a martyr, but was the voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner's place, the Just dying for the unjust, Christ, the Lord, bearing our sins in His own body on the tree; (d) that, having risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in heaven, and expressing in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection, He is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and an all sufficient Savior.
(a) Eph. 2:8,9.
(b) Phil. 2:8; John 3:16; 2 Cor. 5:21.
(c) 1 Pet. 2:24; John 10:18.
(d) Heb. 9:12 15 and 7:25; 1 John 2:2.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article 10-Grace in the New Creation
We believe (a) that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again; (b) that the new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus; (c) that it is instantaneous and not a process; (d) that in the new birth the one dead in trespasses and in sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal life, the free gift of God; (e) that the new creation is brought about in a manner above our comprehension, not by culture, not by character, nor by the will of man, but wholly and solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth.
(a) John 3:3.
(b) Gal. 6:15; Eph. 2:10.
(c) 1 John 5:1; John 3:6,7; Acts 2:41.
(d) 2 Peter 1:4; Rom 6.23b; Eph. 2:1; 2 Cor. 5:19.
(e) Gal. 5:22 23; Eph. 5:9.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article 11-The Freeness of Salvation
We believe (a) that except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God, (b) that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus apart from any human merit, who Himself bore our sins in His own Body on the tree; (c) that the blessings of salvation are made free to all through the Gospel; (d) that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by faith, and (e) that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel; (f) which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
(a) John 3:3.
(b) Eph. 1:7; Eph. 2:8,9; Acts 10:39.
(c) Rom. 10:13; Rev. 22:17.
(d) Acts 2:41,42,46,47; 2 Cor. 2:7,8.
(e) John 3:15,16; 1 Tim. 1:15.
(f) John 3: 18,36.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article 12 -Justification
We believe that the great Gospel blessing which Christ secures to those that believe in Him is Justification; (a) that justification is a judicial act of God, which includes the pardon of sin and the gift of eternal life on principles of righteousness; (b) that it is bestowed not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood. His righteousness is imputed into us.
(a) Acts 13:39; Isa. 53:11; Rom. 8:1.
(b) Titus 3:5 7; Phil. 3:9; Rom. 5:1,9.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article 13- Repentance and Faith
In both the Old and New Testaments, repentance means "to change one's mind." The only kind of repentance that saves is a change of mind about Jesus Christ. We view this change of mind as a decision to turn from sin, based upon a "correct" understanding of the Word of God, with the proper corresponding emotions. Repentance focuses on changing one's mind about his former conception of God and disbelief in God and Christ; while faith in Christ, of course, focuses on receiving Him as personal Savior. We view faith as trust in Jesus Christ, according to a correct revelation of the Word of God, with the proper corresponding emotions. We believe that Repentance and Faith are (a) solemn obligations and (b) inseparable graces, (c) wrought in our souls by the quickening Spirit of God. (d) The sense of sin and sorrow because of sin may stir up a person's mind ... so that he or she realizes the need for a Savior, but if there is no change of mind about Jesus Christ there will be no salvation. The Spirit can use repentance as sorrow to direct some to the Savior who forgives and gives a new life, but sorrow alone cannot save. (e) Biblical repentance also involves a change of mind that results in some change in the person-usually a change in actions. Repentance is more than mere intellectual assent.
Certainly when one changes his mind about Christ and receives Him as Savior, changes will follow in his life. All believers will bear fruit, so changes will follow.
(a) Acts 20:21.
(b) Acts 20:21.
(c) Acts 2:38.
(d) 2 Cor. 7:9 11; Psa. 51:1 4; Isa. 55:6 7.
(e) Matt. 3:8; Rom. 10:13.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article 14- The Church
We believe that the Church Spiritual includes (a) the whole company of believers of whatever name, age or country, and is known only to the eye of God.
We believe that a local church is a congregation of immersed believers (b) associated by a covenant of faith and fellowship of the Gospel; (c) observing the ordinances of Christ: (d) governed by His laws; and (e) exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His Word; (f) that its Scripturally designed officers are pastors and deacons; whose qualifications, claims and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures; (g) we believe the true mission of the Church is found in the great commission:
First the faithful witnessing of Christ to all men, winning the lost, as we have the opportunity.
