08/31/2026
More than a Seat in a Pew
đź“–Romans 16:1-12
Yesterday at Cross Keys, we looked at Romans 16 and what it teaches us about the role of women in the church.
As we continue our call to be disciples who make disciples, we were reminded that the Christian life is not a spectator sport. God has gifted every believer—men and women alike—to serve, lead, teach, labor, and make disciples.
Through the women Paul mentions in Romans 16, we saw three important truths:
🔹 Women are called to serve the church.
Paul begins by commending Phoebe, a faithful servant of the church in Cenchreae. The Greek word Paul uses is diakonos, the same word from which we get “deacon.” While translations differ on how the word should be understood here, there is strong biblical and historical evidence for understanding Phoebe as a deacon.
🔹 Women are called to lead and use their gifts.
Priscilla served alongside Aquila and helped teach Apollos the way of God more accurately. Throughout Scripture, women are shown actively participating in the mission of God.
🔹 Women are called to labor for the Lord.
Mary, Junia, Tryphaena, Tryphosa, and Persis are remembered because of their hard work for the Kingdom. They weren't simply sitting in the pew—they were working for the advancement of the Gospel.
Romans 16 is more than a list of names. It is a picture of a healthy church: men and women working together, serving together, teaching together, and laboring together for the Gospel.
Too often, we believe the lie: “I can’t do ______ because I’m a woman.”
But Scripture challenges us to ask a different question: “Lord, what have You called me to do?”
Whether it’s serving on a committee, teaching, leading a ministry, volunteering, discipling someone, or going on a mission trip, there is a place for you in the mission of God.
You are more than a seat in a pew. You are part of the Body. You have a role to play.
“...heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.” — Romans 8:17
