For years, I was led to believe the lie that leadership was a man’s calling—not a woman’s. This belief wasn’t born from secular culture but was fed to me by people I trusted, even loved—some of them Christians, some even family. They pointed to a few verses, wrapped them in tradition, and told me I was stepping out of God’s will if I dared to lead or influence outside the “acceptable” boundaries.
But as I grew in faith and studied the fullness of Scripture, I came to realize the truth: that belief wasn’t biblical. It was bondage.
The Lie: “Women Can’t Lead”
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For centuries, many have taught that a woman’s role is to follow, not lead; to listen, not teach; to support, not spearhead. But here’s the truth:
This isn’t God’s heart—it’s a distortion of it.
Religious communities often cite verses like 1 Timothy 2:12 or 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 to silence women, yet they ignore the cultural context, the broader biblical witness, and the powerful ways God has used women throughout Scripture.
The Dangers of This Belief
Believing that women should not lead causes deep and lasting harm:
- It silences voices God wants to use. Think of Deborah (Judges 4), Priscilla (Acts 18), Phoebe (Romans 16), and Mary Magdalene—the first to proclaim the risen Christ. Would we silence them today?
- It robs the Church of spiritual gifts. Leadership, wisdom, teaching, discernment—these aren’t gendered gifts. They’re Spirit-given.
- It breeds inequality and spiritual abuse. Telling women their place is “beneath” men is not humility—it’s hierarchy. And it leads to manipulation, control, and deep wounds.
- It contradicts the message of Jesus. Jesus uplifted women, welcomed them as disciples, and revealed Himself to them first.
What Scripture Actually Shows
The Bible is full of women who led with courage and faith:
- Deborah – Prophet and judge over Israel (Judges 4–5)
- Esther – Queen who risked her life to save her people
- Mary Magdalene – First witness and preacher of the Resurrection
- Priscilla – Teacher of Apollos, a prominent early church leader (Acts 18:26)
- Phoebe – A deacon in the early church, entrusted with delivering Paul’s letter (Romans 16:1)
Paul also affirms in Galatians 3:28 that in Christ, “there is neither male nor female,” because all are one in Him. That’s not erasure of gender—it’s elevation of equal value and calling.
Why I Speak Out Now
Because I know how deeply this lie can take root. I know what it’s like to second-guess your voice, your calling, your authority—just because you’re a woman. But I also know the freedom that comes from realizing God doesn’t limit women—people do.
I lead because I’m called.
I speak because I’m anointed.
I serve not in spite of being a woman, but because God created me to lead as a woman.
To the Woman Who’s Still Wrestling
If you’re unsure, afraid, or feel the sting of disapproval from family, church, or culture—I see you. God sees you.
Go deeper. Don’t settle for someone else’s interpretation. Open your Bible. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into truth. Study the women of Scripture, and ask yourself: Would I silence her today?
And when you feel that fire in your bones—the one that won’t let you stay quiet—remember, that’s not rebellion. That’s your calling.
Conclusion: It’s Time to Rise
The Church doesn’t need fewer women in leadership. It needs more.
More women preaching truth.
More women teaching boldly.
More women leading with love, discernment, and fire.
We are not a threat to God’s design—we are a fulfillment of it.
Let’s Talk
Have you wrestled with this lie too?
Share your story in the comments, or tag a woman leader who inspires you.
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