That is amazing, though some would argue that the women who saved those lost ones were being unbiblical yet God used them anyways didn't he?
Whatever we do should certainly submit to the Word God has provided, so I try to seek how we apply it to my life even when it might seem pragmatic to do things in a more convenient way. This applies to many things, not just this topic.
Here's an example.
We were planning on having the Lord's Supper at a nursing home.
I called days ahead and the activities department who help residents to the service said they already had 100% Grape juice and non leavened bread that we could use. I stressed the importance of reading the ingredients to make sure there was no yeast or leaven.
When it was about time to start, we checked every box of crackers they had in stock. They all had leavening agents in them. Plus they were wheat. Nowadays I get non gluten, no wheat varieties for those of us who are allergic to the grain. That's a pragmatic decision based on the high incidence of gluten/ wheat issues many of us have. The decision is not based upon a Biblical mandate though. The leaven/ yeast is however.
I told the employees that we will do it another service but not that day.
One of the ladies that I found out was of a different faith, insisted we have the Lord's Supper that day and interrupted me while I was preaching that she was going to the grocery store down the road to get the right kind.
She said to extend my preaching time until she got back.
In the meantime another lady employee Interrupted me to tell me to shorten my gospel message.
Both of them meant well and did what they thought was pragmatic; however, both were out of line with their actions. I showed grace for all, but I will hold a meeting with the employees there before the next service to establish proper protocols and lead the women and men in regards to Biblical mandates I must follow.
I'm reminded that all things must be done decently and in order.
I am responsible for carrying out the services to the people who the staff brings. I don't expect the staff to understand or know what God requires. That's where I have to use wisdom and keep them in out of my role. I do appreciate them for carrying out their unique roles so well and express that to them.
A. Those ladies are not going to tell me what to preach, how long or short to preach. I already have an agreement with the director for the time block and respect their limitations, etc. I take no offense, it's just that the gals have no authority to intervene unless there's someone needing attention.
B. After the Lord's supper was distributed and eaten, the lady went to the store and decided to not get the non leavened crackers they had and instead served the ones representing sin (leaven). Mind you that I explained the Biblical mandate we had to follow. It might not seem important, but God is clear about the issue and emphatic.
C. The one lady after I talked to about this insists we have the Lord's Supper monthly. It's not going to happen in any of my services. Previously I brought the no alcoholic wine/ grape juice and appropriate bread representing the body of Christ.
I have learned from the experience and will take care of it myself in the future. Whatever the case, I won't allow the women to usurp authority over this man. My Head, Jesus requires that. I follow Him and lead the others.
Whenever there is any group of people, especially non saved who do not prioritize the roles God established, there are occasional challenges. It's just part of working with people from all kinds of backgrounds.
This was a minor, yet important example that I recently had. I only posted it here because it fit the Biblical application that was originally posted. It's a good topic that you brought up.