I was really trying to get close to him. I was trying so hard. And now my heart is in pieces again because it feels like he rejected me.

Hi, I don't attend this church, but saw your comment and wanted to give you encouragement. You are never forsaken, we only distance ourselves through the hardening of our heart and willful sin. Repent of these things are turn to Him, put Him first above all things, peace, understanding and the rest will follow. Seek the source of peace, rather than peace itself, these are merely the byproducts of closeness with His divine presence. Do not seek after esoteric knowledge, but rather humble yourself through the reading of the Word of God and submit yourself to His teachings. Life may seem overwhelming at points, however realize that the killing of one of God's children (Yourself) is not a path worth taking, why trade temporal suffering for eternal? We are destined for eternal life if we persevere in the faith, remain in His path and seek after Him above all things. Will be praying for you brother. God bless you.

This comment is coming with the utmost love and no ill will towards you and hope you take it as a learning opportunity. This whole notion of women not being able to have leadership roles in the church is ridiculous. Men are not inferior to women it’s a sick ideology that people try and run with. Phoebe was trained by Paul in the Bible and he raised her up as a leader who was preaching to men. See Romans 16:1-2. Secondly, see Mark 16: 9-10. When Jesus rises from the dead the first person to see him is Mary Magdalene and she runs to tell the disciples that she had seen him raised from the dead. This isn’t to start an argument, however God has created men and women equally and should be respected as such. All of scripture is important but arguably the most important action that happens which is Jesus rising from the dead and who does he appear to? A woman. If men were inferior to women in God’s eyes don’t you think Jesus would’ve appeared to one of his disciples instead? I think we should be celebrating that women are involved with the church and can bring people closer toward a relationship with Christ. Don’t try and sway people away from a place where they can find that relationship and encounter the Holy Spirit. Amen and have a blessed day.

Woe to you pharisee

@@aleckmanke Good morning, I understand your viewpoint, however allow me to clarify a few things. Scripture doesn't declare that women are inferior to men, they are not at all. But likewise God has established the man to be the head of the household. Ephesians 5:23. Not because He has declared women to be inferior, but because He has established an order for authority, not only in the home but in the church. Both Pastors, and Husbands should lead with servant leadership, like Christ, who is the head of them, as Ephesians states. As far women being 'leaders' that is not a title that is prohibited, however, the book of 1 timothy is specifically about the qualifications of 'episkopos' - Elder and 'presbyteros' - Presbyter/Pastor. Meanwhile Pheobe, a wonderful example of faithful service to the church actually has a title and that is 'diakonos' - Deacon, which translates in a literal sense to 'Helper' Romans 16:1. Mary Magdalene is also a wonderful example of faithful service to the church and to Christ. But not in the position of episkopos or presbyteros. In fact throughout church history, the church faithfully abided by the instructions of Paul and of God Himself, when He inspired the words in 1 timothy, laying out the qualifications for these two offices. No where in church history do we see a woman (Who is by no means lesser than a male but created by Him specially for different purposes.) hold the office of Presbyter or Elder. You do however, see them hold the office of deacon (Helper). Its not until the 19th century that we see the churches step away from the faithful teachings of Paul and God Himself by 'usurping' the authority that God has given (Just as it warns against doing in 1 tim 2:12) and the first woman minister is ordained 'Antoinette Brown Blackwell' in 1853. You do however in history see examples of small heretic groups that were not apart of the church proper- ordaining women earlier in history, but they were not what you would call 'Christian' by any means. So if almost 1900 years of church history, scripture, God Himself, and the writings of not only the apostles, but the apostles direct disciples condemns the practice of elevating women to these two positions and someone still rejects this teaching after knowing all this. you may begin to realize It's not an issue of opinion, its an issue with God and His divinely inspired order of authority. I pray God pours out rich blessings upon you, In Jesus Holy name Amen.