QUESTION: I recently attended a “Ladies Day” unlike any Ladies Bible Study I have ever seen! They were handing out prizes such as cookbooks! When did “Ladies Days” begin? Are they right?

ANSWER: “Ladies Days” have been going on for many years. In some instances, they are simply days set aside for the ladies of a congregation to study the Bible; to hear scriptural presentations; and to fellowship. This of itself is not sinful.

For ladies of the church to meet in the church building for socials, baby and wedding showers, etc., during which door prizes are awarded, likewise, would not be sinful, provided that the prizes are not the result of gambling; nor purchased out of the church treasury.

These events over the years, have in some places, gotten out of hand. Periods of study and worship have been intermingled with dramatic and musical presentations followed by shouting and applause, clearly in violation of God’s Word. As well, many times “Ladies Days” have developed into a power base designed to usurp authority in violation of I Timothy 2:11-12. Not infrequently do we see men sometimes attending these events in which one or more of the ladies have assumed a leadership role. This too is wrong! Nonetheless, “Ladies Days” are not inherently sinful! However, these events like many others may easily drift into areas that are in violation of God’s will.

Certainly, every caution needs to be taken that such drifting does not occur and that ‘whatever is done in word or deed, is always done by His authority’ (Colossians 3:17).