The Importance of Women Preachers and How They Carry the Word of God (Bible Study)

Women have played vital roles in spreading God's word throughout history, and their contributions to ministry continue to be significant today. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, Scripture provides examples of women serving as leaders, prophets, and proclaimers of God’s truth. This Bible study will explore the importance of women preachers, highlight biblical examples, and examine how they fulfill their calling in carrying God's message.

A. Biblical Foundations for Women in Ministry

The Bible shows that women are called, empowered, and equipped to share the Gospel and minister to others. The idea that preaching is reserved only for men does not align with Scripture’s many examples of women actively declaring God’s truth.

God’s Spirit Is Poured Out on Women

Joel 2:28-29 – "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days."

God’s promise of the outpouring of His Spirit includes both men and women. The ability to prophesy and proclaim God’s word is not gender-restricted.

Galatians 3:28 – "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Paul teaches that in Christ, all are equal, including their calling and role in spreading the Gospel.

Biblical Examples of Women Who Proclaimed God’s Truth. Throughout Scripture, God chose women to deliver His message, serve as leaders, and spread His word.

1. Deborah the Judge and Prophetess (Judges 4:4-5) – Deborah was both a judge and a prophet, leading Israel with wisdom and spiritual authority. She spoke God’s truth and guided His people in righteousness.

2. Miriam, a Leader and Worshipper (Exodus 15:20) – Miriam led the people in worship and declared God’s victory. She was recognized as a prophet alongside Moses and Aaron.

3. Huldah, a Prophetess (2 Kings 22:14-20) – During a time of spiritual revival, Huldah was consulted for God’s guidance, and her words shaped Israel’s response to God’s covenant.

4. Priscilla, a Teacher of the Gospel (Acts 18:26) – Priscilla, alongside her husband Aquila, taught and mentored Apollos, an influential preacher. She actively participated in instructing others in Christian doctrine.

5. Mary Magdalene, the First to Declare Christ’s Resurrection (John 20:17-18) – Jesus entrusted Mary Magdalene with the first message of His resurrection, commanding her to go and tell the disciples.

These examples confirm that women have a biblical mandate to share God’s word and lead His people.

B. The Role of Women Preachers in Carrying God’s Word

Women today continue to faithfully preach and teach, fulfilling the Great Commission. Jesus commanded all believers—men and women—to proclaim the Gospel:

Matthew 28:19-20 – "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

Women Are Called to Preach

God does not limit His calling based on gender. When He chooses someone, He equips them for ministry.

Romans 10:14-15 – "How can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?"

If women are prevented from preaching, how can many hear the Gospel? God calls all people to be messengers of His truth.

Acts 2:17-18 – "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy."

Women receiving the Holy Spirit are empowered to preach, teach, and prophesy.

Women Carry the Gospel with Strength and Conviction. When women preach, they carry God’s word with:

i. Authority – Luke 1:45 – "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her."

ii. Wisdom – Proverbs 31:26 – "She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."

iii. Compassion – Romans 12:10 – "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."

Women preachers bring unique perspectives, sharing God’s message with passion, grace, and strength.

3. Overcoming Opposition to Women in Ministry

Despite biblical support for women preachers, there are still challenges and opposition. Some point to certain scriptures to restrict women from teaching (such as 1 Timothy 2:12), but these passages must be understood in their historical and cultural context.

Context of 1 Timothy 2:12 – Paul was addressing specific issues in the church, not creating a universal rule against women preaching.

Balance of Scripture – Since the Bible affirms women prophesying, teaching, and leading, these verses must be interpreted within the broader scriptural context.

God’s Calling Is Greater Than Cultural Limitations

Women continue to preach and spread the Gospel, fulfilling their divine calling despite obstacles.

Jeremiah 1:5 – "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart."

God’s calling on an individual’s life is not determined by human restrictions.

Conclusion: Women Are Called to Preach

Women in ministry play a critical role in spreading the Gospel, leading congregations, and teaching biblical truth. Throughout Scripture, God calls and equips women to declare His word, and He continues to do so today.

1. Biblical examples prove women’s authority in preaching and leadership.

2. The Great Commission applies to both men and women.

3. The Holy Spirit empowers women to teach, prophesy, and evangelize.

4. Cultural barriers do not override God’s divine calling.

As believers, we must embrace and support women preachers who boldly proclaim the word of God. They are vital to the growth and health of the church, bringing wisdom, strength, and spiritual insight that God has ordained.

Bishop Charlene M. Jamison, Contributor

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