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I Prayed About It (And I Don’t Feel Convicted To Cover)

I Prayed About it (And I Don't Feel Convicted to Cover)

Many years ago I read a letter from a Christian teen who revealed that he recently became intimate with his girlfriend. He said that he had been genuinely wrestling with if he should or should not, so he decided to pray about it. Like Gideon, he asked God to make his will clear, “God if she asks to come over tonight, I’ll know you’re okay with us having sex. If she doesn’t, I’ll know you’re against it.” Later that night he receives a call from his girlfriend asking to come over and the teenage boy ends up sleeping with her under a false sense of permission due to what he believes is an answered prayer. While that’s an extreme (but real) example, many of us have used his method for determining God’s will with other issues. In this article I’d like to show why we should not let our decisions be made by prayer, if we’re given direct and clear instructions in Scripture. Read more

Christian Headcovering in India

Christian Headcovering in India

Let’s face it. Head covering in America isn’t commonplace. Of course, head covering is prevalent in some areas — like in Muslim or Jewish communities and an even smaller percentage exists among Christian communities. But what about in other countries? What does head covering look like in ancient places like Egypt, Israel or India? Does it still exist? And if so, what is it’s purpose? What will these answers teach us?

As a head covering Christian woman I was excited to see the practice first hand on our recent trip to Hyderabad, India. Immediately upon arrival, I realized the difference between my American culture and their India one: head covering is everywhere in India.
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Is Corporate Worship Limited to the Sunday Service?

What's Corporate Worship?
We are aware that this is a significant amount of people who believe that headcovering is not limited to corporate worship. This article is not written for those with that conviction. This article is written to those who believe the command is limited to certain contexts and are thinking through if they should cover (women) or uncover (men) in various situations. Due to the nature of the subject matter, this should be read as opinion rather than authoritative.

Determining “where” women should cover their heads is one of the more difficult and less-clear aspects of the passage. As we’ve articulated here, we believe that the symbol is meant for corporate worship. But how broad or narrow should we define corporate worship? Is this just the Sunday church meeting or does it have application for other settings? In this article we’d like to provide some thoughts to help determine if a woman should cover her head in a particular context.

Before we talk about specifics, it’s important that I first share my guiding principles. These are the questions I ask myself about a situation to determine if my wife should cover her head (and if I should remove my hat).

1) Is this meeting of believers under the authority of the elders/local church? If so and if there is corporate participation then I’d say yes it is corporate worship.
2) Does this meeting pattern itself after a church gathering (praying and singing together, preaching etc.)? If so, I’d say it is corporate worship.
3) Will there be corporate singing to the Lord together? If so, that’s a strong indication that it may be corporate worship.
4) Would it be appropriate in this setting to take part in the Lord’s supper? If so, that’s a strong indication that it may be corporate worship.
5) Would it be inappropriate for a woman to be the speaker/leader of this gathering of Christians? If so, that’s a strong indication that it may be corporate worship.

The more of these elements that are present, the more sure I am that a woman should cover in that setting. Read more

A Uniquely Christian Symbol: How Head Coverings Were Unfamiliar To Everyone

A Uniquely Christian Symbol: How Head Coverings Were Unfamiliar To Everyone

When we read 1 Corinthians 11, our minds usually wonder about the culture of Corinth and the general customs of that time. “Maybe this was peculiar to the situation in that city? Maybe women wearing head coverings were normative back then? Maybe a man with his head covered stood for something bad in that culture?” When these questions are raised, the interpreter often concludes that since in our time and culture coverings aren’t normative and men wearing hats are not frowned upon, that we are free to abandon or change the symbol to something more meaningful to us. Though there are exegetical reasons for not taking this route, there are also cultural reasons for why that simply doesn’t work. See, behind this assumption is a belief that what Paul laid out regarding head covering was culturally normative, familiar, and meaningful. That’s just simply not true. Read more

Let’s Pray Together

Let's Pray Together

[Guest Author(s): This article was written by Jessica Roldan & Kinuko Fukami who are Prayer Coordinators for the Head Covering Movement.]

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” -James 5:16

Prayer matters. It’s not the length of the prayer, the eloquence of the wording, or the feelings invoked by the experience that really matter. It’s God’s power. Prayer unleashes God’s might and invites miracles to happen. Jesus said it clearly:

“Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” –Matthew 18:19-20

We are on the cusp of a great transformation. God is at work, renewing our minds, and bringing our thoughts in alignment with His Word (Rom. 12:2). As we search out the truth of the headcovering ordinance with open minds and soft hearts, God reveals His wisdom to us, and empowers us to obey Him. But this process is not without resistance. There is much at stake in this spiritual battle:

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” –Ephesians 6:12 

We will experience push-back against our desire to obey God, in the form of various trials. They may be inner struggles, as we seek to understand the full meaning of the 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 text (the passage that talks about headcovering). Even after coming to a decision to headcover (or to suggest that your wife cover, if you’re a man), we’ve only accomplished about half the work; the other half is in actually establishing the habit of living out that obedience in our every day lives—no easy task, for some of us! Sometimes, the push-back comes in the form of outer conflicts, as we encounter opposition to our decision from well-meaning (and sometimes not so well-meaning) folks: friends; fellow church members; or hardest of all, family. Therefore, the need for prayer.

