(August 9, 2021) Dr Robert McQuillan responds to what used to what used to be an issue in some churches…

Dear Dr Robert
I’ve moved to a new church but find that women are not permitted to preach, teach or lead, or even speak up at meetings. Paul’s 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 words are strongly quoted… ‘..women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak…’ and also 1 Timothy 2:12. I’m now thinking I’m in a legalistic church. Deborah.

Dear Deborah

I think you are… but I have a question for you. You obviously know the Lord so what is your heart telling you, what do you feel the Lord is saying to you?

Have to admit that it’s quite a few years since I came across churches like you describe. For decades women have been active in church life (and I mean so active!), particularly evangelistic churches, encouraging church growth including various departments, and missionary enterprises.

Indeed, often it has been a woman who has gone alone as a missionary into foreign countries where no man has dared to go to share the gospel and such lone women both established and pastored churches! Of interest, read Erica Grace’s Marie Monsen.

In local churches, many a good woman has helped her husband grow their church not only by running women’s groups and Sunday schools but preaching herself. Praise God for active, effective female ministry!

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