Women at meetings

Hadassah · #1 (**permalink**) 06-16-2009, 04:16 PM

Here we attend meetings in a place called the missionhouse. It´s not a church, but the Word is preached.
At this meeting there is a person that makes, kind of a short devotion, introduces the preacher and ends it with a short devotion again.

My question is: may a woman do that?

One of the general problems here, is that know one wants to do it(things that demand preporationtime). And even though I know some things are less then ideal, maybe even wrong, I sometimes do it because someone has to...

Scott1 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-16-2009, 05:01 PM

Generally, when "the Word is preached" it is an authoritative act. My understanding of the doctrine of scripture is that God qualifies those who preach, teach in an authoritative way as part of some sort of corporate worship. This is not necessarily confined to a church building.

It's hard to understand from the details of the situation you gave what all is happening.

You may find helpful, since this is a topic with much biblical import, studying the Westminster Larger Catechism below. The Scripture proofs are many so you can get them at the link at the bottom.

Quote:

Westminster Larger Catechism

Q. 155. How is the Word made effectual to salvation?

A. The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching of the Word, an effectual means of enlightening,[993] convincing, and humbling sinners;[994] of driving them out of themselves, and drawing them unto Christ;[995] of conforming them to his image,[996] and subduing them to his will;[997] of strengthening them against temptations and corruptions;[998] of building them up in grace,[999] and establishing their hearts in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation.[1000]

Q. 156. Is the Word of God to be read by all?

A. Although all are not to be permitted to read the Word publicly to the congregation,[1001] yet all sorts of people are bound to read it apart by themselves,[1002] and with their families:[1003] to which end, the holy scriptures are to be translated out of the original into vulgar languages.[1004]

Q. 157. How is the Word of God to be read?

A. The holy Scriptures are to be read with an high and reverent esteem of them;[1005] with a firm persuasion that they are the very Word of God,[1006] and that he only can enable us to understand them;[1007] with desire to know, believe, and obey the will of God revealed in them;[1008] with diligence,[1009] and attention to the matter and scope of them;[1010] with meditation,[1011] application,[1012] self-denial,[1013] and prayer.[1014]

Q. 158. By whom is the Word of God to be preached?

A. The Word of God is to be preached only by such as are sufficiently gifted,[1015] and also duly approved and called to that office.[1016]

Q. 159. How is the Word of God to be preached by those that are called thereunto?
A. They that are called to labour in the ministry of the Word, are to preach sound doctrine,[1017] diligently,[1018] in season and out of season;[1019] plainly,[1020] not in the enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power;[1021] faithfully,[1022] making known the whole counsel of God;[1023] wisely,[1024] applying themselves to the necessities and capacities of the hearers;[1025] zealously,[1026] with fervent love to God[1027] and the souls of his people;[1028] sincerely,[1029] aiming at his glory,[1030] and their conversion,[1031] edification,[1032] and salvation.[1033]

Link to Westminster Larger Catechism with Scripture proofs:http://www.reformed.org/documents/wl...ofs/index.html