Book Reviewed by Theresa Harvard Johnson
Book Written by Apostle Joseph L. Prude
Go ahead! Type this question into any search engine: “Can a woman be an apostle?” Before your finger lifts from the right-click-button-of-your-mouse, the web page before you will be filled with articles, bible studies, forums and sermons exceeding 20 pages deep that not only discuss this issue; but enter into the age-old debate concerning whether women should be in leadership among the congregation.
The good news is that statistics show that attitudes toward women in ministry are changing at a steady pace. Barna Group reports that between 1999 and 2009, the number of female pastors in Protestant churches doubled. (Review the findings here.) For clarity, the term “Protestant” simply refers to any denomination of the Christian faith that is separated from the Roman Catholic Church – particularly as it relates to the universal authority of the Pope. The report also states that:
“Not surprisingly, a large share of the woman in the pastorate – 58% – are affiliated with a “mainline” church – i.e., a congregation that is aligned with denominations such as American Baptist Churches (ABCUSA), United Church of Christ, Episcopal, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), United Methodist or Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), abbreviated PC (USA). Among male pastors, less than half that percentage (23%) is affiliated with a mainline ministry.”
Well, what does this mean and why is this relevant? It means that the community of the church has changed and is continuing to change in this season. It is relevant because there couldn’t be a better time in history for the Lord to release the book, Female Apostles, by Apostle Joseph L. Prude into the earth realm.
For those women who do believe they are called into the apostolic office and for those who love and support them, this 73 page book will bring great affirmation, confirmation, understanding and set them on an intimate journey with God in unfolding their own identity. Readers will also grab hold of some powerful, historical and spiritual truths rooted “revelationally and plainly” in the Word.
Apostle Prude writes: “Are there female Apostles? There is much debate and argument about this subject. When there are questions, the right solution is to go to the scriptures and see what they say.” This is exactly what he did – he dug into the scripture. Instead of exhausting readers with extensive teachings and debates on what an apostle is or is not, Apostle Prude introduces them to a different female apostles or groups of apostles in each chapter –unveiling their apostolic office and contributions to the faith. While he teaches by revelation, he also pulls on church history, world history, and the lives of the women themselves. What’s even more intriguing is that he reveals how, through the centuries, a number of classical church fathers and scholars set out to oppress them.
One well known act of oppression noted historically and highlighted in Apostle Prude’s book, Female Apostles, is the changing of the name of the Apostle Junia mentioned in the scriptures to be reflective of the male counterpart of that name, Junias, by the Council of Chalcedon in 451 CE. In a separate example, he quoted the words of Clement at the Synod of Carthage (398 CE) in which he wrote: “A woman, however learned and holy, may not presume to teach men in an assembly. A woman may not baptize.”
The truth of the matter is that these prevailing attitudes toward women in ministry have lingered for centuries. And while progress is seen statistically, there are many layers to overcome. This subject concerning female apostles is one such example.
While we could highlight the varying names of the biblical Apostles addressed by the author, I have decided to leave that wonderful discovery to the reader. Apostle Prude did, however, introduce female Apostles from the early and later part of the last century. Some included Catherine Boothe, the founder of the Salvation Army; Laura Koffey, founder of the African Universal Church; an Amie Simple McPherson, founder of the Foursquare Church.
Side Note: After reading this book, my spirit was ignited as Holy Spirit revealed to me that my favorite literary matriarch Ida B. Wells-Barnett was walking fully in an Apostolic Scribal Office! Other matriarch’s that I admire also came into my spirit including Pentecostal, wild-fire preacher Isabella Baumfree (Sojourner Truth) and the legendary Harriet Tubman.
The sealing of this book, however, comes with a Prophetic Word at the very end – one that will ignite the very spirit and pour like oil over the soul of those women who stand in fear of this anointing, this call on their lives, and the rejection of men. It will confirm and affirm that the only agreement necessary is agreement with God concerning your destiny. Many of the women highlighted moved apostolically during a time when women couldn’t even vote in this country; much less pursue a dream farther than homemaking. Any areas of fear, apprehension and need for “people to agree with you or for your to defend your call” will dissipate under the anointing of this simple and to the point book.
The Lord spoke this through Apostle Prude: “I say to you run, even as Mary ran to tell the apostles of my resurrection, I say run. Saith the Lord.”
About the Author
Apostle Prude is known as a father to many. He is a man that has been through the fire of affliction and has come out like gold. Apostle Prude is well known for the powerful prophetic ministry in his life. He is the founder and Pastor of New Hope Fellowship Church in Cleveland, Ohio and is the Chief Apostle of new Hope Fellowship International Network. He is also the founder of Intercessors for Black America (IBA), a very powerful team of intercessors that stands in the gap for the needs of African American people. Apostle Prude is an instructor of various prophetic classes and has designed and written the curriculum manuals for each of his courses. He is also a prolific author and has written many books on various subjects.
Purchase the Book:
Female Apostles
By Apostle Joseph L. Prude
Author: Joseph Prude
Format: Paperback
Length: 72 Pages
Published: 2007
Available now at Arsenal Books
