Can a woman sign for the deaf during worship?
Question:
I understand why women are not to lead singing in worship services. My question is: Can a woman stand before the congregation and sign for the deaf during singing? If she could do this, could she also sign for the preacher or for anyone else?
Thank you.
Answer:
The command in I Timothy 2:11-12 is "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." A woman can participate in a Bible study because she is not leading the discussion. A woman can sing with the congregation because she is not leading the worship.
When someone is interpreting, they are not leading the song or presenting the lesson. They are translating what is being led or presented into another language. Therefore, no authority is being exercised. Interpreting is an act of submission not of leadership.
