Leadership is a powerful role, one that requires wisdom, courage, and a heart for serving others.
Throughout history, the question of whether women can lead—especially in spiritual and church settings—has been widely debated.
Some believe that leadership should be reserved for men, while others argue that God has called both men and women to lead in various ways.
What does the Bible actually say about women in leadership?
Does God support women in roles of authority, or does Scripture limit them to certain roles?
To answer these questions, we need to look at both the Old and New Testaments, examining how God used women to lead and what biblical principles apply to leadership today.
Women as Leaders in the Old Testament
The Old Testament provides several examples of women in leadership roles, demonstrating that God has always used women to accomplish His purposes.
One of the most notable female leaders in the Bible is Deborah.
Deborah: A Judge and Leader of Israel
Deborah was not only a prophetess but also a judge—one of the highest leadership positions in Israel.
Judges 4:4-5 says, “Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.
She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided.”
Deborah was a spiritual, military, and political leader.
She delivered God’s messages, provided wisdom in difficult matters, and even led Israel to victory against their enemies.
Her story is significant because she was chosen by God to lead in a time when male leadership was more common.
If God did not support women in leadership, why would He place Deborah in such an important role?
Miriam: A Prophetess and Worship Leader
Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, also played a leadership role among the Israelites.
Exodus 15:20 calls her a prophetess, and she led the people in worship after God parted the Red Sea.
Her leadership was spiritual, guiding the people in praise and celebration.
Though she later made a mistake in questioning Moses’ authority (Numbers 12), she was still recognized as a key leader in Israel’s history.
Queen Esther: A Leader Who Saved a Nation
Esther was not a political leader in the traditional sense, but God placed her in a position of influence as queen of Persia.
When her people were threatened with destruction, she courageously used her role to speak to the king and save the Jewish people.
Esther 4:14 records Mordecai’s famous words to her:
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish.
And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Esther’s story shows that God raises women into leadership positions for His purposes.
Her boldness, wisdom, and faith saved an entire nation.
Women as Leaders in the New Testament
The New Testament also contains examples of women in leadership roles within the early church and ministry.
Priscilla: A Teacher and Church Leader
One of the most influential women in the early church was Priscilla.
She and her husband, Aquila, were co-workers with the Apostle Paul in spreading the gospel.
Acts 18:24-26 describes how Priscilla and Aquila taught Apollos, a well-known preacher, helping him understand the gospel more accurately.
Paul also mentions Priscilla in Romans 16:3, calling her his “co-worker in Christ Jesus.”
She was actively involved in teaching and ministry leadership, demonstrating that women had important roles in the early church.
Phoebe: A Deacon and Servant of the Church
In Romans 16:1-2, Paul speaks highly of Phoebe, calling her a deacon in the church at Cenchreae.
He writes, “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae.
I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of His people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.”
The word deacon (Greek: diakonos) means servant, minister, or one who leads in service.
Phoebe was entrusted with delivering Paul’s letter to the Romans, showing that she held a respected leadership position.
Junia: An Apostle
Another fascinating mention of female leadership is found in Romans 16:7, where Paul greets Junia and Andronicus, saying they were “outstanding among the apostles.”
Some translations have tried to change Junia’s name to a male form (Junias), but historical and biblical scholars confirm that Junia was a woman and an apostle.
If Paul acknowledged a female apostle, this indicates that women were actively involved in leadership and ministry roles in the early church.
Common Objections to Women in Leadership
Some passages in the Bible seem to suggest that women should not hold leadership positions, and these verses are often cited in debates on the topic.
Two of the most commonly referenced scriptures are 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and 1 Timothy 2:11-12.
1 Corinthians 14:34-35 – “Women Should Remain Silent”
This passage states, “Women should remain silent in the churches.
They are not allowed to speak but must be in submission, as the law says.”
At first glance, this seems to prohibit women from speaking in church at all.
However, earlier in the same letter, Paul acknowledges that women do pray and prophesy in church (1 Corinthians 11:5).
This suggests that the instruction in chapter 14 was addressing a specific issue—possibly disorderly speaking or interruptions—rather than banning all women from speaking.
1 Timothy 2:11-12 – “I Do Not Permit a Woman to Teach”
Paul writes, “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.
I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.”
This is one of the most debated passages regarding women in leadership.
Some believe it applies to all churches in all times, while others argue that it was specific to the situation in Ephesus, where false teaching was spreading.
It is important to note that Paul regularly worked with and praised female leaders, such as Priscilla, Phoebe, and Junia.
If Paul truly meant that no woman should ever teach or lead, he would not have commended these women for doing just that.
God’s View of Leadership
Regardless of gender, the Bible teaches that leadership is about serving, not power.
Jesus said in Matthew 20:26-28, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
True leadership is not about control or dominance—it is about humility, service, and leading others closer to God.
Galatians 3:28 also reminds us that in Christ, all believers are equal in value and purpose:
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
While men and women may have different roles, their calling and ability to serve God are not limited by gender.
Final Thoughts
The Bible provides many examples of women in leadership, showing that God has always used women to guide, teach, and influence His people.
From Deborah and Esther in the Old Testament to Priscilla, Phoebe, and Junia in the New Testament, Scripture affirms that women can hold positions of authority and service.
While some passages seem restrictive, a deeper understanding of context shows that women were active participants in ministry and leadership throughout biblical history.
God calls both men and women to lead with wisdom, humility, and faithfulness.
If God has given a woman the gifts of teaching, leadership, and service, she should use them boldly for His glory.
Rather than focusing on division, the church should celebrate and empower all believers—male and female—to fulfill their God-given callings.
The question is not whether women can lead, but how we can all lead in a way that honors God.