The Biblical Case for Women in Leadership

Twenty Years as a Woman in Ministry

I want to talk about women leading in the church. This is one of those debates you’ll have people boldly wrestle with; those who want to pin women to a certain role, and those who celebrate having them at the table. For those who desire to keep the glass ceiling intact, I understand where you are coming from.

There are some verses in the Bible that at first glance seem to restrict a women’s role in the church. And there was a time, before I studied the Scriptures (and when I took what some people said at face value), that I assumed the same. However, if you dig a little deeper, there’s more to the story.

Old Testament

Let’s start with the Old Testament. Was the Old Testament predominantly patriarchal? Yes, very much. But that doesn’t mean God didn’t still use women in significant ways that defied cultural norms.

Miriam was a prophet and led a nation in worship (Exodus 15:20).

Deborah was chosen by God to lead as a prophet, judge, and even led the men into battle (Judges 4-5). She wasn’t just a woman passing out advice, but a strong, wise, and obedient follower of God...and, notably, both a prophet and a judge.

What’s interesting is that only one other person in the Old Testament was both a prophet and a judge: Samuel. 

Esther saved a nation through her bravery—a leader, indeed—and Huldah was a prophet in the time of King Josiah (2 Chronicles 34).

Furthermore, women didn’t need a man to have a relationship with God or to hear from Him. God spoke directly to them because He saw their value and worth. It was often their willingness that touched His heart.

New Testament

Jumping to the ministry of Jesus and the early Church, women were powerful tools in God’s hands.

Jesus looked at women and saw significant value in them, often sharing noteworthy doctrinal truths with women.

He proclaimed to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). In John 4, Jesus spoke with a Samaritan woman at the well and it wasn’t any ordinary conversation. By speaking with her, Jesus was breaking through societal expectations and shattering misconceptions. Even the disciples were amazed he spoke with her.

And it was this woman he chose to take the Gospel to her village—a female evangelist to a people often rejected by the Jews.

It was also women who were present at the birth of the Savior, at the cross when he died, and first to see him after the resurrection. While the men often scattered, it was the women who stayed close to Jesus and it was this commitment that offered them the opportunity to be part of history.

Those that Jesus used while on earth were just the beginning of women playing a significant role in Christianity. There are women church leaders throughout the New Testament.

Phoebe was mentioned by Paul in Romans 16:1 to be a servant or “deaconess” who taught in the Cenchreae church.

Junia was considered outstanding by Paul and was among the circle of the apostles (Romans 16:7).

Chloe (1 Corinthians 1:11), Nympha (Colossians 4:15), and Apphia (Philemon 1:2) all led house churches.

Paul stated in Romans 16 that there were 4 women who “worked very hard” and that phrase was often used by Paul to refer to ministry work.

Priscilla was a church planter (Romans 16:5) and someone highly regarded by Paul. I think it’s also interesting that she instructed Apollos in key theological understandings. If women were not allowed to instruct men, how is this okay?

Tabitha led a benevolence ministry (Acts 9:36) and Philip’s four daughters were all identified as prophets (Acts 21:8,9).

These incredible women who served as ministry leaders in the early Church should be normalized and not made exceptions.

Exploring further New Testament text, there are other cases made for women in ministry leadership positions. In Acts 2, the giftings of the Spirit are poured out on men and women; there is no delineation of gifts to gender. It even says that women will prophesy.

The same is reflected in Ephesians 4 which illustrates the gifts of Christ poured out to individuals in the church. Finally, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 describes the gifts of the Spirit as being given to individuals, regardless of gender, age, etc.

To God, it’s not so much about gender or outward appearance but rather the heart. God can and will use anyone He chooses regardless of what man expects of their place or value.

Commonly Misinterpreted Verses

Now, there are two verses in the New Testament often referenced when addressing the topic of women in leadership. These verses are used in the case against, and at first glance, it makes sense why they are used. But digging into context, there’s more to the story.

1. The Misused Verse in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35