During the month of March when Women’s History Month arrives, we celebrate women who have led nations, built businesses, raised generations, and shaped history. Yet in some circles, there remains debate about whether God truly calls women to preach or lead in the church. Some reference passages about women being silent and conclude that God’s call stops at the edge of a pulpit. Consequently, when we examine Scripture as a whole, a different picture emerges.
The Bible does not present women as spiritually muted; it presents them as spiritually mobilized. Acts 2:17, ESV declares, “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy …” Notice that—sons and daughters! The outpouring of the Holy Spirit was not gender-specific. Heaven did not hang a “Men Only” sign on the Day of Pentecost.
Consider Deborah, described in Judges 4:4, ESV as a prophetess and judge over Israel. She led a nation spiritually and politically, and no one objected when she delivered victory. Then there is Priscilla, who alongside her husband Aquila, helped instruct Apollos more accurately in the faith (Acts 18:26). These examples demonstrate that God has long used women in leadership and teaching roles.
Galatians 3:28, ESV reminds us, “There is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” The same Spirit. The same salvation. The same calling to proclaim truth! While certain passages require thoughtful cultural and contextual study, one isolated text cannot erase the overwhelming testimony of Scripture that God uses women powerfully. If God entrusted women to be the first witnesses of the Resurrection, the greatest announcement in history, I believe He can trust them with a microphone. With just a little humor: if women were meant to be silent, someone forgot to tell Deborah, and somebody definitely forgot to tell our praying grandmothers, because when they got hold of Heaven, mountains moved!
Throughout history, women have preached, taught, led ministries, funded missions, and interceded for nations. The church, as we know it, would not exist without faithful women who answered God’s call despite resistance. The real question is not whether God calls women. The question is whether we are willing to limit what God has clearly empowered. When God calls, He equips. When He equips, He expects obedience, regardless of gender.
Therefore, when Women’s History Month comes around in a few days, let us not simply celebrate women’s accomplishments in society. Let us honor the women God has called, gifted, and anointed in His Kingdom. If God can speak through a burning bush, use fishermen, and even use a donkey… surely, He can use a woman! Further, if He has placed a Word inside of you, will you silence it, or will you surrender and speak? Always abound in the faith, and never leave home without Him!
