Family first, then the assembly.
The head of the man is Christ, the head of woman is man,
and the head of Christ is God .
1 Corinthians 11:3
Torah Observant Apostolic is striving to be a First Century Apostolic body. While we realize that several denominations and organizations claim to be “Apostolic,” we believe that most simply miss the mark.
There seems to be more than one opinion of what Apostolic means, so we want to cut through the noise of the world and turn to scripture to reveal its true, biblical explanation.
And in that we reveal the definition of Apostolic leadership – not defined by man but by Yehovah through His Word.
The Apostles received their doctrine from the Messiah directly and from the prayerful searching of the scriptures (the “Old Testament”) thereafter.
But we will give ourselves continually to prayer
and to the ministry of the word.
Acts6:4
As faithful believers, we are to “walk even as He walked” if we truly “abide in Him” (1 John 2:6). That means walking in the Apostles’ Doctrine and all that it encompasses.
The Necessity of Leadership Standards
Within the ekklēsia we must have biblical order. It must be that men and women in leadership or any position of influence fulfill their God-given roles in the assembly as well as in their own homes.
If the home is not in order, the assembly cannot be in order. The true structure of the home will manifest itself in the greater body.
We must take great care when promoting anyone to a leadership role within the body. We approach it with careful, prayerful consideration, seeking the will of Yehovah first.
It is absolutely vital that the body is protected.
We have encountered far too many situations in which the family roles are out of order.
The wife was not in submission to her husband, her God given authority, or the husband was not fulfilling his role as the head of his family.
Many times, the woman is actually operating as the head of the family and will operate the local body through her husband as well if allowed to do so. Unfortunately, this is all too common.
Sometimes there is an imbalance in the family structure because the husband has taken his role to the extreme. He does not operate in Godly authority over his family, but becomes a tyrant, ruling in fear and at times even by brute force.
And then there are the times that one or both partners refuse to step up and fulfill their Yehovah appointed roles within the family.
In all cases, they are not biblical and out of order, thus out of the will of Yehovah.
Authority Structure of TOA
The status of the authority structure in the home is of first consideration when evaluating a candidate for leadership or any position of influence.
We have had to disqualify individuals who were otherwise greatly equipped for leadership for this very reason.
We are a holiness people. We still believe in what many refer to as “holiness standards.” Simply put, we believe that men should look and act like Godly men. We believe that women should act and look like Godly women.
I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands,
without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn
themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided
hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women
professing godliness, with good works.
1 Timothy 2:8-10
It is clear that the women of our order bear a greater burden in this area because of the great corruption and distortion of the woman’s role in secular society.
To put it plainly, young women of the world are taught that they should use their sexuality in order to manipulate and then dominate any potential mate in or out of the bonds of marriage.
This is in direct opposition to scripture, which teaches modesty and holiness.
Women in Leadership and Roles of Influence
There is a lot of controversy surrounding women in leadershiip and roles of influence within the assembly, including teaching. Let me clear that up a bit.
11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a
woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence
1 Timothy 2:11-12
The common understanding of 1 Timothy 2:11-12 is an absolute distortion of the Apostoles original intent. I will not go into that discussion here, but let me be clear on this issue.
We do not restrict or restrain women in their God given role in leadership. We simply teach that it must be in order.
We promote women at every opportunity, as they are uniquely equipped to minister in areas in which men are not.
We seek to see women operate in the gifts of the Spirit and to fulfill their God given callings.
And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.
1 Timothy 2:14
The higher levels of spiritual authority within the body of Messiah require the ability to deal with intense degrees of spiritual pressure and opposition for sustained periods of time. The average woman simply isn’t built for this kind of pressure.
Most men can’t deal with this level of pressure.
Married Couples in Leadership
It is impossible to elevate a man to a position of authority without elevating his spouse as well, even if she holds no official status, title, or office.
For this reason, we as Torah Observant Apostolics will never recognise a man whose wife is out of order.
If she will not submit to the authority of her husband, she will not submit to the authority of Yehovah or the leadership of the body.
There is a spirit behind everything.
A rebellious spirit can’t be allowed to operate on any level.
What happens in the home will affect the assembly as well and foster like behavior among the following generation of leadership as well.
It may be that there is some situation that requires greater consideration in regard to this issue, but let me be very clear, we will not move or change our position on this issue regarding the core standards of holiness.
The moving of the spirit of Yehovah is too precious to sacrifice for any individual human being.
The wicked shall be turned into hell,
and all the nations that forget God.
Psalms 9:17
Of course, biblical holiness begins with an Acts 2:38 experience.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have
passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17
And while the outward showing of holiness is important, scripture tells us that the appearance of holiness is not enough.
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the
cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.
Matthew 23:25
Holiness in a man (or woman) must begin within and radiate out to be a light for the world.
And as a husband and wife are one flesh, they must be in one accord.
8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much
wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure
conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons,
being found blameless. 11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers,
temperate, faithful in all things.
1 Timothy 3:8-11
Women must be modest in their apparel ((I Peter 3:1-4). Yehovah gave the woman her (uncut) hair as he covering (1 Corinthians 11:2-16).
Scripture says that men are to dress as men and women are to dress as women (Deuteronomy 22:5). Both men and women are to dress modestly.
Suggested Reading
Compromise: Your Anchor to Babylon
You Matter to the Body (and so does your sin)
Looking for Loopholes (shining a light on your commitment issues)
“The Pagan Woman” by Linda Y. Reed is an exceptional book on Apostolic holiness for women.
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