Second, to baptize those born again. Third, to teach and instruct, as He has commanded, which includes (h) an exhortation to be baptized in the Holy Ghost. (i) We hold that the local church has the absolute right to self government, free from interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations; and that the one and only superintendent is Christ, through the Holy Spirit; (j) that it is Scriptural for true churches to cooperate, with each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the Gospel; that every church is the sole and only judge of the measure and method of its cooperation; (k) on all matters of membership, of policy, of government, of discipline, of benevolence, the will of the local church is final.
(a) Col. 1:18; Eph. 2:19 21, 5:27,30, 1:22,23; 1 Cor. 12:13,27,28.
(b) Acts 2:41 42.
(c) 1 Cor. 11:2.
(d) Eph. 1:22,23.
(e) Eph. 4:11; 1 Cor. 12:4, 8 11.
(f) Acts 6:1 6; 1 Tim. 3:1 13.
(g) Matt. 28:12 20; Acts. 1:8.
(h) Acts 1:4-5; Luke 24:49.
(i) Col. 1:18; Eph. 5:23,24.
(j) Acts 15:22; 1 Cor. 16:1.
(k) 1 Cor. 6:1 3, 5:11 13.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article 15- Baptism and the Lord's Supper
We believe that Christian Baptism is (a) the believer's immersion in water; (b) in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; (c) to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior; (d) that baptism is the natural, logical next step after professing trust in Jesus Christ. (e) The Lord's Supper is a memorial celebration in which the elements of the bread and wine remind us of the love of God in Jesus Christ; "Who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all," that this ordinance is to be observed in anticipation of His coming and preceded always by solemn self examination as to whether our minds are sufficiently centered on Christ, so that, when we partake, we do so with full appreciation for the significance of the elements.
Furthermore, we believe that water baptism and the Lord's Supper are vital sacraments in Christian growth. Sacraments of the church are seals of the covenant of grace instituted by God. While salvation does not come through the sacraments, if faith is present, they become a vital part of the worship of God and the nurture of the Christian life.
(a) Acts 8:36 39; Acts 10:47.
(b) Matt. 28:19.
(c) Rom. 6:3 5.
(d) Acts 2:41,42.
(e) 1 Cor. 11:23 32; Rom. 8:32.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article 16- The Grace of Giving
We believe (a) that Scriptural giving is one of the fundamentals of the Christian Faith; (b) that it is to be done regularly and proportionately; (c) that we are under grace in the fellowship of giving, but a tithe is a place to begin; (d) that it is part of our worship; (e) that the local church is the proper repository for tithes and offering; (f) it is required of stewards to be faithful.
(a) 1 Cor. 16:1; 2 Cor. 8:7.
(b) 1 Cor. 16:2.
(c) 1 Cor. 8:1 15.
(d) Psa. 96:8.
(e) 1 Cor. 16:1,2; Mal. 3:10.
(f) 1 Cor. 4:1,2.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article 17-The Partaker Doctrine
To understand this doctrine, it is important that you understand the various views of the perseverance of the saints. "While labels often import connotations not shared by those designated, they are nevertheless helpful in distinguishing between positions". The term "Arminian" refers to those followers of Jacob Arminius who have held that it is possible for a true Christian to lose his salvation. For them the warning passages (e.g., Heb. 6) refer to regenerate people. The term "Calvinist" will refer to those who feel that one who is born again cannot lose his salvation and will necessarily and inevitably continue in good works until the end of life (the "Experimental Predestinarian"). The warning passages, according to the Experimental Predestinarian, are addressed to the unregenerate people who have professed faith in Christ but who do not possess Christ in the heart. "The Partaker Doctrine" is derived from a person, although this person is not mentioned by name but by his distinguishing characteristic:
For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the
beginning of our assurance firm until the end (Heb. 3:14).
The word "Partaker" will designate this particular approach to security. The partaker is one who, like the Calvinist, holds to the eternal security of the Christian but, like the Arminian, believes the warning passages in the New Testament apply to true Christians. The Partaker is the Christian who perseveres in good works to the end of life. He is the faithful Christian who will reign with Christ in the coming Messianic Kingdom. He will be one of the servant kings. What is in danger, according to the Partaker, is not a loss of salvation but spiritual impoverishment, severe discipline in time, and forfeiture of reward, viz., disinheritance in the future. For the Partaker the carnal Christian is not only a lamentable fact of Christian experience but is explicitly taught in the Bible as well.
