women’s roles – La Vista Church of Christ

Can a woman lead a prayer in a virtual meeting where men are present?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 10 May 2026 00:58:00 +0000

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.

May a Woman Ever Teach a Man?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 23:25:48 +0000

by Jimmy Ferguson

There is much error taught and practiced in the brotherhood today regarding women teaching men. In some places, women are allowed and even encouraged to speak in public assemblies and to teach classes where both men and women are present. Some brethren have swung far to the right and contend that a woman cannot teach a man under any circumstances. Some have even said that a Christian woman cannot give a man a Bible and that a Christian wife cannot lead her non-Christian husband to Christ. Rather than espousing our opinions, we would do well to ask ourselves, “What saith the Scriptures?”

Let us look at I Timothy 2:12. The passage states, “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” Instructions to women here are in contrast to the liberty of men to teach or “pray everywhere” (I Timothy 2:8). The public discourses and public confrontations with unbelievers were to be done by the men. Women were not to engage in teaching in such places and under such circumstances.

There are, however, places or circumstances where a woman may teach. We find such an example in the Scriptures. There was a man in Ephesus named Apollos whose preaching was heard by a man and his wife, Aquila and Priscilla. Acts 18:26 states, “And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.” This Christian woman helped teach a man, and the matter is recorded in Scripture with full approval. She did not teach in a public place, nor in a public assembly. She (with her husband) “took him aside” (ASV) from the public meeting and privately “expounded” (KJV) the Word of God unto him. The word “expound” is from a Greek word meaning “to declare.” However, let it be noted and understood that in so doing, she still would not be allowed to “usurp authority” (I Timothy 2:12). In the didactic discourse (Greek, didaskein, in I Timothy 2:12), the man is in authority over the woman.

I cannot visualize Priscilla “lording it over” her husband by taking the matter out of his hands. But neither do I see Aquila closing the door on anything she might have to say. I see this as a “team effort” with both Aquila and Priscilla working together to teach Apollos, but with Priscilla not usurping her husband’s authority.

If I were lost, I would shudder to think that my Christian wife would be restricted from telling me what I needed to do to be saved! And I would hope that she would not face the judgment for having withheld the word of life from me.

Women can teach, or pray, in private settings (Acts 18:24-28) or in other settings where she does not “have dominion” over men (Titus 2:3-8). The contrast in I Timothy 2:8-15 is clear: men may pray and teach everywhere (public and private), but women are restricted (to private settings). Yes, a woman may teach a man, but not in a public place or public gathering, nor in a way as to usurp authority over him.

The Role of Women in the Church

Jeffrey Hamilton — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 01:47:08 +0000

by Mike Johnson
via Seeking Things Above

The role of women in society has changed dramatically in recent years. Some changes have been good, but many have not. Societal changes eventually filter into the church. Renewed discussion is occurring on this issue, and some are contending for an expanded role for women in the church. Among many denominations, women preachers are commonplace. In the past, a woman minister moving into town might have attracted media attention, but today that is not the case.

What does the Bible teach about the role of women in the church? The teaching of the Scriptures is all that really matters (Galatians 1:6-10; Revelation 22:18-19; II John 9), and societal changes should not influence our teaching and practice. God’s Word teaches that women have an important role in teaching, but also that their role is different from men's.

Women as Teachers

Matthew 28:18-20 records the Great Commission given to the Apostles. From this, we learn that they were to “teach all nations,” to baptize those taught, and then to teach those baptized to “observe all things” which Christ had commanded them. A part of what Christ taught them was to go and teach, so all of those baptized would have the responsibility of teaching. This would include women. However, as we will see later, some limitations are placed on women, and these must be taken into consideration (I Timothy 2:11-12; I Corinthians 14:34-35). Nevertheless, they have a responsibility to teach because of the Commission.

Another passage to consider is II Timothy 2:2. Here, Paul told Timothy, “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Timothy was to take God’s Word (which he had heard from Paul) and teach it to “faithful men” who would then be able to teach others. Since the word “men” is used, how does this pertain to women teaching? The answer lies with the Greek language. The word found here is not the word “aner,” which means males, but the word “anthropois,” which refers to mankind. So, men and women were to be taught, and they in turn would be able to teach others. Thus, II Timothy 2:2 authorizes women to teach God’s Word.

