As the original twelve apostles passed from the scene in the second century, a prophetic movement called Montanism emerged in Asia Minor, causing shockwaves throughout the Christian Church. Montanism emphasized both prophetic and female authority, which posed a threat to the male hierarchy of bishops. In response, Church leaders tied prophetic excesses to the usurpation of authority by women. This writing examines the importance of women’s leadership in the Church, drawing on the Montanist movement as a historical precedent.
Montanism, also known as the New Prophecy, started around 165 C.E. when a man named Montanus began a prophetic ministry in Phrygia, modern-day Turkey. Montanus was later joined by two female partners, Maximilla and Priscilla. Although Montanism shared many similarities with orthodox Christianity in terms of doctrine, its emphasis on prophecy and the authority of women diverged from mainstream Christianity. This was especially evident in its prophecy, which was seen as a threat to the existing power structures.
Early Christian leaders reacted to Montanism by branding it as heretical and subversive. The movement was condemned by local synods in Asia Minor and by the Bishop of Rome. Church councils ruled that the baptisms of Montanist converts were not valid, and imperial laws were passed against heresy. By the fifth and sixth centuries, Montanism virtually ceased to exist.
The movement’s emphasis on prophecy and women’s authority challenged the existing power dynamics within the Church. Montanists believed in the continuing revelation of the Holy Spirit through the New Prophets. This belief in progressive revelation clashed with the orthodox view that the Holy Spirit’s work was complete with the apostles. By asserting their authority as mouthpieces of the Holy Spirit, Montanist prophetesses challenged the Church’s male-dominated hierarchy.
Orthodox leaders used scripture and tradition to legitimize their opposition to prophetic women. They argued that women’s ability to prophesy caused chaos and confusion, challenged male authority, and was a gateway to the clericalization of women. Church leaders looked to the Apostle Paul’s writings, particularly his instructions on the veil and teaching authority, to support their views.
The association between femininity and vulnerability played a significant role in the marginalization of women in the Church. In early Christianity, female prophets were seen as weak, frail, and potentially harmful to the Christian community. The paradox of female prophets was that they embodied both weakness and power. They were seen as mouthpieces of divine will, but their vulnerability and potential for harm made them a danger to the Church.
The Church’s efforts to neutralize the threat of prophecy and women’s authority were not entirely successful. Women continued to find other avenues to exert spiritual influence in the Church. For example, some Montanist women became ascetics, embracing strict religious practices traditionally enacted by men. Asceticism allowed women to embody both power and control, bridging the gap between the paradox of weak and powerful female prophets.
The resistance to female leadership in the Church extended beyond Montanism and continued to gain momentum in the fourth century. Church councils and Church leaders increasingly denied women access to positions of authority. Women were excluded from ordained positions and silenced in the Church’s teachings.
Despite these efforts to suppress women’s authority, the legacy of Montanism lives on. The movement’s emphasis on the prophetic gift and the importance of women’s leadership within the Church remains significant. The Church continues to this day grappling with the contradiction surrounding female prophets and their potential for subversion and spiritual power.
In conclusion, the Montanist movement serves as a historical precedent for advocating women in leadership roles in the Church. The marginalization of prophecy and the condemnation of strong female leadership were not isolated developments but interconnected responses by Church authorities to suppress rivals and assert control. Women’s voices and perspectives are essential in shaping the Church and its spiritual journey. They bring a unique perspective and contribution to the leadership and growth of the Church. It is time to recognize and affirm the vital role of women in leadership within the Church.
Discover more from Fathers Heart Ministry
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
L. Marie says:
I accidentally prophesy all the time. Does that mean I hold the office of a prophet? No. It means that Holy Spirit knows I am available to speak His words. Now, if I did hold the office of governmental authority, handed down from the court room of Heaven, to speak to nations, etc. what man is going to stand before God and tell Him that His words were irrevelent because they came from a modern day Deborah? It’s a prideful man who is threatened by spritual understanding that he doesn’t possess; they tend to persecute that which they cannot manifest. Personally, I know of several women who do hold the office. And men in leadership who know the voice of their Shepherd recognize that Holy Spirit gave it to them to steward.
Kristy Billingslea says:
What about what it says in Timothy about women not allowed to be in leadership roles?
