Can Women Speak in Church?

In this final episode to the Summer Q&A Series, Nicole responds to a heartfelt question from a listener:

“I feel the Holy Spirit urging me to speak, but I’ve been taught that women should not preach. How do I stay obedient to the Spirit?”

Nicole unpacks Scripture—including the often-debated passages in 1 Corinthians—to explore how spiritual gifts are given to both men and women for the building up of the church. She highlights the difference between preaching and prophesying, and reminds listeners that obedience to God’s voice is never limited by human rules.

Nicole also shares what’s coming this fall: a brand-new series on the book of Daniel, exploring how to live “right-side up” in an upside-down world. Don’t miss the preview at the end of the episode!

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Key Takeaways 

🔹 The Gift of Prophecy is for Everyone

• According to 1 Corinthians 12, spiritual gifts—including prophecy—are given by the Holy Spirit to all believers for the building up of the Church.

• Prophesying is not the same as preaching. Prophecy often includes exhortation, encouragement, or Spirit-led truth for a specific moment.

🔹 Women Are Called to Speak

• 1 Corinthians 11 references women prophesying in public worship, assuming it’s a normal part of church life.

• Women like Deborah (Judges 4) and Huldah (2 Kings 22) are explicitly named as prophets and leaders in Scripture.

• God’s Spirit is not limited by gender: “In Christ, there is neither male nor female...” (Galatians 3:28).

🔹 Interpreting 1 Corinthians 14 with Context

• The call for women to “remain silent” (1 Corinthians 14:34) must be understood within the broader letter’s context: Paul is addressing disordered worship in Corinth.

• Scripture interprets Scripture—Paul already assumed women were prophesying earlier in the same letter.

🔹 Obedience Over Platform

• You don’t need a microphone or a stage to use your gift.

• If the Spirit prompts you to share, pray, write, or encourage—be faithful in the small steps.

• God is responsible for the impact of your obedience. You are responsible for your yes.

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📜 Bible Verses Mentioned

• 1 Corinthians 12:4–7 – Spiritual gifts are for the benefit of the whole church

• 1 Corinthians 11:5 – Women prophesying with proper decorum

• 1 Corinthians 14:34–35 – The debated silence passage, seen in light of context