Women in Ministry: God’s Call for Everyone

At the cross, the ground is level. Every one of us comes to Jesus the same way as broken sinners saved by grace. No one stands taller, no one kneels lower. But while we’ve long believed that salvation is for all, the church hasn’t always treated men and women as equal when it comes to serving.

Too often, the message has been: “Yes, women can be saved, but they can’t lead.” Scripture and history tell a different story. The truth is, many churches are standing strong today because of the faithful leadership of women who answered God’s call.

Pentecost and the Call to All

When the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost (Acts 2), Peter reminded the crowd of Joel’s prophecy: “Your sons and daughters will prophesy.” To prophesy means to speak God’s truth, to proclaim His word.

From the very beginning, women stepped into leadership roles:

- Phoebe served as a deacon (Romans 16).

- Priscilla taught Apollos.

- Junia was recognized as an apostle.

- Lydia hosted a house church.

The early church wasn’t perfect, but it was bold men and women serving side by side, filled with the Spirit. Even archaeology shows women leading in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, with inscriptions naming them as priests and elders.

When History Tried to Silence Women

As the church spread into the Roman and medieval world, culture often spoke louder than the Spirit. Women were pushed to the background, their voices confined to private spaces.

But God’s call didn’t stop.

- Macrina the Younger taught theology to her brothers, who became bishops.

- Hildegard of Bingen preached and advised kings and popes.

- Catherine of Siena boldly called the church to reform when no one else even dared.

Like a river that always finds a path, the Spirit kept raising up women to lead, even when the church said no.

The Wesleyan Revival and Women

John Wesley didn’t start out planning for women to preach. His focus was saving souls and spreading holiness. But when the Spirit poured out gifts, he recognized them.

- Sarah Crosby became known as one of the first Methodist ministers, preaching until age 76.

- Mary Fletcher taught and preached with boldness.

- Susanna Wesley, John’s mother, led Bible studies in her kitchen for hundreds, shaping the movement itself.

Wesley eventually affirmed: “If you have the gift, you must use it.” Methodism became one of the first modern movements to license women to preach not for popularity, but for faithfulness.

What About Paul’s Words on Silence?

Some point to Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 14 and 1 Timothy 2. But context matters.

- In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul wasn’t banning women from speaking; he was addressing disorder in worship. The same word “silent” is used for tongue speakers without interpreters and prophets speaking out of turn. It was about order, not permanent silence.

- In 1 Timothy 2, Paul addressed a unique problem in Ephesus, where false teaching from the Artemis cult was creeping into the church. His words were situational, not a universal ban.

Elsewhere Paul clearly affirms women leading, praying, teaching, and prophesying.

Scripture’s Bigger Picture

Across the Bible, God calls women to lead:

- Deborah judged Israel (Judges 4).

- Huldah prophesied to kings (2 Kings 22).

- Mary Magdalene was the first to proclaim the resurrection.

- Priscilla, Phoebe, and Junia are honored leaders in the New Testament.

And Paul himself wrote: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

Why It Matters Today

From creation to Christ, from Pentecost to Wesley, the message is clear: God gives gifts without discrimination. To silence a woman’s call is to resist the Spirit’s work.

- In creation, man and woman were given dominion together.

- In Christ, all are equal.

- In the church, gifts come from the Spirit, not gender.

The mission is too urgent to bench half the team.

How We Can Respond

- Men: Don’t block your sisters in Christ; stand beside them.

- Women: Don’t bury your calling step into it.

- All of us: Don’t wait for permission from people when you already have a commission from the Spirit.

Ask yourself:

- Am I resisting God’s call in someone else because of my bias?

- Am I holding back from what God has called me to?

- How can I affirm and support those God is raising up around me?

The church is strongest when men and women serve together. God’s call is for all.