Q:   Does your congregation believe that women are able to speak or teach in the assembly?

A:   First let us say that our congregation cannot teach anything apart from what the Bible authorizes. As Christians, we have no authority but to follow the directions and examples given to us by the Lord in his Holy Word.

In responding to this question, we should first read 1 Timothy 2:11-14:

Also consider 1 Corinthians 14:34, 35:

Notice that Paul commanded the women to "keep silent in the churches" (assemblies) and not to speak in the church (assembly). He then adds, "as the law also says." The principle applied here also applied under the Law of Moses. It applied under the law, it applied in this assembly, and it applies today - and for the same reason.

What is the reason for the restriction and what is the principle? Paul states clearly in the verse above that the reason is "they are commanded to be under obedience." Thus the principle for the woman in relation to man is to be under obedience, in subjection - not usurping authority over the man. In 1 Timothy, note also the apostle by divine inspiration refers all the way back to the creation and fall for the reason.

Some mistakenly teach that these verses forbid a woman to speak or teach under any condition in the assembly. This cannot be. If so, then she cannot sing as commanded in Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:19 or make confession as commanded in Romans 10:9-10. Instead, a woman is forbidden to speak or teach whenever and wherever she would usurp authority over man to do so. This is why she cannot teach a class of men, even though she can teach a class of women or children. This is why she cannot be a public preacher of the word or lead the assembly in prayer when men are present. This is a role God has given to the man. In fact, in the context of 1 Corinthians 14, this was exactly the case. Speakers were taking the leadership in public teaching assemblies each in turn:

Incidentally, in verse 35, Paul writes, "if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home." This sounds harsh, as if God doesn't want women to learn anything in church. This is not the case. According to W. E. Vine, the original word here translated "learn" means to "to learn by enquiry or observation." To learn by inquiry would include a type of point-counter-point discussion or debate. This usage would require one to take a prominent leadership role in speaking: a role which the Holy Spirit reveals a woman is not to have.

Moreover, this is consistent with God's law concerning officers in the church: bishops and deacons. Their qualifications are given in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Since it is not possible for a woman to be "the husband of one wife," God's word does not authorize women to serve as bishops and deacons. These also are roles God has appointed to the man.

Some people today are teaching that this is not fair. They believe that women should have just as much right to become public preachers and pastors as men. They claim this restriction derates a woman. This takes us back to where we began to answer. We have no teaching, belief, or doctrine of our own. Submitting to the authority of Christ requires us to rely solely on His word and put aside what we think, regardless of how right or harmless we may think a thing is. This is not about rank: men and women stand on equal ground before God. Instead, this is about role, and we accept in simple faith the things revealed by the Spirit of God in His word on this matter.

Thanks so much for your interest in God's word and giving us the opportunity to respond to your question.