women in the church

Ok, as a woman who will [most likely] be moving and attending Denver Seminary next year (!!!!) to prepare for going into ministry... the part in 1 Corinthians 14 naturally struck a chord with me.

For girls who are reading this and confused, let me try to clear things up with the help of my commentary. :]

v. 33-35 - "As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church."

Paul isn't saying that women shouldn't speak at all in the church. The first part of this chapter discusses prophecy and tongues and how if one person prophecies, another should "weigh what he says." Since Paul seems to permit wives to pray and prophesy, as long as they do not dishonor their husbands by the way they dress, it is difficult to see this as an absolute prohibition. Paul is likely forbidding women to speak up and judge prophecies (this is the activity int he immediate context), since such an activity would subvert male headship. For the part "the Law also says...," Paul is probably thinking of the woman's creation "from" and "for" the man, as well as a general pattern of male leadership among the people of Israel in the Old Testament.

So ladies, if you want to go into ministry, GO FOR IT!! Just don't judge prophecies out loud in church. ;)