The question about the role of women within the church is one that has been debated and talked about for many years. There was a time when only men held a teaching and speaking position in most Christian churches. The 20^th century saw a massive change within society and the church. In the Church of England women were first ordained in March 1994. In the Methodist Church women were first ordained as ministers (presbyters) in July 1974. In England, the first woman ordained into pastoral charge of a Baptist church was in 1918, and the Baptist Union of Great Britain formally accredited women as ministers in 1925. In the Southern Baptist Convention the first woman was ordained in 1964. 

There is no doubt that women play a very important role within the life of the church. Our Lord Jesus Christ had many female followers. One of the closest female followers of Christ was Mary Magdalene. Women were the first people to meet with the risen Lord. In the Book of Acts Priscilla explained to Apollos the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:26). In the Old Testament we read about Deborah, a judge and prophetess who guided Israel to victory. We also learn about the life of Esther, who’s bravery saved her people from annihilation. This is just a few of the many women in Scripture that were used by God in mighty ways. Outside of Scripture we find women such as Amy Carmichael who led many men and women to Christ. Corrie ten Boom and her family helped Jews escape the Nazis during World War II and helped to save nearly 800 lives. We also have Hannah More who was a strong advocate for social reform, including education for women and the abolition of slavery. She was also a prolific writer and used her platform to promote her Christian beliefs and values. 

So, with this being said why do some Christian churches forbid women from speaking in church meetings? I believe, it is a matter of gender roles. In Ephesians 5 the woman is seen as a picture of the Church and the man as a picture of Christ. God establishes man as the head of the woman in 1 Corinthians 11:3-9 which is grounded in the created order as seen in Genesis 3:16. In 1 Timothy 2:12 the instruction for women is that they remain quiet. This means that women are not to hold a teaching or speaking position over men within the assembly of God’s people. This does not mean the women are inferior to men or that men are superior to women. What it does mean is that there a certain roles for men and women within the assembly of God’s people.

There are specific interpretations and arguments made for and against the issue of women speaking in public meetings.

Some people interpret 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 as a commandment for women to not speak in church meetings. Others view these verses as a cultural and historical position for a particular time. They contend that the restriction on women speaking publicly in the church is a reflection of the cultural norms of the day rather than a universal and timeless teaching for the church.

There is also a debate surrounding the interpretation of the word, “speaking.” Some Christians take the viewpoint that speaking means authoritative teaching such as preaching or in a position of leadership. While others would take the view that speaking applies to all forms of public speaking. The first group of people who take the viewpoint of speaking meaning preaching and teaching may not allow women to be in a position of leadership but will allow women to pray in public meetings. The second group would take a more strict view meaning that women are to remain completely silent forbidding them to even pray in a public meeting.

The issue of women speaking publicly at meetings is a complex topic with diverse opinions and beliefs influenced by Scripture, culture, and gender roles. I consider this a secondary issue, and Christians should not create divisions over such matters. Women can take on various responsibilities within the church, including teaching Sunday school, leading women’s Bible studies, participating in women prayer meetings, and fulfilling administrative tasks. The only position that women cannot occupy in the church is one that involves teaching and holding authority over men in the congregation. 1 Corinthians 14:33-35 does not instruct women to remain silent at all times in the church; instead, it relates to the teaching in 1 Timothy 2:11-12, which states that women should not have authority over men within the church.