Various other passages show that women are to teach God’s Word. Titus 2:3-5 reveals that the aged women are to teach the younger women to be discreet, chaste, and keepers at home. Women also have a responsibility to teach their children (II Timothy 1:5; 3:14-15), and they teach others by their singing (Colossians 3:16).

Another significant passage is Acts 18:26, which has Priscilla, along with her husband Aquila, teaching Apollos, a male, “the way of God more accurately.” This shows us that teaching a man in certain settings and situations is proper for a woman. (Note also Acts 8:1,4.)

I Timothy 2:11-12

In I Timothy 2:11-12, the Bible says, “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.”

This passage clearly places some restrictions on the woman. Does it, however, restrict a woman from teaching in every situation? Based on the previous passages examined, a woman is clearly allowed, and is in fact required, to teach others. The verses specifically contain a qualification; they tell us that the woman is not to teach or have authority “over the man.” Therefore, these verses would prohibit a woman from preaching a sermon, teaching a class, leading a prayer, or leading the singing in any setting in which men are present, either in the assembly or out of the assembly.

The NKJV uses the word “silence” in these verses. However, the word in the original does not mean that she cannot say a word; rather, it means “quietness.” Some translations (ESV, ASV) render the Greek word as “quietness” or “quiet.” (Note II Thessalonians 3:12 where the same Greek word is used.) I Timothy 2:11-12 would not prohibit a woman from teaching a man (Acts 18:26); they would not prohibit her from making comments in a Bible class, nor would they keep her from reading the Scriptures aloud in a Bible class. She could not do any of these things, however, in an authoritative way or in a position of authority over the man.

I Corinthians 14:34-35

I Corinthians 14:34-35 says, “Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.”

Unlike I Timothy 2:11-12, the instruction given here pertains specifically to the assembly. I Corinthians 14:23 says it is talking about when the “whole church comes together into one place.” (Please also note in I Corinthians 14:4-5, 12, 18-19, 26, 34). It is the kind of assembly in which the Lord’s Supper might be served (I Corinthians 11:26), so applying these verses to a Bible class setting would be improper.

The word translated “silent” (sigao) is more restrictive than the one found in I Timothy 2:11-12. Thayer says that it means, “to keep silence, hold one’s peace.” (p. 574) Along with I Timothy 2:11-12, these verses prohibit a woman from preaching, leading the singing, or making announcements. Additionally, I Corinthians 14:34-35 prohibits her from making comments in the assembly or, as the text specifically says, from asking questions.

Some teach that, because Paul uses the word “your” in I Corinthians 14:34, he is addressing the wives of the prophets in these verses, and that, since we do not have prophets today, the instructions do not apply now. A good case could be made showing that Paul does not have the wives of the prophets, or for that matter, the wives of the tongue speakers, specifically under consideration in the first part of I Corinthians 14:34. However, even if he is speaking about the wives of the prophets, the general rule which he is applying to them is found in the last part of I Corinthians 14:35, which says, “…for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.”

It is interesting that the word “your” (I Corinthians 14:34), which is often relied upon to bolster this position, is not found in many translations (NASB, ASV). Instead, it is “the women” or simply “women.” Some use the expression “let them ask their husbands at home” (I Corinthians 14:35) to show that these verses only apply to the wives of the prophets and are not intended to be a general admonition. They may ask, “What about the woman who does not have a husband? Who is she supposed to ask?” A similar question could be asked about the “at home” part of the statement. Would it be acceptable to ask her husband a question on the way home? How about at a restaurant? Of course, she could ask the question there. The home is mentioned because that is where a wife might typically ask her husband a question. Compare also I Corinthians 11:34. In dealing with abuses of the Lord’s Supper, Paul said, “And if any man hunger, let him eat at home….” Again, a person could have eaten somewhere else, such as under a shade tree. Paul says “home” because that is typically where a person would eat. The same point could be made of women being told to ask their “husbands.” Women usually have husbands, so Paul worded it as he did in I Corinthians 14:35.

