It’s one of the most discouraging things to see comments on a female faith leader’s social media criticizing and insulting her for being out of place. It’s even more discouraging when male leaders of faith organizations support these views with their own publications or sermons.

Let’s get it out there: Women can absolutely lead in church. A lot of the misunderstanding of a “woman’s role” in church has to do with some passages by Paul. These are passages (1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 11) taken from very personal letters to churches dealing with specific situations regarding some women in their congregations spreading false doctrine, not that they cannot lead because of the fact that they are women alone. 

This notion would be silly because some of Paul’s own contemporaries were women! Phoebe was a contemporary of Paul who held the title of “deacon” in her community (Romans 16:1). Priscilla was a business owner who became a great teacher (Acts 18:26), and Lydia was a merchant who held church gatherings in her home, establishing one of the earliest houses of Christian worship (Acts 16:40).

And it’s not all about Paul’s contemporaries either. Women leaders in the Bible can be found all throughout Scripture way back to the time of the judges, when there was a female judge, Deborah. 

Everybody wins when we have women in church leadership

When we have more women in church leadership, we gain a wider diversity of perspective in our teachings. Women leaders may identify other areas that need to be taught that may be overlooked by their male contemporaries.

Additionally, it’s important for young women to have female leaders they can look up to and be inspired by.

It’s time for the church to stop misusing two simple verses in Paul’s letters as an excuse to keep women out of leadership. Women are great leaders with a lot to offer the church, and we all need to help encourage more women to take on more leadership roles.

Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey

At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey in finding yours. We are currently going through a new sermon series titled “To Hell With Normal.” It’s all about redefining what we consider normal in life as we seek to make our lives more like the way Jesus would have them to be. 

Do you want to grow in your faith or are you simply curious about who this Jesus guy is? You’re not alone. We encourage you to listen to our series online and welcome you to come to one of our Sunday morning services in Valrico, Florida.