Can a woman run the soundboard in a church service?
Question:
Our elders have decided to purchase a sound and projection system. My late husband was an elder and was against such (noting future problems). The problem that I feel so much concern about is that we don't have enough men to work it, so they have agreed to allow one of our young ladies to do it. One deacon refuses to work it when she is there also. It takes two to run the equipment. I do not agree that a woman should be in that position. God gives us women many opportunities to serve.
I voiced my concern to my elders, namely what it would do to this young woman, whetting her appetite to serve in other areas that only men are ordained to do. They saw it differently and allow her to do it. I want to be respectful of my elders and want to be submissive to their decisions, but this still bothers me to the point that the thought came to my mind to attend another local congregation on the days she is working.
Too soon my fear came to pass. My own granddaughter saw her up there and asked her mom if she could do that one day. My daughter-in-law also went to the elders about it. One elder said, "this is not a democracy." That hurt, for we are all members of the body.
Now I am wondering. I teach ladies' classes and have for many years. I have taught about women's role in the church, submitting to the elders as part of the flock, etc. I do understand technology is in the present, but my husband's fears are coming to fruition. I lost my husband, I have lost my spiritual leader and I feel I am losing my respect for my elders.
Please, could you give me some words to help me? I am very active, I love my church family, and I want to continue to serve to please God. I know leaving is not the answer.
Thank you so much.
Answer:
The elder is correct that a church is not a democracy. It doesn't take votes to decide what the majority wants. It is a theocracy, and its mission is to do the will of the Lord as best it can. If you wish to make a point, then you need book, chapter, and verse, used in the proper context, and applied with proper reasoning, to make your point.
The rules regarding women in the worship service are that they cannot speak or hold authority over a man (I Corinthians 14:34-35; I Timothy 2:11-12). Running a soundboard does not involve any speaking role and it does not place the person in a position of authority in regard to the teachings or positions of the church. It is purely a role of service, which women are allowed to do. "I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also" (Romans 16:1-2).
It appears that people have lost sight of what the Scriptures actually say and are imposing more rules than God has given. Non-speaking and teaching in the worship have morphed into non-involvement.