Stephen L Rush says:
The reason for inviting women into position of leadership, church growth, and providing perspective is not because of Montanism or its absence. It is because they have a place that is evident, scriptural, and vital. Female prophets and judges had place in the Old Testament, and women held prominent position in the early church. The difference is, women are vulnerable in ways that differ from men. We just need better application of accountability and inclusion. This is unsettling to those who mix gospel and politic, getting easily offended by the extremes that poison the Word. This does not make sense to the simple minded man who sees only in black and white terms and has no “third box” for discernment (Heb. 5:14). Offense is an opportunity to love and learn. Offense is our mission field and ministry.
Devine Lottering says:
I love what you say: Offense is an opportunity to love and learn.
Jen says:
I totally disagree and I am a woman. The Bible is authority not some women that wanted to push their desire to lead. Sad that you are pushing this agenda. I do believe women have the gifts of prophesy but not church leadership.
Tammy Geary says:
In a lot of ways women are better leaders because we are not black. We take a grey. Look at life.
Louwrens says:
Dear Russ
Your post “Women in Leadership in the Church: The Legacy of Montanism” refers. I infer that the post is not a prophetic word despite the fact that it is posted under the heading: “Daily Word”.
Furthermore I do not read any scriptural references for the sentiments expressed in the said post.
I have come to known your ministry as being based solely on the Word of God. That commands so much respect especially seen in the times we live in. I do believe scripture acknowledges woman as prophets. See 1 Cor 11:5 for example. I have no problem with a lady prophet or woman occupying the office of the prophetic.
However with regard to woman as leaders in the church scripture states clearly in 1 Cor 14:34 that woman should not be heard and allowed to speak in church. Why is that? God clearly must have had a reason for that. I believe there is more to this than women simply not recognized in society as men are or a woman being submissive to her husband as was common practice in the age Paul wrote to the congregation as per Corinthians. Even today the muslims practice that. That is nothing new in the secular world.
So why does Paul state in 1 Cor 14:34 that woman has no authority to speak in church except perhaps to pray and prophesy as per 1 Cor 11:5? I believe that God has arraigned things at home the same way or as a indication of what should be practiced in church. Clearly a woman cannot be in a position of authority over her husband at home if you have regard to 1 Cor 11.
Nothing changes that position of a woman at home to her position at church 5 kilometers down the road once the woman steps into church. She remains under the authority of God and her husband and if she has no husband she still resorts under the authority of God.
And ain’t that a problem for women in this liberal age? That is why we have a rebellious liberal lesbian populace the world over. We are truly in the last days.
God acted against Sodom and Gomorrah. Since then Jesus Christ came in the flesh and was crucified for our sins. Now choice became part of our very existence. Yes, we all get to decide whether you follow Jesus Christ or not. God, the ever-gentleman that He is, forewarns the church about the rebellion against His authority and manner of order when Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 14:34.
Society has changed and we are much more social and informal these days. However the whole of the Word of God remains. It is truth. It is written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Of course we have to rightly divide the Word. It is there for a reason and that is to respond to the invitation to the love relationship with God and to submit to the authority of God. Satan knew this. That is why satan approached Eve in the Garden of Eden and not Adam. He knew that he might not have had his way with Adam like he did with Eve. God has forewarned the church against the position of the woman as leader in 1 Cor 14. She is not strong enough to resist the enemy and to lead like a man. That is what Eve demonstrated in the garden of Eden. How then can we just abort what God said through Paul?
Russ, you are a prophet and a God-loved Minister, correct? Now read what the Word of God says in 1 Cor 14:37 ” If anyone thinks that he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment. ” This is not just mere say-so or opinion as Paul avers. This is the Lord’s commandment. Now read what Paul states in verse 38: “But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.” Wow!!! That is harsh words.
God is clear about the issue of woman and their position in church. SILENCE MADAM!!
If we disregard what God says here then we should just disregard what the whole of Paul writings contain. Surely that cannot be your intention.
I pray, hope and believe that you receive the above in the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This ministry is your’s and God’s. Continue in the Word of God Russ. May I kindly request you to reconsider this issue and the said post.
Your’s in Christ Jesus
Louwrens Pretorius
South Africa