Can a woman lead a prayer in a virtual meeting where men are present?
Question:
Good day, minister.
I really enjoy going through the questions and answers on your website. May God continue to increase you in every way. Amen!
I’ve gone through some materials regarding women praying in gatherings and even at home, especially when men are present. I’m sorry if I’m being a bit slow, but is the conclusion that women cannot pray in any gathering where a man is present? There is a WhatsApp group I’m on where we discuss the scriptures. Sometimes we do fast and pray. All virtually. And sisters in the group get assigned to pray. But it doesn’t sit well with me. Yet, they say it’s allowed since we’re not in church.
Please shed more light.
Answer:
"A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet" (I Timothy 2:10-11).
Just before giving the instructions regarding teaching, we find: "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, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works" (I Timothy 2:9-10). Do we conclude that the rules for modest dress only apply to the worship assembly? No, because the basis of this rule is that these are women who profess godliness. Godliness is not restricted to only the worship service.
But I Timothy 2:9 starts out with "In like manner." So, let's move back to see what is discussed there. "I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting" (I Timothy 2:8). Praying is something that takes place in worship, but it can also take place outside of worship. Here we find the word "everywhere," or more literally, from the Greek "in every place." It seems clear to me that Paul's statement is not limited to worship. Every man in every place is to pray without anger or doubt.
So let's look at the verses after verses 11 and 12. Here we find the reasons for the rule. "For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression" (I Timothy 2:13-14). Paul appeals to the beginning of mankind to state why God wants this to be this way. These things are always true and do not only apply to worship. Paul's qualification in I Timothy 2:15, "Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control," speaks to the raising of children, which, again, is not restricted to the assembly.
Therefore, the command is not restricted to worship assemblies, and therefore, virtual groups would be included.
