Where are the men? Is there no one who will step up and lead God’s people? This seems to be the question Deborah asks in Judges chapter 4.

Some people read the book of Judges and see Deborah’s leadership as proof there is no distinction between male and female spiritual leadership. From their point of view, women are just as qualified as men to serve as pastors, elders, and spiritual leaders in the church. I’d suggest the very opposite is the case.

When Deborah is mentioned in Judges 4, the author seems to be going out of his way to say something is amiss. The Hebrew text literally speaks of “Deborah — a woman — a prophetess — the wife of Lapidoth” (!) sitting under her palm tree, judging God’s people. While Deborah is a wise and godly woman, the text seems to be saying there’s a problem with this whole picture.

Eventually, Deborah summons Barak, who agrees to lead the army reluctantly. He is willing to go on one condition — that Deborah goes with him. Like the cowardly lion, his behavior is so embarrassing that Deborah says his legacy will be marked with a footnote that a woman brought victory that day. “The road on which you are going will not lead to your glory, for the LORD will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman” (4:9).

I was talking with a friend several months ago who helps provide coaching services to churches in transition. Sometimes these are called “replant” or “revitalization” opportunities. This friend said most of our California churches are either plateaued or declining. There is a need for more pastors and more leaders. And then he said this – “the cupboards are bare.”

You would hope with all the Christian colleges, seminaries, megachurches, and smaller size churches that there would be a long line of men waiting to be trained and deployed. The opposite is true. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.

Incidentally, this is why our support of ministries like Gateway Seminary, The Masters Seminary, and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is so important. These schools are coming alongside churches to help raise and train the future generation of leaders.

This is not to say women do not have an essential role to play in the local church. There are so many valuable ways they use their gifts to glorify God and edify the body. That’s a conversation for another day. I firmly believe the apostles taught a complementary role for men and women in the church and in the home.

When I began preaching through Judges at Calvary, I entitled our series, “Arise” for this very reason. Judges 4:6 says, “Has not the LORD commanded you, Go?” Then in v. 14, Deborah says to Barak, “Up! For this is the day the LORD has given Sisera.” Over in 5, this desperate cry for leadership is even memorialized in song. “Arise, Barak! Lead away your captives.” The church can grow complacent over time and forget the urgent call to action. Let us arise, preach the gospel, and shepherd God’s people!

Is there something God is calling you to do? Have you been delaying out of fear? Maybe it’s getting baptized, or making some parenting changes, or returning to in-person worship services, or even answering a call to ministry? Stepping out can be scary. But do not fear. God will be with you!

Here’s the audio from the sermon I preached on Judges 4 at Calvary Church. Thanks for reading…and listening!