What is a Woman's Role in Leading Worship in Song?

More than a few women have asked us how we should view a woman's role in leading music on Sundays in light of Scriptures like 1 Corinthians 14:33-35 and 1 Timothy 2:11-15. We invited Jeff Purswell, dean of the Sovereign Grace Pastors College, to join us for a conversation on how we can think about this topic in a way that seeks to honor God's Word as well as the significant role women play in our gatherings.

Suggested or Mentioned Resources:
Men and Women in the Church: A Short, Biblical, Practical Introduction by Kevin DeYoung:
God's Design for Man and Woman: A Biblical-theological Survey by Andreas Köstenberger and Margaret Elizabeth Köstenberger:

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[telee]

I appreciate the comprehensive and clear teaching by Jeff regarding this question. I encourage all to listen to Jeff’s clear pointing to Scripture to inform the answers to the posed question to this topic. Thank you Jeff!

[DeborahPinkowski]

In the 1990's I was asked by the pastor of a Baptist Church to lead the songs that were found in the pew hymnals. The only thing I said was the page # for the congregation. I was up on the platform by myself. The pastor sang well. Even though I was not exhorting or teaching the congregation I asked him if he would join me on the platform so that it would not look like the "appearance of evil" in that I was the leader of the church. He refused. He also allowed a woman to lead a adult co-ed Sunday school class. I left shortly after that.
Also the last question about women songwriters was on my mind even BEFORE you addressed it. I sighed relief because I'm one. What a great message. Thanks be to God.

[simonaprota_cantautrice]

Thank you for this podcast 🙏I really appreciate the sensitivity with wich you have approached this topic.
And thank you for encouraging us to develope the gift for writing congregational songs. I really love the church of God and I have this desire in my heart. I pray that the Lord will help me in this task, if it is in his will. Soli Deo Gloria 🙌

[marydotterer]

In the Bible four women, Miriam, Deborah, Hannah, and Mary, are talked about writing and singing songs. Therefore, females writing songs of worship is Biblically sound.

[wallyhall]

Not just the US culture Bob, definitely the UK too! Ty everyone for your careful and biblically faithful answers.

[soledadsoto]

Me gustaría que el video tenga subtitulos en español🙏

[EKPittman]

This is good! I’ve always felt this way but didn’t know how to articulate it biblically

[andymen]

Interesting discussion. But I feel it moves too glibly between what 'authority' means in NT terms and what modern usage of 'leadership' entails. Authority, both in home life and church, should be used rarely and very carefully. Also too keen on 'roles' rather than the underlying differences seen in Gen 2 etc. I'm assuming the narrow approach outlined would also prohibit women from reading scripture aloud in gatherings, or 'leading' praying, or even in giving notices which can be very directional.

[andreleibee]

our woman worship leader who plays and sings is under our pastor's leadership and none of us as a body of believers questions that, that is clear to the congregation. she does briefly pray or quote Scripture at times in between songs, says edifying words that we all appreciate, but -- the focus is the songs that she prays over to choose carefully for their Christ centered messages, whether hymns, or very select contemporary pieces. in fact we play and sing several of sovereign grace music songs. she has listened to podcasts from your ministry and glad for your Bible focus. she is discerning and discriminating to make sure that the focus remains on Jesus and our pastor approves and, of course, gives his input. she does this humbly, has a servant's heart, a godly example. also she teaches women in Bible study but not the men. the glory is the Lord's in it all. we pray to be correct about this topic. i have listened with interest what was said and thank you for the guidance offered.
i recently read about heman who was chosen by king david (along with asaph and jeduthun) to lead worship and it talks about heman's 14 sons -- and 3 daughters -- under his authority. his daughters names are not mentioned but they are clearly singled out in Scripture as having a place and part in worship. the only women mentioned in that setting. i believe God made a point to not exclude them. He wanted them shown in that place of service or they would not have been heard of. i also read that king solomon had men and women singers so it sounds to me as though this was highly selective when women did have the occasion of service in a worship capacity as they were answerable to those men over them and answerable to the king who appointed them. there is a lesson in this instance too for us to know what God has revealed in His Word :)

[droberts]

Have the Pastor sing, but turn his mic off…. Really? That is the solution if you have no men who are capable of leading song worship?

[kareninalabama]

My understanding of the proper context of 1 Timothy 2 is that Paul was giving advice in a personal letter to Timothy about a specific issue in the church at Ephesus, not speaking about the Church in general. (He warns in the first chapter against false teaching that had been occurring.) Paul's teachings throughout the rest of the NT seem to indicate he was supportive of women in leadership roles within the Church.
Also, the word Paul used - authentein - was an unusual choice, only being used once in the New Testament: in this verse. It has been defined as misuse of or abusive authority or dominance.
Paul also said in verse 15 that women are saved in childbearing. If verse 12 is to be taken out of context and applied to all women regarding leadership roles within the Church universal, then why isn't verse 15 taught as doctrine as well?

[EClaire]

“He can have a dead mic while he’s singing” 22:21
Isn’t that deceptive? It’s somewhat laughable even.

[droberts]

How in the world is LEADING the song teaching but not writing it? Writing has much more to do with a depth of knowledge of scripture and doctrine and an ability to explain such things clearly (and artistically) - something which Bob Kauflin is familiar with as a songwriter himself. Ultimately such teaching is under the purview of the pastor, of course, since he has authority over what is said and sung for the church. However, you cannot possibly say that women should not be singing and leading a song (that often was written by a man) but a man should lead the song written by a woman. If she should not be leading, she should not be writing as well. (And thus we’d have to start striking many an old hymn from the hymnals…)

[johannahoneyman]

A suggestion it will be a good idea to have a woman as part of your discussion.

[surferatapollobay]

It's a no brainer..you have Miriam leading in Exodus..if a women is gifted let her use her gift


.

[ZachFish-]

How do people view it as “women can’t be the lead pastor”?
The Bible says leading the church, right?
The church is people of God, so how do they get there?

[nnapsR]

when the music team meets and prays before a gathering are the ladies free to lead out in prayer?