God chose to call, empower, and use women in ministry leadership… I’m thankful He did and that He still does.

OK, let’s get right down to it—even in ancient cultures where women were viewed as little more than property, God chose to empower women for his work.

The following is a list of just a few of the women God chose, empowered, and used to be leaders, deacons, teachers, pastors, prophets, influencers…

Miriam

Debra

Huldah

Anna

Tabitha

Lydia

Eodia

Syntyche

Priscilla

Philip’s 4 daughters

Phoebe

Junia

Those are some pretty cool (strong, influential, leading) ladies. Serious. You should check out their stories in the Bible.

Here’s my point: God chose to use women in significant ministry leadership roles, so why would we try to exclude them?

I know, I know—Paul said some difficult things on the subject…

And I do realize some will interpret his instruction as a sweeping order for the ages. However, I think we really need to take into account the whole story, the big picture.

What is the story of Scripture?

Does God rule women out of ministry and leadership? Obviously not.

Particularly, in light of the Gospel, what difference does it make if you’re a girl or a dude?

“There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.” —Galatians 3.28

You see, the Gospel changes everything… how we view people, how we treat people, how we think about social standings and cultural practices. It breaks down the walls. It frees, not binds. It liberates, not enslaves.

Even while dudes attempted to keep women low, subservient, and quiet, God chose to call, empower, and use women in ministry leadership anyway.

I’m thankful He did and that He still does.