Women in Leadership: What Does the Bible Say?

This is a pretty controversial topic. The post that follows is not a comprehensive view of everything the Bible has to say on the topic of women in leadership. In fact, many, many books have been written on the topic. This post simple attempts to adjust our framework by which we answer the question. From a worldly perspective to a Kingdom one. It’s possible you have different opinions on this subject, and that’s OK. Jesus is still King, and all who have surrendered our lives to Him are His Church.

The Debate: Two Schools of Thought (and Everything In Between)

When it comes to women in ministry, there are two primary schools of thought:

– Complementarian: believing that men and women have distinct, complementary roles, with spiritual leadership in the church reserved for men.
– Egalitarian: believing that God gifts and calls both men and women equally to serve and lead in the church.

But most Christians don’t sit squarely on either side.
Many fall somewhere along the spectrum—trying to faithfully honor Scripture while also recognizing the Spirit’s evident work in the lives and leadership of women today.

This isn’t a new debate. It’s been around for centuries. But perhaps the more important question isn’t “Which side are you on?”—maybe it’s “How do we think about this from a Kingdom perspective?”

Reframing the Conversation: Kingdom Over Culture

Too often, we approach this conversation through the lens of culture or tradition. But Jesus calls us to think differently.

“But among you, it will be different.” — Matthew 20:26

In the Kingdom, leadership doesn’t look like dominance, hierarchy, or control. It looks like humility, servanthood, and sacrificial love. The world may elevate power and prestige, or even certain giftings or skills, but in God’s economy, the ones who appear weakest may actually be the most essential (1 Corinthians 12:22–25).

The Kingdom turns our values upside down—on purpose.

What Leadership Is Supposed to Look Like

Jesus modeled Kingdom leadership: washing feet, laying down His life, serving the ones others overlooked. That’s what leadership in the Church is meant to reflect.

Unfortunately, this is often not what we see in the Church today.
We’ve sometimes elevated giftedness over character, platform over service, and charisma over accountability.

True leadership isn’t about being in charge—it’s about being responsible. It’s about equipping others and stewarding the people God entrusts to you.

God Has Often Used Women in Leadership

Throughout Scripture, we see that God uses women to accomplish His purposes—and that includes leadership. And He does so in different ways:
– Sometimes in the absence of obedient male leadership (e.g., Deborah in Judges 4)
– Sometimes in partnership with male leaders (e.g., Priscilla and Aquila)
– And sometimes instead of those who were available (e.g., Mary in John 20)
We also see:
– Esther, who risked her life to save her people
– Huldah, a prophet whose counsel led to national repentance
– Miriam, a worship leader for Israel
– And Jesus consistently included, affirmed, and empowered women—even making a Samaritan woman His first Ambassador (John 4) and Mary his first missionary (John 20)

In my own ministry journey, I’ve worked alongside many gifted women in a variety of leadership roles. They didn’t just bring administrative skills—they brought perspective, discernment, and gifting that I didn’t have. Their contributions have shaped how I lead and do ministry today.

The pattern is clear: God has always used willing vessels—male and female—to accomplish His purposes.

Ability vs. Responsibility: What Actually Defines a Leader?

The question isn’t simply “Can women use their gifts?” That answer is clearly yes.

The deeper issue is: What actually makes someone a leader in the Church?

It’s not the exercising of gifts that makes someone a leader.
It’s not even about who holds a title or is “in charge.”

Leadership is defined by who bears responsibility for the spiritual well-being of the people.

Years ago, a woman in our church named Miss Dorothy pulled me aside. She didn’t hold an official title—many just called her “Mama Dorothy.” She told me, quite firmly, that I wasn’t being friendly enough. I tried to explain that I was often running to handle urgent needs before service, but she didn’t let me off the hook. She said people were interpreting my behavior as cold, as if they didn’t matter. It felt like a rebuke—and maybe it was. But I heard her. And practicing what she pointed out helped me build deeper relationships with many faithful people in our church. That’s leadership.

She didn’t have a title, but she was obedient and she led me. Not by exercising “Authority” but by speaking truth in love.

The Weight of Responsibility: Who Bears It?

Leadership in the Kingdom isn’t about privilege—it’s about weight.
And throughout the New Testament, that weight of accountability often falls on Elders, those entrusted with spiritual oversight.

Elders are called to:
– Equip the saints (Ephesians 4)
– Shepherd the flock
– Live as examples
– Lay down their lives for the people
– And give an account before God

This responsibility is sobering. It’s not something to chase after lightly.

Headship in the Kingdom

Scripture consistently teaches that headship is male—both in the home and in the church.

Ephesians 5 teaches that a husband is the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head of the Church. This doesn’t mean men are more important or more gifted.
Rather, it means that in God’s design, certain roles carry unique accountability.

We don’t say men lead because they are more capable—we say it because God’s design has entrusted them with a certain kind of responsibility.

Elders are called shepherds. But that doesn’t mean others can’t shepherd.
Just like the husband bears ultimate responsibility in the family, so too elders—typically male—bear responsibility in the church.

Responsibility doesn’t mean superiority. It means accountability.

Humility & Submission: The Posture of All Leaders

Whatever our gifting or position, leadership in the Kingdom always requires humility.
Paul reminds us in Philippians 2 that even Jesus “did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage… but humbled himself.”

We are all—men and women—called to mutual submission, Christlike humility, and servant-heartedness.

No one graduates from these traits, no matter their title.

A Secondary Issue, Not the Gospel

This topic has been debated by incredibly gifted, Spirit-filled theologians for generations.
And while it’s an important discussion, it’s not a Gospel issue.

This is a secondary issue—not central to salvation, not a test of faith, and not something that should divide the body of Christ.

Years ago, I did an in-depth study of Scripture, genuinely hoping to land on an egalitarian position. I wanted the answer to be simple. But as I studied, what emerged was not a theology of power, but a theology of responsibility. That shift changed how I saw the entire question.

We may not have full clarity until we’re with Jesus. Until then, let’s walk in grace, truth, and love toward those who see things differently.

Maybe We’ve Been Asking the Wrong Question

In the end, the most faithful question may not be “Can a woman preach?” or “Should a woman lead?”
Maybe it’s this:

What is God asking us to do?
Who has He gifted and called for this moment?
And who is taking responsibility to make sure it gets done?

Let’s not elevate our preferences above God’s purposes.
Let’s not disqualify someone whom God has clearly called.

I do know this. God can use whomever He wants to do whatever He wants. I want to be the kind of person who is less interested in drawing lines—and more interested in seeing His Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.