Wouldn’t a prophetess lead 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.