In conclusion, women do have an important responsibility to teach. However, they have a different role from men in their teaching. I Timothy 2:11-12 (which applies everywhere) does not allow the woman to teach the man in such a way as to have authority over the man. I Corinthians 14:34-35 (which applies only to the assembly) prohibits the woman from speaking in the assembly, which would certainly eliminate her from taking any leading role in the worship service. Modern society might call this outdated, but we must be willing to accept what God teaches!

Is it wrong for a woman to teach on a social media platform?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 01:53:49 +0000

Question:

Hello,

Thank you for taking the time to view my question. My question is in regards to the topic of women teaching. I completely understand it is not a woman's right to lead any assembly in terms of worship or to try and exercise authority over men in the church. I know women can teach other women and children, too, and participate in Bible study classes when called upon. However, I think I'm getting confused about women teaching outside the church. For example, what about a social platform where you dive into a biblical topic?

I've recently become distressed as I see many people spreading lies in terms of what the Bible teaches online and try to offer what I believe to be the truth, only in comments, never by word of mouth through videos. One topic that disturbs me is that people try to teach obedience is not necessary in your relationship with Christ. Is it wrong to speak what I believe in the comments and warn people, or is that prohibited? I'm not sure, and I need to know if this is okay according to scripture. If this is wrong, should I delete past comments I've made on biblical topics? I want to do right by God.

Thank you for helping me.

Answer:

Just as a woman can offer comments in a Bible class, I don't see it as wrong for a woman to comment on teachings that appear on social media platforms. However, I do think it is important that they don't come across as commanding.

For example, when I notice someone teaching a falsehood, I try to quote a passage that counters their position with little commentary. In this way, those who object are arguing with God, not with me.

Another way is to ask probing questions: "Have you considered ... ?" or "What do you do with Paul's assertion in ... ?"

Writing articles for other women is also useful in spreading the Gospel. These don't have to be limited to women's issues. Think about how you would persuade a young woman to become a Christian, how to deal with catty remarks from other women, or the value of keeping oneself unspotted by the world. Sure, in a public forum, some men will read your comments, but that is their choice.

Response:

Thank you kindly for your response. I'll just say here, your website and dedication are a blessing to so many people. Ten years ago, before I ever even understood the teachings of the church of Christ, I found your website when I was having a difficult time in life, and it helped me greatly. I wish more members around the world could have a site that reaches so many. I've yet to see another site like yours that provides answers to troubling questions for others because they don't know the answer. I used to use GotQuestions, but I no longer believe what they teach. Thank you for providing a path of answers for so many in truth. God sees that, and I know He loves the work you do for all people around you!

Answer:

Thank you for the kind words. I try to do what I can to the best of my ability. I'm glad others find focusing on God's teachings useful.

Can a woman greet people at the door?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 17:27:53 +0000

Question:

I have a question. Can women serve as door greeters alongside men? And should young men be participating in overseeing the nursery? For years, our door greeting has been done only by men, and I think it’s odd to change that. We have a young man who participates in the nursery, and I feel that it doesn’t look right at all, nor is it good training for a young man who aspires to be a leader in the church.

Answer:

First, I must note that there is no "door greeter" or "nursery attendant" role in the Bible. I have no idea why parents aren't watching their children in your congregation.

Second, your reasoning is based on not liking traditions being changed. But since those traditions are not from God, they carry no weight.

Women are not allowed to usurp authority over men (I Timothy 2:12). Greeting people at the door does not usurp anyone's authority.

There is nothing wrong with a young man taking care of children. One day, he will be managing his household (I Timothy 3:4, 12), and this would be good practice in dealing with children.

Response:

Thank you. I appreciate your input.

Woman’s Work in the Church

Jeffrey Hamilton — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 01:21:58 +0000

by James W. Boyd

The belief and teaching that says men and women are to be equal in all matters is as foolish as contending that up is the same as down, and right is as proper as left. God describes their roles, not man.

