May a woman lead a church service? There is no verse in the Bible which says a woman may not preach. But it is clear from Biblical evidence that (1) Women must not interrupt religious services where the Holy Spirit is at work by asking questions (1 Corinthians 14:23-35). (2) A woman is not allowed to "teach". In the original Greek the word is "didaskein". Here it means "to teach doctrine by authority" (1 Timothy 2:12). That is, she must not see herself as a person of authority as the apostles were. But that does not mean that women must be passive and silent in the congregation in which they live. She is allowed to pray and proclaim the message of God just like a man. But that means that she may speak words of edification, exhortation and comfort (1 Corinthians 11:5). And all through the ages we have had women who by their example and comfort and testimonies did valuable work for the Lord. In our own country we see the differently dressed women of all denominations on Thursdays going to prayer-meetings to pray and to witness for the Lord. Some churches have decided to ordain women as ministers who have the same status as men. Women can become ministers, elders and deacons in those churches and form part of the local church council. So the answer is yes, some churches allow women to preach, while others do not allow them to do it. You must discuss the matter with your own minister in order to know what the rules of your church are.   Back