Across the world, countless women of God carry a deep, burning desire to preach. They know they are gifted. They are certain that the Lord is calling them to share His word. Yet, many of these women belong to churches or denominations that do not support women preaching. In fact, some are told—by their pastor, other women in the church, or even their own husbands—that their desire to preach is not from God but from the devil. This kind of spiritual suppression is heartbreaking, and these women bury their dreams, convinced that their calling will never be realized.

This is a sad reality for women in many churches across the country whose voices have been silenced by the heavy hand of patriarchy. Though they may outwardly conform to the traditions of their church, they are hurting inside. Some women even experience trauma from the interactions they’ve had with church members who dismiss and reject their calling. As a result, these women feel disheartened, confused, and left questioning the very dream God has placed on their hearts.

But what does the Bible actually say about women preachers? Is the silence imposed on these women truly biblical, or is it rooted in cultural tradition? Let’s take a deeper look at scripture to dismantle the belief that women are not called to preach. Below are four common arguments used to keep women from answering their call and the biblical truths that counter each one.

1. The Misunderstanding of 1 Timothy 2:12

One of the most frequently cited scriptures used to argue against women preaching is 1 Timothy 2:12, where Paul writes, “I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.” Many interpret this verse as a blanket command for all women in every church to remain silent. However, this interpretation doesn’t hold up when we examine the context of the passage and Paul’s broader teachings.

Paul was writing to Timothy, who was pastoring in Ephesus, a city notorious for false teachings infiltrating the church. Much of this false doctrine was being spread by individuals who lacked proper understanding of the gospel, including some women. In that cultural setting, women often had less access to formal education, which led to confusion and misinterpretation of Christian teachings. Paul’s instruction in 1 Timothy 2:12 was a temporary corrective measure addressing specific issues in that church, where untrained women were leading others astray with inaccurate teachings.

It’s important to note that this directive wasn’t meant to silence all women indefinitely. In fact, Paul commended women who were active in ministry, such as Priscilla, Phoebe, and others, who clearly taught, led, and served in important roles. When we interpret 1 Timothy 2:12 in light of the immediate context and Paul's support for women in ministry elsewhere, it becomes clear that this was a localized response to the problems in Ephesus rather than a universal, eternal decree meant to prohibit women from preaching.

Additionally, interpreting this verse as a blanket ban on women preaching contradicts other passages in the New Testament that show women prophesying, teaching, and leading. 1 Corinthians 11:5 provides a key example, where Paul acknowledges women praying and prophesying in the church. In the New Testament, prophesying wasn’t just about foretelling the future—it involved proclaiming God’s truth publicly, often in ways that included teaching, exhortation, and edification. These are all core aspects of preaching, which means that women who were prophesying in the church were, in many ways, fulfilling a preaching role. Paul clearly supports this practice, demonstrating that women were active in public ministry, not silent observers.

2. Acts 2:17 - Women Prophesying in the New Testament

Building on our understanding of prophecy, the New Testament offers additional support for women preaching through the fulfillment of prophecy in Acts 2:17, which says, “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy…” To prophesy means to speak God’s truth, and that includes preaching. 

Women were active in the early church, and many were recognized for their prophetic ministries. Philip’s four daughters, for example, were known as prophetesses (Acts 21:9). This shows that the early church acknowledged and valued the spiritual gifts of women, including the gift of preaching. The same Spirit that empowers men to preach empowers women as well, and scripture clearly shows us that God calls both men and women to speak His truth.

3. The Role of Phoebe and Junia as Early Church Leaders

A significant biblical counterpoint to the argument that women should not preach is the recognition of women leaders in the early church. Phoebe, mentioned in Romans 16:1-2, is described as a deacon of the church in Cenchreae and a benefactor of many, including Paul. The term "deacon" is a role associated with leadership and service in the early church, which suggests that Phoebe held a position of significant responsibility.

Additionally, Romans 16:7 highlights Junia, who is called "outstanding among the apostles." Junia’s role as an apostle challenges the notion that women were excluded from preaching and leading in the early church. The term "apostle" implies a leadership role that involves preaching and teaching.

These examples show that women were not only active in the church but were also recognized for their leadership and preaching roles. Phoebe and Junia’s contributions demonstrate that early Christian communities valued women’s leadership and preaching, contrary to some traditional interpretations that restrict women’s roles in the church.