No religion or philosophy places womanhood on the pedestal as does the religion of Jesus Christ. This is because the faith of which Christ is the author places a woman where God intended her to be when He created her. After God had created everything else, including the man, He made a very special creation to be a “help” that was “meet” or suitable for man. He created her with distinctive abilities and roles that would be peculiar to her and could not be accomplished by any other of all His creations. Her role was designated as distinctive, one of honor, nobility, when it is rightly understood and performed. Her position in life is God-ordained. Whereas paganism, modernism, heathenism, atheism, have reduced women to be nothing more than property, a slave, an instrument to be used and discarded, only the bearer of children. Christ restored her to the side of man where God had originally placed her.

Women Are Exceptional

The role of women has been exceptional in the religion of Christ. Jesus was born of a virgin. Among His disciples were many women. The last to leave the cross were women. The first to His tomb were women. Women showed respect for Him in His burial.

Since the Gospel is for all, we would expect, and we find, women in the church of the Lord. If it were not for the spirituality of Christian women, the church would not be as strong as it is, nor would it even exist in many places. Women, like their brothers in Christ, have a mission, a work, a role in the Lord’s church. This lesson proposes considering what her work entails.

There Are Limitations

We begin by observing a teaching that must be remembered throughout the study of the woman’s role in the church. Whether people like it or not, whether it suits their thinking or not, God has placed certain limitations on the work of women in the church. Those who believe in God and accept His word and wisdom will not attempt to set the Lord’s will aside. In our world, we often hear about freedom, the emancipation of women, equal rights, and similar concepts. None who is informed would deny that there has been much abuse of women in many areas where there ought to be fairness and equality, such as equal pay for equal work, the right to vote, the right to own property, etc. But the doctrine that says that men and women are to be equal in all matters is as foolish as contending that up is the same as down, and right is as proper as left. Some have taken this idea of across-the-board equality into the realm of religion. But it does not exist in the realm of true New Testament Christianity. Christianity places both men and women in the roles for which God created them. We rather think God knows best for that which He designed and brought into being. Some in the church have evidently tired of standing with God in this matter. A few years ago, one church bulletin had an article written by a woman in that congregation that contended the role of women in the church is exactly the same as the role of men, no more and no less. (Gospel Advocate, 1974, p.649). The Highland church in Abilene, Texas, conducts a radio program that includes instrumental music and with women doing much of the preaching. All of this might be acceptable in the denominational world, but not if you respect the word of God.

Not to Assume Authority

What are the limitations that God has placed on women? “Let the women learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence” (I Timothy 2:11-12). This is simply stated and with apostolic authority. She is not to assume a position of authority or leadership over the man. Whatever she does must be done in consideration of this restriction. She is not to take dominion over man, nor allow herself to be involved in circumstances where she appears to have abandoned the required subjection to man.

God said to the woman that the man would rule over her (Genesis 3:16). “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God” (I Corinthians 11:3). The reason for this ranking is given in I Timothy 2:13-14, “For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.” This may not suit you. You may think you know better than God as to how things ought to be. However, people have a history of showing themselves to be fools when they challenge the wisdom of God. It is when men and women alike will submit to God’s will that things are as they ought to be. Deviation from God’s word is to sin against God.

Whether people like it or not, whether it suits their thinking or not, God has placed certain limitations on the work of women in the church.

Worship

Because women are Christians, they are to worship just as men are. They are to sing, pray, partake of the Lord’s supper, give, and study God’s word. However, there is no authority to set aside God’s limitations and allow her to take the lead in these activities. Some folks have the distorted idea that unless you are leading, you are not doing anything. A man who does not take the lead in worship still worships. So does the woman. The place and circumstance of that worship do not set aside what God has said. By this, I mean that she must respect God’s limitations, whether in a public assembly, a home devotional, at the campground, or wherever and whenever both men and women are present; she must not assume authority over him.