The Partaker view of eternal security may be summarized as follows: (a) Those who have been born again will always give some evidence of growth in grace and spiritual interest and commitment. A man who claims he is a Christian and yet never manifests any change at all has no reason to believe he is justified; (b) the assurance of salvation is found only by looking outward to Christ and not by looking inward to the evidences of regeneration in the life. As the Gospel promise and the beauty of the Redeemer are held before the believer's gaze, assurance is the result of such contemplation. The fruits of faith are helpful as secondary confirmations of one's regenerate state, but their absence does not necessarily invalidate a man's salvation. If a believer is looking biblically and dependently to Christ, a life style of sin will be psychologically, spiritually, and biblically impossible; (c) it is possible for true Christians to fail to persevere in faith and, in remote cases, even to deny the faith altogether. While initial growth is taught in the New Testament, it is possible for a true Christian to lapse into carnality and finish his course walking as a mere man.
The automatic unity between justification and sanctification maintained by the Experimental Predestinarians is not taught in Scripture; (d) the warning passages of the New Testament are intended by the New Testament writers to address regenerate people, not merely professing people, and to express real dangers to the regenerate.
The danger, however, is not loss of salvation but severe divine discipline (physical death or worse) in the present time and loss of reward, and even rebuke, at the judgment seat of Christ; (e) a life of good works is the obligatory outcome of justification, but is not the inevitable outcome; (f) (For those whom God has chosen before the foundations of the world and efficaciously called into saving faith and regenerated by His Holy Spirit can never fall away from salvation, but they shall be preserved in a state of salvation to the final hour and be eternally saved. This preservation is guaranteed regardless of the amount of works or lack thereof in the believer's life); (g) the motive for godly living is not to be found in either fear of losing salvation (Arminian) or wondering if one is saved (Experimental Predestinarian). Rather, it is to be found, negatively, in the fear of disapproval, and, positively, in gratitude for salvation already assured and in anticipation of hearing the Master say, "Well done!" The doctrine of eternal rewards usually has a more prominent place in spiritual inspiration toward a life of good works in the Partaker view, than in that of the Arminian or Experimental Predestinarian.
(a) Mark 4:5,16 17.
(b) Rom. 6:1,11, 8:35 39; Heb. 11:1 2.
(c) Heb. 10:26,35.
(d) Heb. 6.
(e) Rom. 8:12.
(f) John 6:38 40.
(g) 1 Cor. 9:24 27; 2 Cor. 5:10; John 8.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article 18-The Righteous and the Wicked
We believe (a) there is a definite, radical, legal and positional difference between those who are righteous due to the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ received by faith, and the wicked who are without Christ's righteousness and seek to establish their own righteousness through the works of the law or other means; (b) and this difference will lead to different judgments and different eternal destinies, i.e. the Judgment Seat of Christ versus the Great White Throne and The New Jerusalem versus the lake of fire and brimstone. (c) While a Christian can never lose his/her justification, s/he can deny his/her inheritance rights and the consequences for eternity are serious. The position of being a child of God is not forfeitable, but the total fullness of the heavenly birthright or inheritance is forfeitable. (d) Both Christians and non Christians can be unrighteous. It is possible for true Christians to fail to persevere in faith and, in remote cases, even to deny the faith altogether. (e) There are many warning passages in the New Testament which are addressed to believers concerning this danger. If the believer cannot really commit any of the sins about which he/she is warned, then the warnings do not make sense. The danger, however, is not loss of salvation, but of reward, and even rebuke, at the judgment seat of Christ.
(a) Rom. 10:3 4.
(b) Rev. 20:11 12; 2 Cor. 5:9 11; Rev. 21:2 3; Rev. 20:13 15.
(c) 1 Cor. 3:13 15; 2 Pet. 2:10 11.
(d) Heb. 10:26,35.
(e) Heb. 6.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article 19- Civil Government
We believe that civil government is (a) of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society; (b) that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; (c) except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ; (d) who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the coming King of Kings on the earth.
(a) Rom. 13:1 7.
(b) Acts 23:5; 1 Peter 2:13,14.
(c) Acts 5:29; Acts 4:19,20; Daniel 3:17,18.
(d) Phil. 2:10,11; Rev. 19:13,16.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article 20- The Resurrection, Return of Christ and Related Events
We believe in and accept the sacred Scriptures upon these subjects at their face and full value:
a. The Bodily Resurrection.
