Throughout Scripture, women have played significant roles in the life of the church, both in the Old and New Testaments. From prophets to disciples, leaders to servants, God has used women to fulfill His divine purposes. The Bible provides guidance on how women should serve within the church, emphasizing spiritual gifts, leadership, and their indispensable contributions. Below are seven key areas where Scripture highlights the role of women in the church.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Women’s Roles
Women as Disciples and Followers of Christ
Women were among the earliest followers of Jesus, learning from Him and supporting His ministry. The Bible affirms that discipleship is for all believers, regardless of gender. Women sat at Jesus’ feet, traveled with Him, and played a crucial role in spreading the Gospel. These verses demonstrate their dedication to following Christ.
Luke 8:1-3
“Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.”
Matthew 28:1-10
“Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. […] Then Jesus said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.'”
John 11:25-27
“Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ she told him. ‘I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.'”
Acts 1:14
“They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary, the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.”
Romans 16:1-2
“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.”
Women as Leaders in the Church
While the New Testament provides specific instructions regarding leadership, it also highlights women who served as deacons, prophets, and church leaders. The early church recognized the important roles women played in guiding and nurturing believers.
Judges 4:4-5
“Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophet who was judging Israel at that time. She would sit under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites would go to her for judgment.”
Acts 18:24-26
“Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt. He had been taught the way of the Lord, and he taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit and with accuracy. However, he knew only about John’s baptism. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately.”
Romans 16:7
“Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did.”
1 Corinthians 11:5
“But a woman dishonors her head if she prays or prophesies without a covering on her head, for this is the same as shaving her head.”
2 Kings 22:14
“So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Acbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to the New Quarter of Jerusalem to consult with the prophet Huldah.”
Women as Encouragers and Servants
Women in the Bible are frequently recognized for their service and encouragement within the body of Christ. Whether through acts of hospitality, generosity, or prayer, their contributions strengthened the church.
Proverbs 31:26
“When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.”
Luke 10:38-42
“As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. […]”
1 Timothy 5:9-10
“A widow who is put on the list for support must be a woman who is at least sixty years old and was faithful to her husband. She must be well respected by everyone because of the good she has done. Has she brought up her children well? Has she been kind to strangers and served other believers humbly? Has she helped those who are in trouble? Has she always been ready to do good?”
Romans 16:3-4
“Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus. In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches.”
Acts 9:36
“There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor.”
Women as Disciples and Followers of Christ
Women were among the earliest followers of Jesus, learning from Him and supporting His ministry. The Bible affirms that discipleship is for all believers, regardless of gender. Women sat at Jesus’ feet, traveled with Him, and played a crucial role in spreading the Gospel. These verses demonstrate their dedication to following Christ.
Luke 8:1-3
“Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.”
Matthew 28:1-10
“Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. […] Then Jesus said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.'”
John 11:25-27
“Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ she told him. ‘I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.'”
Acts 1:14
“They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary, the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.”
Romans 16:1-2
“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.”
Also Read: Bible Verses On Women’s Leadership
Women as Teachers and Mentors
Women have been called to teach and mentor others in the faith, whether in their homes, within the church, or in the community. Scripture highlights the importance of women instructing younger believers and raising godly families.
Titus 2:3-5
“Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.”
2 Timothy 1:5
“I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.”
Proverbs 6:20
“My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.”
Acts 16:14-15
“One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. She and her household were baptized, and she asked us to be her guests.”
Colossians 3:16
“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.”
Women in Prayer and Worship
Women are called to be devoted in prayer and worship, interceding for others and lifting up praises to God. Their commitment to seeking God’s presence strengthens the church and glorifies Him.
1 Samuel 1:27-28
“I asked the Lord to give me this boy, and he has granted my request. Now I am giving him to the Lord, and he will belong to the Lord his whole life. And they worshiped the Lord there.”
Luke 2:36-37
“Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. […] She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer.”
Acts 16:13
“On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there.”
Philippians 4:6
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”
1 Corinthians 14:26
“Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.”
Women as Examples of Faith
Throughout the Bible, women have set powerful examples of faith, trust, and obedience to God. Their lives encourage believers to follow Christ wholeheartedly.
Hebrews 11:11
“It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise.”
Esther 4:16
“Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.”
Ruth 1:16
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.'”
Luke 1:45
“You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”
Mark 14:8-9
“She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”