We see one application of this principle even in Corinth, and the subject of speaking in tongues. “Let your women keep silence in the churches, for it is not permitted for them to speak, but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home, for it is a shame for women to speak in the church” (I Corinthians 14:34-35). We are aware that this refers to a very special kind of service where miraculous gifts were used. We are aware that not all women have husbands from whom they can seek information. But we are also aware that the limitations and restrictions that Paul wrote about in I Timothy 2 were applied even to this situation in I Corinthians 14. Such a rule is repugnant to the modern, the liberals, the untaught and misguided innovators who think they know better than God. But such is given by God for her protection, her dignity, her uniqueness, not for her suppression.

Denominations and some liberal members of the church advocate women preachers, women song leaders, and women leading in prayer in the presence of men. But we must recall that not everybody has a love for the truth either. Some contend that the only restriction on women is that they cannot be lady elders (Mission Magazine), but anything else is open to them.

The influence of this false doctrine is being seen in gatherings of young people where girls do the same as boys in worship. The young are often innocently misled because they are influenced by digressive adults. But they are in error. Some have contended that a woman can do whatever the elders will allow. They fail to appreciate the fact that even the elders are not permitted to set aside divine law. Advocates of such error cannot produce Biblical authority for what they preach and practice in this matter. It is a potential cause of division and another step in the church's descent into denominational apostasy.

Teach

Women are to teach. Titus 2:3-5 tells us they are to teach young women. Obviously, if a parent, they are to teach children as did Eunice and Lois (II Timothy 1:5). Teaching children, boys or girls, does not take authority from the man. No men are present. Women teaching in “bus programs” in the presence of men, and with puppets, etc., are violations of this biblical teaching.

Even under certain conditions, a woman can teach a man, as Priscilla and her husband Aquila together taught Apollos the way of the Lord more perfectly. She did this without assuming authority over him. A wife can teach her husband and still be subject to him. It would be impossible for a woman to conduct a public assembly without usurping authority, however.

However, the role of women in teaching is not determined solely by whether it is public or private. A ladies’ class may be considered public in that all ladies are invited. A woman is not to privately take authority over a man. The restriction is based on her respect for the man’s authority over her, and she is not to usurp that under any circumstances. For this reason, she cannot lead songs, lead in prayer, preach, etc., in the presence of men. Women did not do so in the New Testament church, and it was not simply because of the customs of the times. It was apostolic teaching behind it.

Philip had four daughters who prophesied. Prophesying means teaching. There is no indication of any violation of God’s limitations on their part. Many women teach under circumstances harmonious with God’s law and are careful to observe God’s will while doing so. The Today’s English Version of the New Testament reveals another of its many perversions when it says that Philip’s daughters preached. That is not what they did. Preaching is a public proclamation of the word. They did not do so unless they violated the apostle’s instructions.

Denominations and some liberal members of the church advocate women preachers, women song leaders, and women leading in prayer in the presence of men.

Serve

Women are to serve. In Acts 9, we read of Dorcas, a woman full of good works and alms deeds (Acts 9:36). When she died and Peter was called, “When he was come they brought him into the upper chamber, and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and the garments which she had made, while she was with them” (Acts 9:39).

There are many acts of service for which she is especially adept, such as providing benevolent aid, caring for the sick, offering home visitation, hospitality, and showing sympathy. She is to bring up her children (I Timothy 3:5), a task that has become repulsive to many modern women who prefer the so-called glamour of a career outside the home. The most glorious career a woman can have is to serve her home as wife and mother. This is that for which she was especially made. How people can degrade this labor of love as some do simply shows their contempt for the dignity of homemaking and their contempt for God. Peter’s mother-in-law rendered service to others.

Phebe (Romans 16:1) was referred to as a servant of the church. The word “servant” can also be translated as “deaconess.” But she is not a female deacon or the counterpart of a male deacon. The office of a deacon is a permanent position indicating a special appointment in an office. Not so with women who serve the church. Again, one does not have to hold an official position to serve as God would have them serve.

Examples

Women are to be Christ-like examples in living properly. They are to be discreet and modest in their apparel (I Timothy 2:9). This is a lost art with some women, even in the church. They are so impressed by the fashions of a sinful world that they fall for whatever style and fashion hits the clothing market, whether it is modest or not. Christian women are not governed by the sinful things of this world. She can be attractive and stylish without being sinful. Christian women have always managed to do that.