Whatever we may be going through, we have the awesome opportunity to support each other through our prayers! Though sometimes far apart geographically, we can experience spiritual unity through Christ, as we pray together in His name. Would you like to join us in praying for needs specific to the headcovering issue? You can do so by entering your e-mail in the form below and then clicking “subscribe”.


 

[UPDATE: AS OF SEPT 2018 WE HAVE ENDED THE PRAYER LIST. IT RAN WEEKLY FOR MANY YEARS.]

 

 

We will be sending out a prayer list every Sunday night, so that we can pray together in unison on MONDAY.

We are so excited to be able to join hands (spiritually) with other Christians, as we pray for each other while seriously seeking God’s will regarding the headcovering doctrine! We can’t wait to see the hand of God move as we intercede for each other in Jesus’ name!

 

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints…” -Ephesians 6:18

Which Christian Leaders Believe in Headcovering?

Who Believes in Headcovering Today?

Last Updated: Oct. 15, 2022

One of the false impressions about headcovering is that it’s “theology-lite.” Meaning, it’s only practiced by those that have a simple faith and don’t understand hermeneutics (how to interpret their Bible correctly). To help lay this myth to rest, we’ve compiled a list of modern evangelical Christian leaders who believe that headcovering is for today. Many of these leaders have exceptional academic training and are trusted by millions for their sound theological teaching. We will continue to update this list as we discover new names.

If you know of a notable Christian leader who believes that this symbol is for today, please e-mail us so we can look into it.

