Linda Smith, Pastor: Interview

Well let's thank Linda Smith for being the first to grace us with her interview. She also sent us a picture, but I was not able to upload it. As you read her interview, keep her and her dedication to serving God in your prayers. The purpose of these interviews is for growth and encourgement. You can contact Linda at: www.powerhousechristiancenter.org

1. When did you realize God wanted you to serve in this capacity. How long have you been in the ministry?

In 1980. I have been in ministry since then but formal study and ordination began in 1982.

2. Does your denomination (if one) encourage women/you to be a presence in Christianity? Where was your source of encouragement?

I was not, at the time of my call, in a denomination. The mentors in my non-denominational church were my encouragement other than God. There were other women ministers there.

3. Have you met any opposition to your calling and how do you handle it i.e. prayer, teaching?

Of course, I have had opposition, not only due to gender, but just because I'm Christian. I handle it according to the word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit of God, whatever means that entails.

4. In one of my blogs I recounted a man saying all that sit under a woman's teaching will go to hell? How would you address a comment like this?

I wouldn't address it. He's wrong and my sense is he won't listen to a woman tell him differently. I'd say a prayer for him.

5. What is it you want people to know about you as a woman and servant of God?

Nothing. I want to exhalt my Lord Jesus, and if I do that well, all else will fall into place.

6. What would you say to a woman fearful of her calling?

I would tell her what scripture says, that God did not give her the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.

7. **Your fashion sense as a woman.* We all dress in accordance to God's teaching (no exposed breasts, thighs, etc.), but do you wear the loud colors, patterns, boots?

I express my freedom in dress as long as it's decent and does not block others from hearing God's message.

Now tell me her interview was not powerful! This is what I have noticed many women called to the position of minister expressing; the Spirit of God and His kingdom. Many people who believe women are trying to be men, have not really dialogued with a woman pastor. God is thier first and foremost thought and spreading His word.

Linda was direct and to the point and I bet her ministry is just as direct and to the point: God. How wonderful that she emphasizes God and not self. I had shivers as I read her responses. It's all about God and when we lose that focus there will be turmoil. I say thank you for being a worker in the fields. The harvest will always be great but hopefully, more workers will be encouraged to labor for God.

Apostle Carolyn Hendrix Engledow's Interview

Praise God for another woman's voice regarding women called to be ministers. One thing is evident, women do have a stron voice of conviction for their calling and strongly feel the authority of God given to them. Hel support those out on the field for the Lord with prayer and if so led, monetarily. Enjoy this journey with Apostle Carolyn Hendrix Engledow

Are you for or against women in ministry? No.

How was your opinion formulated through Scripture, culture, or tradition?
It is not necessarily our opinion. Women have ministered for God since Moses sister, Prophetess Miriam. Exodus 15:20 Deborah was a minister and Judge over Israel. Judges 4-5 There were many women who ministered from the Old to the New Testament, including the harlot who cried at Jesus feet, anointed them with her alabaster box of ointment, and dried them with her hair.

God revealed my calling to me and then through various pastors, prophets, evangelists, and apostles spiritually. He began equipping me with the gifts of healings, demonic deliverance, the discerning of spirits, the word of knowledge, the word of wisdom, and prophecy. He ministers through me under the prophetic anointing of visions, trances, and dreams. I was licensed and ordained in the ministry by my current mentor and Covenant Pastor Rev. Solomon L. Armstrong. Lately, he opened the door to my apostleship and blessed me to license and ordain 28 apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists and teachers in the USA, Africa, and The Philippines. Through God I established The Early Church House Ministries, USA, Africa, The Philippines, International in branches throughout Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Liberia, and Cagayan De Oro, The Philippines.

Have women been represented correctly throughout Christian history?
No! God, not Paul, has called many women into the ministry. Many women have failed to enter forth into their calling, because most men, who pastor churches and regard flesh, have rebelled against God’s spiritual calling of women in the ministry.

What are the pitfalls for women in positions of leadership within the church?
Women in the ministry have to avoid feminine pride, love and be respectful of everyone, especially men in leadership. We should learn how to cope with the stigma of being regarded as the weaker sex despite our ministry. We should not be weary of pressure from the opposite sex. I would like to think that all women ministers should marry or remain celibate to circumvent fornication and adultery.

Have you struggled with this particular issue of the power and position of women in religion?
Yes, when I first entered my calling, I was in a Baptist church that was still rocking and reeling from the calling forth of the other female minister sitting in the pulpit. Most of them were not happy, but they accepted us. Their love and respect for us blossomed. We grew in numbers there. Even as the founder of The Early Church House Ministries I still must reveal to the male ministers that I licensed and ordained under our ministry that I am a woman, Apostle, and a seer or Prophet. I hear from God. He has set me over this ministry. He would not have ordained it to be so if I was not equipped for evangelism, training and licensing ministers, and church planting. I have to remind them and others that I am not walking in my own wisdom, but I minister according to the Holy Scriptures and God’s divine will. Sometimes I have to take them to the scriptures to show them scriptural proof and cross references to confirm God’s instructions and revelations.

Are only feminists interested in this particular concern?
No, definitely no. Some denominations reject women in the ministry. Men, women, and male ministers still reject women in the ministry.

What is the ideal role of women in Christianity?
Let's talk. The ideal role of women in Christianity will never be found in any ministerial title. A woman’s role in Christianity is basically to be born again and compel others to come into the Kingdom of God. God set ministerial gifts in the body of Christ to edify the body of Christ, and equip and perfect the saints for the work of the ministry. But Jesus gave us the sole purpose of our ministry. It didn’t have anything to do with men and women were clergy collars or titles. Simplistically, he said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15. His words provide a role for all Christians in the body of Christ. Amen.

The reminder of God's commission by Apostle Carolyn Hendrix Engledow still remains waiting for those to answer.