She is to be an example in her behavior. “Likewise ye wives be in subjection to your own husbands, that if any obey not the word, they may also without the word be won by the conversation (manner of life) of the wives; while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands” (I Peter 3:1-5).

She is to be an example of proper submission to her husband as Sarah was before Abraham, “Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord; whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement” (I Peter 3:6). She is to be an example of faith, as were those holy women of old time (Hebrews 1; I Peter 3:5).

Help to Her Husband

If a woman is married, she is to serve God by being a help meet to her husband (Genesis 2:18). For this, she was created. When a woman is the proper help to her husband, she is fulfilling her prime purpose. The word “meet” means “suitable.” Nothing else of God’s creation was suitable for man, so He especially created woman. She does not take dominion over her husband, nor does she assume leadership in the home or church, but is a help to him. We all need to keep the distinction between being the head and being the help that is suited. It is Christ’s will that the husband be the head of the wife as Christ is head of the church (Ephesians 5:23).

Having pointed out the limitation God placed upon her, and telling why, we read further in I Timothy 2:15, “Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.” There are various interpretations that people give to this verse. Some say it refers to the birth of the Savior by Mary. Certainly, we are saved by the One born unto Mary. However, that was an event of the past, and Paul says “is”, which is a present tense. It does not mean that physically bearing a child will produce spiritual salvation for the woman. Many women who are very ungodly have borne children. Furthermore, some of the most godly women in the Bible, and in our time, have never borne children.

The restriction is based on her respect for the man’s authority over her, and she is not to usurp that under any circumstances. For this reason, she cannot lead songs, lead in prayer, preach, etc., in the presence of men.

“Childbearing”

What makes more sense is to consider the word “childbearing” as representative of the distinctive role of women, encompassing the entirety of their role. Paul is saying, “If the woman is what she is supposed to be, she shall be saved.” She was created after Adam, and she sinned first, but salvation can belong to her “if” she does what she is to do. Peter wrote, “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered” (I Peter 3:7). She, like her husband, is a soul that is to be saved. She is also an heir of God and has been offered eternal life through Christ. She can be saved when and if she does what God wants women to do.

The role of women in the church is not different from that of men in many instances, except in the limitation to which we have referred. She is to worship, teach, serve, live properly, be a good example, a good help for her husband, perform the wifely duties to husband and children, and fulfill that special role for which she was created.

No Apostles Were Women

Significantly, none of the apostles were women. We never read of women preachers, elders, deacons, or public proclaimers. Men are told to pray everywhere, but not women (I Timothy 2:8). There are places and circumstances in which she is not to lead in prayer.

Christians, loving God and respecting women, do not wish to place women in a role for which God never created her. But all want women to be in Christ. When Paul wrote, “there is neither male nor female ... for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28), he was not teaching that men and women are alike in all respects, or that they all have the same role and function, and their roles are interchangeable. He taught that the woman and the man are spiritual creatures, and they can both be in Christ, where there is salvation. Whether one is male or female makes no difference when it comes to benefiting from the sacrifice of the Son of God.

Wouldn’t a prophetess lead services?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 19:07:01 +0000

Question:

Good day,

Women are mentioned as being prophetesses during the church age, such as Phillip the evangelist's daughters (Acts 21:9). Did they not lead in the worship services?

Answer:

When trying to understand what God wrote, you don't take portions from one part and use them to ignore other parts. This is what the Pharisees did. "And He answered and said to them, "Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, 'Honor your father and mother,' and, 'He who speaks evil of father or mother is to be put to death.' But you say, 'Whoever says to his father or mother, "Whatever I have that would help you has been given to God," he is not to honor his father or his mother.' And by this, you invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition" (Matthew 15:3-6).

Yes, early Christians had prophetesses (Acts 21:9; I Corinthians 11:5). However, there is no indication that every prophet led worship services. Instead, prophets were told not to dominate the worship (I Corinthians 14:29-32). It would be a mistake to assume that because a woman could prophecy, she assumed a leadership role.

"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. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression" (I Timothy 2:11-14).

"The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only? If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment. But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized" (I Corinthians 14:34-38).