Luke 24:39; John 20:27; 1 Cor. 15:4; 1 John 1:1.
b. The Ascension.
Acts 1:9,11; Luke 24:51; Mark 16:19; Rev. 3:21; Heb. 8:1; Heb. 12:2
c. The High Priesthood. Heb. 8:6; 1 Tim. 2:5; 1 John 2:1; Heb. 2:17, 5:9,10, 7:25
d. The Second Coming.The return of Christ includes both the historic rapture (translation) of the church and His return in glory. The rapture may occur at any moment.
1. 1 Thess. 4:13 18; John 14:3.
2. 2 Thess. 2:3; James 5:8.
3. 1 Thess. 5:1 6; 1 Cor. 15:52; Heb. 9:28.
Christ's return to establish His righteous reign over the earth will be visible, personal, in power, and great glory.
1. John 14:3; Acts 1: 11.
2. Matt. 24:27; Matt. 25:13.
3. Rev. 20:6; Rev. 22:20.
e. The Resurrection of the Righteous Dead.
I Thess. 4:16; 1 Cor. 15:42 44,52.
f. The Change of the Living in Christ.
1 Cor. 15:51 53; 1 Thess. 4:17; Phil. 3:20,21.
g. Christ's reign from the Throne of David.
Luke 1:32; Isa. 9:6 7; Acts 2:29 30.
h. Christ's Reign on Earth.
1 Cor. 15:25; Isa. 32:1; Isa. 11:4,5; Psa. 72:8; Rev. 20: 1 4; Rev. 20:6; Rev. 5:10; Rev. 20:14.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article 21- The Christian Privilege
We believe (a) that it is the privilege and responsibility of every believer to be a witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and (b) to bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in his/her spheres of influence even to the uttermost parts of the earth.
(a) Luke 24:46 48; Acts 1:8; Acts 22:15; Rev. 1:5 with John 20:21.
(b) Matt. 28:19 20; Acts 2:32; Acts 4:33; 2 Cor. 5:10 11; 1 John 1:2; 1 Cor. 9:22.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article 22-Women in the Ministry
We have taught that women are equal to men in every way, except for position, but this doctrine is under review and restudy. So, we will give some biblical direction, which will be more clearly defined in the future.
We understand those who restrict women from certain positions in the Church, while maintaining their equality in person, but there is another biblical way of looking at this issue.
We believe that God created Humanity as male and female, as stated in Genesis 1:26 27. He made the woman as a helpmeet, or one called alongside the man to help him in Genesis 2:18. This is not necessarily a lower position, because the Holy Spirit is also called "The Helper." Thank God for His wonderful gift to Humanity. We take this opportunity to first affirm that women are, in their personality and worth, equal to men in every way. This is intimated in 1 Peter 3:7, where wives or women are called fellow heirs of the grace of life.
We believe that in marriage there should be a mutual submission between husband and wife, where the husband exhibits a loving, servant-leadership and the wife exhibits a voluntary submission to her husband. The Bible teaches that the husband is the "head" of the wife. This teaching is for the home, not the Church. The word "head" does not imply superiority, but whatever it implies it does not imply that all men are the "head" or "over" all women.
In the Church, we would only point out that women should operate in the design and manner of their God-given femininity. 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Timothy 2:12, and Genesis 2:18 basically teach that women have the same spiritual gifts as men.
Many of the Scriptures that have been interpreted as prohibiting women from teaching men, pastoring, etc., may be interpreted that way because of cultural lenses. There is another school of interpretation that interprets the prohibitions in these passages as applying to one woman, within the Pauline way of talking. This would remove the Biblical prohibition to women exercising the same gifts and occupying the same positions as men.
In addition, there are various Scriptures where women are seen as deacons, teachers, leaders, etc., in the company of men.
On another note, it seems incongruous and disingenuous to hold a rigidly limiting position towards women in the African-American church. Women have always been an integral part of God's plan especially in the African American Church. It is a historical fact that the African American Church has been supported and even fostered by great women.
Therefore, we are seeking to change specific gender determiners like "teacher", in favor of facilitator, to give women greater freedom and opportunity to minister. We only seek to restrict women where God has restricted them in His Word and that is with respect to the manner of their ministry. Otherwise, we encourage women to seek God's full will for their lives with respect to ministry.
Akron, Ohio
