Ellen G. White on Women's Role in Ministry

1 Corinthians 14:34-35

34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

While the specific verses of 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 are not explicitly quoted in the provided materials, the principles of women's labor, public ministry, and the nature of church order provide a clear understanding of the divine plan for their service. Christian women are called to a wide field of service for the Master, filling offices in the church acceptably and reaching classes that ministers cannot reachDG 16.3.

The Call to Women in Ministry

Women who have moral courage, tact, and ability are encouraged to become successful Christian workersDG 16.3. When sisters are conscientiously engaged in the work of the Lord, their efficiency increases as they devote time to searching the Word of God and explaining it to othersDG 153.1+1. There is no scriptural or spiritual reason to restrict those whom God has gifted; in fact, the prophecy for the last days explicitly states that the Spirit will be poured out upon all flesh, and daughters shall prophesy Joel 2:28+1.

Public Speaking and Exhortation

The practice of women speaking in public and addressing crowds is strongly encouraged as a means of introducing the leaven of truth to the worldEv 473.4. It is a specific instruction for sisters to address the crowd whenever possible and to use their influence to its fullest extentEv 473.4.

• A Speaking Team: In successful gospel labor, a husband may give a doctrinal discourse while the wife follows with an exhortation that reaches the feelings of the congregationVSS 398.3.

• Direct Instruction: Sisters are told to "teach this" and to hold every jot of influence they can by any association that introduces the messageEv 473.4.

• Prophetic Gift: The idea that young women should not have visions or the prophetic gift based on a narrow interpretation of Scripture is rejected, as the Bible uses the term "men" to generally include both men and women3SG 24.1.

Voice Culture and Edification

The use of the voice in social meetings and prayer is a talent that must be cultivated to edify the churchCE 130.1.

• Purpose of Speech: The principle of using the voice is that it should be used for the glory of God and the benefit of the listeners, not for displayCM 70.2+1.

• Edification: Rather than being silenced, those who have a habit of speaking in a low or indistinct way are encouraged to overcome this defect so they may honor God and edify His childrenCE 130.1.

• Order and Reverence: All members, including sisters, are to be faithful to one another and act in a way that keeps the church purified from error and defilementRH April 1, 1902, par. 10.

A Broad Field of Labor

The work of women includes visiting the sick, encouraging others, and personal labor in the homes of neighbors6MR 69.3+1. If the sisters in the church would use their talents to enlighten others, scores of souls would embrace the truth through their self-sacrificing endeavorsDG 153.1. The Spirit of God is not restricted by gender, and when Christ lives in the heart, one cannot keep silent but must show forth the praises of Him who called them out of darknessYI March 9, 1893, par. 5. Every man and every woman has a work to do for the Master, and personal consecration will accomplish more than any imposing displayEv 473.4+1.