These commands apply to all women, including prophetesses.

Is it proper for a woman to preach?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Wed, 07 May 2025 02:19:15 +0000

Question:

Good day, Minister,

I am reaching out because I was searching to see if it was okay for a woman to preach in a church. I read a lot, and your breakdown was more understandable and less depressing.

I recently joined a church, but women run it. The church members are doing everything in the church, beating drums and preaching. My kids' father, whom I invited, was very opposed to going to the church because it is not the way God intended for it to run. Women cannot be in charge of the church, which I agree with. Since the church leader's husband died, she is now addressed as pastor. I don't call her that; I address her by her first and last name. But they have a man there who preaches frequently, but is not the leader. I have noticed that there will be people who visit and never return due to this problem, as well as the fact that the church is not run the way it should be.

Now that I have read what you wrote, I understand the problem even more. My first attempt at mentioning it to her was not successful. She said some things about it, but one thing made me step back: her comment that women run the world. If that is what she thinks, they probably won't succeed.

I'm wrong for telling her God has to come to her and say something to her to make these changes, but why are you not reading the Bible? It's there, sighhh. The only good thing is that there aren't too many people there, and I hope they open their eyes. I appreciate you taking the time to read!

Answer:

Why are you choosing to attend a group that isn't following God's teaching? How will this benefit you and your family? You are clearly dealing with a false teacher. I'm glad you are talking to her to give her a chance to change, but I would not recommend attending there until there are changes.

God would not tell her to do things differently from everyone else. "I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed! For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:6-10).

Response:

Good morning. Thank you so much for the reply. You are so correct. I just try not to step over step, but I'm glad I did.

Gender Roles Within the Sacrificial System

Jeffrey Hamilton — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 02:35:44 +0000

by Perry Hall

Gender requirements were specified in the Mosaic sacrificial system. We will reveal how this is important to our topic of gender roles within the church. Before that, let's examine the gender specifications.

The priesthood and the Levitical ministers were all males. This is undisputed and must be meaningful since pagan religions had both male priests and female priestesses. Either pagan religions were more enlightened or less enlightened.

There is another aspect worth considering. Were there gender-specific requirements for the animals being sacrificed?

Burnt offerings had to be male (Leviticus 1:3, 10).
Peace or Fellowship offerings could be male or female (Leviticus 3:1,6).
Sin offerings had to be male for leaders (Leviticus 4:3, 14, 23), but female for the common people (Leviticus 4:28, 32).
Guilt offerings were males (Leviticus 5:15; 6:6).

What is the point of this exercise?

God specified males for both the priesthood and Levitical ministers.
God specified when he wanted male-only sacrifices.
God specified when sacrifices could be male or female.

First, regardless of whether we can discern a reason for God's gender-specific requirements, that is not the point. God declared it. Therefore, that is valid enough.

Second, patriarchy is often negatively described as a power play of male domination over women. However, within the sacrificial system, we see a different dynamic of males sometimes being prioritized - sacrifice, not domination.

Third, whether a sacrifice was male or female did not determine the intrinsic value of the animal. The point was not value within gender. The value is ultimately found in faithfully following God.

Fourth, some exceptions were made when the person was poor. They could offer certain birds that were not gender specific. However, no one had the authority to make the exception the rule. No one had the right to argue that if a female bird was acceptable for some, why not a female cow for atonement for all?

Fifth, if God specified only males for certain sacrifices, who had the right to add female sacrifices? Likewise, if God allowed male or female animals to be sacrificed, then no one had the right under God's law to restrict.

Today, within the church, God has gender-specific roles. The determining factor is not whether males and females are equal; it is God. The sacrificial system in the Law of Moses demonstrates this principle.

A Woman as Bishop

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 23:22:09 +0000

by Vance Trefethen
via Sentry Magazine, Vol. 16 No. 1, March 31, 1990

The recent elevation of Barbara Harris to the position of bishop in the Episcopal church stirred up a great deal of controversy within that denominational body and called the attention of the world at large to the role of women in the church. The move probably should not have caused as much uproar within the Episcopal church as it did. After all, if you can scripturally and morally have a woman "priest" (her position before being promoted), how could there possibly be any problem with a female bishop? (Understanding that the priesthood of the Episcopal Church is based on the Levitical priesthood and not that of Christians, all of whom are priests.

