Woman in ministry

If it is believed that women should not be in ministry, the Kingdom of God is disempowered and stripped of half of its workforce. 

In the light of a very controversial scripture like 1 Timothy 2:8-15, we must rely on scripture to give us an understanding why disregarding women in ministry is problematic. We must look at the practical examples in scripture of how Jesus, Paul and the church regarded women. 

These encounters include Jesus talking to the Samaritan Woman (John 4); the way Paul greets Phoebe, and Priscilla and Aquila in his letter to the Romans (Romans 16); and the mention of Junia, who is an Apostle and a woman (Romans 16:7). How can these women be counted as noteworthy, if they were not allowed to speak, teach or have authority? 

Another story in the bible where a woman is recognized in a prominent position is when Jesus is resurrected, and the first person He reveals Himself to is a woman, Mary Magdalene. Jesus instructs Mary to go and tell the disciples of His resurrection, the most important occurrence in the bible.

Acts 2:17 states: “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy”, confirming that women have a place in ministry. If women are stripped of their right and authority to be participants in the work of ministry, and be co-workers in the kingdom of God, we are effectively trying to run on one leg.