06/16/2026
Women CAN Pastor! The gifts of the spirit and of the local church were never limited to a gender! The story of scripture in its entirety is a story of not just men being anointed and used, but mighty WOMEN of faith who accomplished great things for God! From a woman who was considered a deliverer of Gods people in the Old Testament (Esther), to the very first Evangelist in the New Testament( Samaritan Woman at the well). There is a LONG LIST OF WOMEN who shaped, defined, and changed the world with their obedience to God.
Here’s a list of only a few in the New Testament:
1) Junea:
She was considered an “Apostle of Apostles”.(Romans 16:7) She was highly respected in the church. Positioned by the Apostle Paul in the highest level of leadership and even imprisoned for her faith!
2) Phoebe:
She was wealthy, influential, and was positioned as a Deacon in the local church.(Romans 16:1-2) She was arguably the most important woman mentioned in Paul’s letters because many scholars believe she would have carried Paul’s letters to the Romans to be read and ministered to. The Apostle Paul also stressed to the Church of Rome to “assist her” in her work in the ministry. She was not just a minor woman assisting around the church needs, she was a leader, minister, & benefactor in the local church!
3) Priscilla:
She is mentioned in the Apostle Paul’s writings 4-5 times which shows her importance and role in the church. (Acts 18, Romans 16:3–5, 1 Corinthians 16:19, 2 Timothy 4:19). She taught, trained, and equipped Apollos the gospel, and was a prominent figure in helping disciple and teach the local church. It is also mentioned that she led a church in her own home. She was a leader and a teacher who discipled many men and women in the faith.
4) Lydia:
She was a wealthy and influential businesswoman who operated as a major leader of the church of Philippi. She was actually the first recorded convert in Europe, who then opened her home to lead the church there.(Acts 16:40)
5) Nympha:
Very similar to Lydia, opened and led a house church in Laodicia .
