Women's Silence in the Church

Seeing the Church as the Body (or Bride) of Christ

When we begin to apply the truth we are considering to men and women in general, especially in the church (not just to husbands and wives), problems are often a result of our concept of the church. Many people think of the church as an organization or a program (a meeting). We "go to church" or to a "service." When we use those terms, it reveals that we do not see the church as the body of Christ or the bride of Christ. Instead of seeing ourselves as "members," we see ourselves as either spectators or participants in a program. For example, in some settings women are prominent in leading the praise time, in ways such as singing. Women can certainly sing and lead singing, and we reason that it is proper for women to be involved in that way since they are not "teaching" or exercising authority over men.

But the church is not primarily a meeting. It is not an organization, but rather an organism that is alive with the life of God. One area we need to rethink is this: what does it mean to come before God as a body, as the church? It is one thing to meet in a home for informal fellowship, to have a Bible study or a time of prayer. But when the whole church comes together before God as one body, is there not a different focus? I believe that is the context Paul had in mind when he said, "Let the women keep silent." When reading 1 Corinthians 11-14, take notice of the phrases "when you come together" and "when the whole church comes together," such as in 14:26, shortly before the verse we are considering.

The church comes together not primarily to meet with each other, but to meet with God. The whole emphasis of scripture is that God has ordained men to give the leadership in the church. When men pray in the church, they are giving voice for the whole body as they address God. And when men speak to the church, they are commanded to speak as an oracle of God (1 Peter 4:1). The scripture clearly teaches that God has called men to function in leadership under the authority of Christ by the Holy Spirit.

I believe the real need is for a spiritual vision of what God is doing and how He is working in the church (see Ephesians chapters 1-3, especially 1:22-23, and 2:19-22). This takes a miracle of revelation from God (Eph. 1:15-21). The church is not a natural working. It is a spiritual working, empowered by the Holy Spirit working in and through men and women, preparing us as the bride of Christ to be married to Him for all eternity. When we are before God, being led by the Holy Spirit, we will not need a "worship team." The Holy Spirit indwelling us will bring forth worship that will bless the heart of God. Will the sisters be part of that worship? Absolutely, but they will not be leading it. They will be at rest in their God-given place, rejoicing as the brothers take their place of responsibility in leadership as the Holy Spirit inspires and directs. The Holy Spirit will bring forth worship that exalts Jesus Christ as Lord, worship that pleases God.

So why does this seem so hard? Why is there so much contention over this? I think a root cause can be found in Paul's instruction in 1 Corinthians chapters 1 and 2. I encourage us to consider all of that section carefully before God, but I will only quote these verses: "...that no flesh should glory in His presence" (1 Cor. 1:29). "For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:2).

Applying the truth in this section of scripture to our topic, God does not accept any expression of man, or "flesh," as we are gathered unto Him. He only accepts what is of Christ. Paul's testimony was, "I am crucified with Christ" (see Gal. 2:20). God has rejected anything that is according to our inheritance from Adam. Our place is to agree with God's verdict and walk by faith in the life of God. This is not easily done, because there is something in us naturally that wants to rise up and be heard, to express self. For all of us to have the same testimony as Paul (I am dead) takes a real dealing with God. I encourage all of us not to pass this by too quickly, for in this truth is the answer to many of our problems.

Why might sisters feel they must speak when the church is gathered in the presence of God? They may believe they have received something from God to share, or that the men are falling short. It can be difficult to remain quiet and trust God to bring truth through the brothers. They may feel that they are also spiritual and they hear God just as the brothers do, but find themselves competing with the men. They may be completely sincere and have no wrong motives at all.  But God has designed that women show their spirituality in this way: "Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel--rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God" (1 Peter 3:3-4). God is not pleased with competition, but rather when both men and women take their God-given places. This is very pleasing to God.

But what if the brothers do not take their place? Might they also be unspiritual? Absolutely. But when the women try to make up for the lacks of the men, the response is often this: "Okay, let them do it. Anyway, I feel inadequate, and they are doing a good job, so I will just be quiet."The quieter they are, the more the sisters get frustrated and do more. And the end of it all is a gathering that is contrary to what God desires. There may be a lot of activity, but God is not just looking for activity. He wants a bride prepared for her husband. He is looking for submission to His authority and will. The application of the cross means that there is no expression of natural man or the will of man (and woman), but only an expression of the life and will of God.

It may seem that I am against the sisters. I am not, and neither is God. I am saying that the glory of God is only seen when both men and women take their God-given places in faith. When they do, submitting to the authority of the head (Christ), led by the Holy Spirit (who is preparing the bride to be married to Christ Jesus for eternity), then God will be glorified. That does not come all at once. The flesh (what we are according to Adam) does not die easily. But can we see beyond the natural into the eternal purpose of God, and can we see how God wants that purpose to be worked out now? Again, this takes spiritual revelation that only God can give, but He will give it to those who are willing to pay the price (see Revelation 3:18-19).

Do the sisters have any place to speak? Absolutely. As the Holy Spirit leads, they have a very important place in the working of God--no less important than the brothers. But in exercising their grace, they do not move in a place of public leadership or authority over men. If they are sensitive to the Holy Spirit, He will show them how to do this. They have a very great place in the home. They also have a great responsibility in the witness to the world. And they have a very great place in the church, the body of Christ. As they take their place in the natural family and the spiritual family, the Holy Spirit will lead them to minister in a quiet way to encourage their husbands and brothers to take their places and move in the grace God has given them. They have a powerful ministry. Women have power, and they are responsible before God for how they use that power. It can be used to build up or tear down. They are not second-class citizens of the kingdom of God. But again, God wants them to move within His order for His purpose and glory.

Have there been times that women were used by God in a public way, with men present, and it yielded good results? My answer is yes. God does not always wait until everything is perfect before He acts. He meets each person where they are, and satisfies the hungry heart. Some women are very capable of speaking publicly and giving leadership. But just because they are capable and may have functioned in that way does not justify their continuing when they begin to see God's purpose in His design. That can be a very dangerous place. According to Paul, Eve was deceived, and women need to be very aware of this danger. God designed women to follow, which might cause them to be more easily led into error. Staying in a place of submission is their place of safety. God will bless them and use them mightily in that place.

Next: Has God Called Women to a Place of Public Ministry?