One of the most important lessons to be learned by the people of God from these denominational follies is seen in the arguments of conservatives in the Episcopal church who opposed Ms. Harris’ appointment as bishop. None of them argued that a divorced woman could not possibly meet the qualifications of Titus 1:6-9 ("husband of one wife," etc.) to qualify as a bishop. Perhaps they were constrained by the fact that that passage would also disqualify many male Episcopal bishops.

Instead, their reasoning went like this:

Jesus only appointed men as apostles. That’s true enough.
Bishops are the successors to the "office" held by the apostles. I don’t know where in the Bible one would find that teaching, but it plays a big role in Roman Catholic and Anglican theology.
Therefore, bishops should be men. Right, but for the wrong reasons.
And besides, that’s the way we’ve always done it. This is the major reason there has never been a female Anglican bishop in all these years.

There are two major lessons that I believe are readily apparent. First, once you disregard the authority of the Scriptures, there is no place you can stop and say, "No, the church shouldn’t be doing that. That isn’t right." How could anyone in the Episcopal church appeal to the Scriptures to object to what they conscientiously believe to be wrong when that body practices so many other unscriptural things (apostolic succession, latter-day "priests," etc.)? Where is the stopping point once you have decided to disregard the scriptures regarding any doctrine or practice? If you can have one unscriptural practice, why not two? Or three?

The second lesson is that "the way we’ve always done it" is a poor substitute for the Scriptures. Conservative Episcopalians found that argument insufficient to stop Ms. Harris from being "ordained" to her position. The reason is mainly that the argument has no moral force. "That’s how we’ve always done it" doesn’t make anything right or wrong. An innovator has simply to ask, "So what if that’s the way we’ve always done it?" and he has adequately answered the conservative’s argument. The inspired writers and prophets of the Bible never resorted to that argument to persuade man to walk in God’s commandments. Instead, you find Paul telling the Corinthians to "let the women keep silence in the churches" and then telling them to "take knowledge of the things which I write unto you, that they are the commandment of the Lord" (I Corinthians 14:34,37). Paul tells the Corinthians that all the other churches are practicing this same teaching (I Corinthians 14:33), but that is not why Corinth is to do so. They had to practice this because it was a commandment of the Lord.

The Glen Burnie, Maryland, church sponsors a weekly live radio program in Baltimore on which we take telephone calls and discuss religious issues over the air. A topic that frequently comes up is the question of "women pastors." Many of the protestant denominations in Baltimore have had female religious leaders for years (unlike the Episcopal church). The preacher for the Glen Burnie church and I were on the program, and we had just finished answering questions along those lines (using I Corinthians 14 and I Timothy 2:12) and reading exactly what the Bible says about the issue.

The discussion went something like this:

VT: Hello, you're on the air.

Caller: Hello. I just wanted to say that I don’t see anything wrong with having a woman preacher in the church.

VT: Well, were you listening just a minute ago when we read the two passages that say it’s wrong?

Caller: Oh, yes, but I just don’t see anything wrong with it. I mean, if a woman can do a good job, why shouldn’t she be allowed to preach?

Preacher: Do you think I would be wrong to steal, lie, or use foul language? Aren’t those things wrong because the Bible says I’m not supposed to do them? Women preachers are wrong because the Bible says they’re wrong.

Caller: Oh, I know, but I just don’t see anything wrong with it..."

People with an attitude like that are not simply the figments of some conservative preacher’s imagination. The Bible warns against those who "love not the truth." That kind of person won’t be persuaded by "that’s the way we’ve always done it." We shouldn’t expect them to be. As the next generation grows up, they need to learn why the church does and does not practice certain things, and I define "why" as book chapter and verse. A church that practices the right things for the wrong reasons (or an reason) will last at most one generation. It will soon be disturbed by innovators who will challenge "the way we’ve always done it." Will our children be ready to give them an answer?