📖 She Preached First

Are Women Really Called to Preach?

PreachingGuru.com

The first person to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus Christ was not Peter, James, or John. It was Mary Magdalene. A woman. Sent by the Savior. With a word that would change the world.

That truth alone ought to shift the conversation about women preachers.

I am aware that the topic can raise eyebrows. But let me be plain: the Bible is not confused about the value, calling, or voice of women. The confusion often comes from us—our assumptions, our traditions, and the way we have chosen to read certain Scriptures in isolation instead of in light of the whole story.

I want to speak not just to the issue, but to the weight. There are gifted women in our churches who have been called, anointed, and assigned by God, yet find themselves boxed in by institutional hesitation or theological red tape. I believe it is time we look again—not with fear, but with faith.

What Does the Word Say?

Let us start with what is clear.

In John 20, Jesus rises from the grave and appears to Mary Magdalene. He could have waited for the disciples. He could have summoned a crowd. But He chose her. And He said, “Go to My brothers and say to them…” (John 20:17). That was not a suggestion. That was a commission. Mary Magdalene became the first preacher of the resurrection. The first one to declare, “I have seen the Lord.”

If preaching is about proclaiming the risen Christ, then let us not forget—she preached first.

In Romans 16, Paul sends his most important letter by way of a woman named Phoebe. He calls her a deacon, a benefactor, and one worthy of honor. Scholars agree that Phoebe likely read and explained that letter to the church in Rome. Imagine that, Romans, the most theologically rich book in the Bible, was first read aloud and taught by a woman.

Then there’s Priscilla, who, alongside her husband Aquila, taught Apollos, one of the most gifted preachers of the early church. Scripture says she explained the way of God to him more accurately (Acts 18:26).

We could keep going. Junia, a female apostle. The daughters of Philip, who prophesied. Lydia, a leader of a house church. The Bible is not silent on the topic of women in ministry. We just need to listen.

What About Paul?

The tension usually comes when people bring up 1 Timothy 2:12—“I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man.” That verse is real. But context is critical.

Paul was writing to a specific church, dealing with specific issues, in a culture filled with confusion about gender roles, false teaching, and spiritual maturity. He was not laying down a universal law for all churches in all times. If that were the case, Paul would be contradicting himself when he praises women who teach, prophesy, and lead.

God does not contradict Himself. Scripture interprets Scripture. And the same Bible that includes 1 Timothy 2 also includes John 20, Romans 16, Acts 18, and Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

We must learn to read the Word with our eyes open, not just our assumptions intact.

A Silenced Gift Is a Wasted Grace

When we sideline women from preaching, we rob the church of prophetic voices, pastoral hearts, and gospel power. We shrink the reach of the kingdom by telling half the church they can sing on Sunday but not speak from the pulpit. That is not just a leadership issue; it is a stewardship issue.

The Spirit gives gifts to whom the Spirit chooses. And the Spirit does not ask our permission first.

There are women called to preach. Not because the culture says they can, but because the kingdom says they must. Their calling is not a trend. It is a testimony to the God who uses whoever He wants, however He wants.

Final Word

Let me speak now to the woman who feels called but constrained.

God saw you. God called you. And God has not changed God’s mind.

You do not need to force your way forward, but you also do not have to shrink to fit someone else’s comfort zone. Keep studying. Keep praying. Keep serving. Your gift will make room for you. And when God opens the door, walk through it with power and humility.

We need your voice. We need your mind. We need your heart. Because the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you and that Spirit still speaks.

So preach, sister. Preach like Mary. Preach like Phoebe. Preach like Priscilla. Preach because Jesus told you to.

We will listen.

Shalom.

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