Women in Ministry 14: Paul Encourages ALL to Minister in 1 Corinthians 14, Including Women

The Bible Mind Podcast: Experiencing our Life and Times from a Christian Perspective

In today's episode, we continue to study 1 Corinthians 14, considered a "problem passage." And, yet, we focus on how Paul calls everyone to minister, including women.
Before we dive into the passage, we discuss the defilement of our culture through the "Let's Go Brandon" meme and how to see the Covid 19 booster shots and mandate policies.
Did Paul really tell the Corinthians women had to be "silent?" Or are we not reading and interpreting this passage correctly?
Throughout this study, I slowly lay out a Biblical argument for why I believe the Bible calls women to fully participate in the Body of Christ!
Listen to today's podcast to learn more!
VERSES STUDIED
1 Corinthians 14
Song of Solomon 2:14
BIBLE STUDY RESOURCES
The Blue Letter Bible App
RESOURCES
1. Why Not Women? written by Loren Cunningham and David Hamilton

I highly recommend this book! It includes personal experience regarding women in ministry, and in-depth studies on this issue from key Bible passages, including the "problem passages."

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. Even though the Greek words in 1 Corinthians 14 are gender inclusive, why do you think the translators translated these words with a heavy male leaning? Consider the identity and practices of the Church during these translation periods and also the culture and society in which the translators lived.
2. Read 1 Corinthians 14 at face value with the male nouns and pronouns. After finishing--not even thinking about the Greek-- reflect on how the passage reads. What message does it present as far as who is ministering and who can minister? What are the implications?
Now, consider the passage in Greek, where the Holy Spirit guided Paul to use all gender-inclusive language. Read the passage that way. Now, how do you feel? Also, do verses 34 and 35 where Paul talks about women stand out to you even more as contradicting the whole tenor of the passage? Why or why not?
3. Have you ever been silent in a Bible study or home group, because either you didn't feel free to share or you didn't think you had anything important to contribute?
Why do you think you felt that way? What do you think was missing in the way of ministry, because you weren't able to contribute?
Conversely, if you've had the opposite experience, how has it felt to be a fully participating member of a Christian fellowship?
4. How does knowing how Paul wants everyone to contribute to the church service help encourage you to share your thoughts and exercise your gifts?

ACTION STEPS
1. Slowly review and meditate upon what was shared in this podcast. Search the Scriptures and study what has been shared to develop anchors of truth in your mind, heart, and spirit.
2. Subscribe and share this podcast with others who may be interested.
3. Go into 1 Corinthians 14 in the Blue Letter Bible App. Everywhere there's a male noun or pronoun, go into the Greek word from which it was translated. Explore the meaning of each of those words for yourselves.
4. What steps will you take to make your fellowship group and church more female friendly?
If you are a leader, what steps will you take to teach God's people the truth about women in ministry and how everyone is called to fully participate in the ministry of the Body of Christ?
5. For women: Meditate on Song of Solomon 2:14. Take the time to pour out your heart to God! Remember...He wants to hear your voice!
Feel free to write me at any time at [e-mail].