4. Women in Jesus’ Ministry

Another argument that is often used to silence women is that Jesus only chose men to be His apostles, implying that leadership and preaching roles are meant exclusively for men. However, when we examine Jesus’ ministry, we see a different picture.

Jesus consistently defied the cultural norms of His time by including women in His ministry. One of the most powerful examples is the Samaritan woman at the well. After her encounter with Jesus, she went back to her village and shared her testimony, leading many to believe in Christ (John 4:39). Additionally, Mary Magdalene was the first person to witness the resurrection of Jesus, and Jesus entrusted her with the responsibility of telling the other disciples (John 20:17-18). If Jesus didn’t hesitate to entrust women with proclaiming the Good News, why should today’s church silence them? Jesus empowered women to share His message, and His actions show that women have a rightful place in preaching.

5. Galatians 3:28 - The Equality of All Believers

Paul’s letter to the Galatians offers a clear statement about the equality of all believers in Christ. Galatians 3:28 says, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This verse speaks to the breaking down of barriers and hierarchies among believers.

Some argue that only men are divinely appointed to lead and preach, but Galatians 3:28 challenges that idea. In Christ, distinctions like gender are no longer barriers to one’s calling. The gifts of teaching and preaching are given by the Holy Spirit to all believers, regardless of gender. To claim that God only calls men to preach is to ignore the biblical truth that all believers are one in Christ and equally capable of being used for His glory.

6. Priscilla: A Pioneering Preacher in the Early Church

One of the most compelling examples of Priscilla’s role as a teacher, which demonstrates her authority in ministry, is found in Acts 18:24-26. In this passage, a man named Apollos, who was “an eloquent speaker” and “thoroughly versed in the Scriptures,” arrived in Ephesus. While Apollos was enthusiastic about preaching, his understanding of the gospel was incomplete. Priscilla and Aquila took him aside and “explained to him the way of God more accurately.” What’s notable here is that Priscilla is mentioned first, which many scholars take as an indication of her leading role in the teaching of Apollos.

The fact that Priscilla and Aquila corrected and instructed Apollos—an established preacher—suggests that Priscilla had deep theological understanding and authority. The early church would not have permitted someone without spiritual and doctrinal credibility to instruct someone of Apollos' standing. This incident highlights her leadership and active participation in a form of teaching or preaching.

Additionally, Priscilla’s name often appears before her husband’s when they are mentioned in Scripture (Romans 16:3; 2 Timothy 4:19), which was unusual in a patriarchal society and may indicate her prominence in ministry. Paul refers to Priscilla and Aquila as “my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,” acknowledging that they were co-laborers in spreading the gospel and helping to establish the church.

While Priscilla is not explicitly called a "preacher" in the New Testament, the act of explaining Scripture and teaching other preachers is undeniably a form of preaching. Her example shows that women were not merely passive participants in the early church but were active in teaching, leadership, and the proclamation of God’s Word. Thus, Priscilla stands as a clear biblical precedent for women in roles of spiritual authority, including preaching and teaching.

Challenging the Traditions That Silence Women

The belief that women are not called to preach is rooted in cultural tradition, not biblical truth. While the church has historically leaned on certain scriptures to justify the silencing of women, a closer examination of the Bible reveals that God has always called and equipped women to share His Word. From the Old Testament to the New, we see women preaching, prophesying, and leading with authority given by God.

If you are a woman who feels called to preach but have been told to remain silent, know that your calling is from the Lord. God has gifted you with a voice, and it is not meant to be silenced by the traditions of men. Your dream is not from the devil—it is from God.

Resist the Silence

As women of God, we must resist the silence that has been imposed upon us. The church cannot afford to continue stifling the voices of those who are called to preach. If you feel called to preach, it is essential to seek support from other women in ministry who understand your journey and can help you take the next steps toward fulfilling your calling.

If this resonates with you, I encourage you to schedule a Ministry Breakthrough Call. This is an opportunity to connect with other women who have faced similar struggles and find practical ways to move forward in your calling. You don’t have to stay silent any longer.

Schedule your call here.

Answer the call. God is waiting for you to step forward in faith.