NAMEEducationKnown For
Dr. Michael Bar­rettPhD, Bob Jones UniversityFormer President of Geneva Reformed Sem­i­nary. Pro­fes­sor of Ancient Lan­guages and Old Tes­ta­ment The­ol­ogy at Bob Jones University for almost 30 years. Now the Aca­d­e­mic Dean and Pro­fes­sor of Old Tes­ta­ment at Puri­tan Reformed The­o­log­i­cal Sem­i­nary.
Tim BaylyMDiv, Gordon-Conwell Theological SeminaryFormer Executive Director of The Council on Biblical Manhood & Womanhood 1996-2000. Pastor at Clearnote Church since 1996. Writer at Bayly Blog.
Dr. Joel BeekePhD, Westminster Theological SeminaryPresident and Professor at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. Editorial Director of Reformation Heritage Books. Author of "A Puritan Theology."
Dr. Ger­ald BilkesPhD, Prince­ton The­o­log­i­cal Sem­i­naryPro­fes­sor of New Tes­ta­ment and Bib­li­cal The­ol­ogy at Puri­tan Reformed The­o­log­i­cal Sem­i­nary.
Dr. Robert Culver (1917-2015)ThD, Grace Theological SeminaryAuthor of "Systematic Theology: Biblical & Historical." Has taught at Grace Theological Seminary, Wheaton College, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Northwestern College.
Dr. S. Lewis Johnson Jr. (1915-2004)ThD, Dallas Theological SeminaryProfessor of Systematic Theology at Dallas Theological Seminary for 31 years. Also taught at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Pastor for 40+ years.
Dr. David GoodingPhD, University of CambridgeProfessor Emeritus of Old Testament Greek
at Queen’s University (Belfast). Member of the Royal Irish Academy. Author of numerous books.
Wayne JacksonMA degree (unknown school)Founder and editor of the Christian Courier. President Emeritus of Apologetics Press. Author of numerous books including "A New Testament Commentary."
Dr. Elliot JohnsonThD, Dallas Theological SeminarySenior Professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary. Founder of the Asian Theological Seminary. Author of "Expository Hermeneutics."
Mary KassianStudied Systematic Theology at the doctoral levelProfessor of Women’s Studies at the Southern Baptist Theologial Seminary. Author of "Girls Gone Wise" and "The Feminist Mistake."
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981)MD, London UniversityMinister of Westminster Chapel in London for almost 30 years. Author of numerous books and commentaries.
Witness Lee (1905-1997)N/AFounder of Living Stream Ministry. Chief editor of a new translation of the New Testament into Chinese and English (Recovery Version). Author of "The Life-Study of the Bible" which comprises 25,000+ pages of commentary on every book of the Bible. Ministered alongside Watchman Nee.
William MacDonald (1917-2007)MBA, Harvard Business SchoolPresident of Emmaus Bible College. Author of "Believer's Bible Commentary."
John MurrayThM, Princeton Theological Seminary; ThM, New College, EdinburghProfessor of Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary and Westminster Theologial Seminary for nearly 40 years. Also helped found Westminster Theologial Seminary.
Watchman Nee (1903-1972)N/AInfluential Chinese Leader who started the "local church" movement. Author of "The Normal Christian Life." Imprisoned for his faith for 20 years until his death.
Dr. Ian R.K. Paisley (1926-2014)Honorary doctorate of divinity from Bob Jones UniversityFounder of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster/North America. Minister for 60+ years. Founder of the Democratic Unionist Party and former First Minister of Northern Ireland.
Zac PoonenN/AAuthor of 25+ books. Church planter (India) for 40+ years. International conference speaker.
Derek Prince (1915-2003)Language scholar (Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Aramaic); studied at Cambridge University (England) and Hebrew University (Jerusalem) International Bible teacher and founder of Derek Prince Ministries International. Wrote more than fifty books.
Dr. Charles RyrieThD, Dallas Theological Seminary; PhD, University of Edinburgh; LittD, Liberty Baptist Theological SeminaryEditor of "The Ryrie Study Bible." Former professor of Systematic Theology and dean of doctoral studies at Dallas Theological Seminary.
Andrée SeuGraduate of Westminster Theological SeminarySenior Writer for WORLD Magazine. Instructor at the World Journalism Institute. Author of "Won't Let You Go Unless You Bless Me."
Dr. R.C. Sproul Sr. (1939-2017)PhD, Whitefield Theological SeminaryFounder of Ligonier Ministries. Can be heard daily on the Renewing Your Mind radio broadcast. Written over 60 books including "The Holiness of God."
Dr. W. Andrew SmithPh.D. in Biblical Studies, University of EdinburghAssistant Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity, Shepherd's Theological Seminary. Greek Scholar specializing in Textual Criticism.
Alexander StrauchMDiv, Denver SeminaryAuthor of "Biblical Eldership." Served as an Elder at Littleton Bible Chapel for over 40 years. Former professor of Philosophy and New Testament literature at Colorado Christian University.
Dr. Bruce TerryMDiv, Abilene Christian University; PhD, University of TexasProfessor of Bible and Humanities at Ohio Valley University
Milton VincentMDiv, The Masters SeminaryAuthor of "A Gospel Primer for Christians." Former Faculty Associate of Old Testament Language and Literature at The Master's Seminary. Conference speaker. Pastor of Cornerstone Fellowship Bible Church since 1992.
Dr. Bruce WaltkeThD, Dallas Theological Seminary; PhD, Harvard UniversityTaught at Dallas Theological Seminary, Regent College, Westminster Theological Seminary, Reformed Theological Seminary and now Knox Theological Seminary. Former President of the Evangelical Theological Society. On the translation committee for the NASB and NIV.
Dr. Latayne C. ScottPhD in Biblical Studies from Trinity Southwest UniversityAuthor of 25 published books including "The Mormon Mirage" (2010, Zondervan) & "Talking with Teens about Sexuality" (2021, Bethany House).
Dr. H.A. Ironside (1876-1951)Honorary doctorates from Bob Jones University and Wheaton CollegeFormer Pastor of Moody Church. Prolific author of 100+ books and pamphlets.
A.W. Pink (1886-1952)N/AInfluential American/Australian pastor. Author of “The Attributes of God” and “The Sovereignty of God.“
Israel WayneUnknownConference speaker and founder of Family Renewal. Author of "Pitchin’ a Fit" and "Education: Does God Have an Opinion?"
R.J. Rushdooney (1916-2001)Honorary Ph.D. from Valley Christian University Founder of the Chalcedon Foundation. Prolific author.
Dale PartridgeUnknownFounder of Relearn Church. Author of "People Over Profit" (2015, HarperCollins Leadership) and "Saved From Success" (2018, Thomas Nelson).
Doreen VirtueM.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies from Western SeminaryAuthor of "Deceived No More: How Jesus Led Me out of the New Age and into His Word" (2020, Thomas Nelson).
Dr. Finny KuruvillaMD, Harvard Medical School; PhD in Chemistry and Chemical Biology from Harvard University; degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MITProfessor at Sattler College; Author of "King Jesus Claims His Church" (2013).

Is Head Covering Legalistic?

Head Covering Objections
The Objection: Head covering is legalistic and a return to the Law. We are saved by faith in Christ, not by what we do. Since it doesn’t affect our salvation, we don’t have to practice it.

Many who practice head covering today are viewed as legalistic. In order to comment on this charge, it’s important we first define the term. The word “legalism” isn’t found anywhere in the Bible nor is anyone in the Scriptures referred to as “legalistic.” It’s a word we’ve coined that refers to an incorrect view of law-keeping. Generally speaking, when someone is legalistic they’re doing one of two things:

  1. They believe their law-keeping makes (or keeps) them in a right-standing with God.
  2. They make laws out of issues that a Christian has liberty to decide for themselves.

For the first definition, it’s possible to be legalistic about any teaching in Scripture. Head covering should not be singled out, as no command is immune from this error. Read more

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