There has long been debate over whether women can be pastors, elders, or even Bible teachers (particularly when their students include men). Christians can and do disagree about these matters. And we will not take a position here. What cannot be disputed is the important roles women have played throughout the Bible as spiritual leaders: prophesying, evangelizing, and ministering in various ways. We discuss the ministry roles played by the Samaritan woman at the well, Huldah the prophetess, Dorcas who helped the needy during New Testament times, and Phoebe who was described as a deacon by the apostle Paul.

 

Scriptures referenced include John 4:5-42; 2 Kings 22:11-20; 2 Chronicles 34:14-33; Acts 9:36-42; Galatians 2:10; James 1:27; Romans 16:1-2; Luke 10:38–40; and 2 John 1.