Can Women Preach the Gospel?
I remember watching my grandfather, Otis Hope, prep for his Sunday messages in the living room while my grandmother, Allie Avis Hope, worked circling around him: grabbing him extra white-out for his homemade sermon booklets, cooking his dinner, and even running his bathwater. While he was getting his ministry degree, she worked full time running a hospital and then would come home and type up all his outlines and homework because he never learned to type. She edited each sermon but never got the credit. She earned the degree alongside him but never got the credit. She also taught Sunday School for 42 years and never got the credit yet I never heard her complain one time. This speaks highly of her character and the type of woman I want to become.
Before God, she received crowns in her service to my PawPaw and in her service to God. This is why women are not only allowed to speak but are called to speak. Man and woman each fulfill different roles and as we happily fulfill our role we can also find our voice.
Often times the thing that holds us back the most is the deep-seated belief that we, as women, are not allowed to preach the Gospel. Most of the churches we grew up in never had women preach on a Sunday or the one exception would be Mother’s Day. Even if our local church said they agreed with women teachers they did not make a place for women to consistently show up outside of the regular Sunday School class tucked away in a different building. This may have set us on a course of feeling hidden or unappreciated. We know in our hearts, no matter what recognition man gives us, it does not hinder the opportunity God gives us. Recognition does not confirm calling. I believe this topic can get SO complex we do not press in for understanding or press pass for action.
Here is what we do know:
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Jesus used the women at the well to tell the entire town to “come and see.” John 4:25
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Jesus used Mary to tell His male apostles to “go and see.” John 20:18
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Jesus has given you permission to preach. More than that He has commissioned you to use your voice to make disciples. Matthew 28:19
You do not have to know the ends and outs of every argument for or against your ability to preach. You simply have to hear and obey. Let the chips fall where they may. We encourage you to study to show yourself approved. This may be a life long journey for you as you step up and speak out. As you grow your appetite for deeper study will grow with you. I have linked the top 5 resources that have marked my heart on this journey to freely declaring God’s Good News.
Top Five Books to read on this topic:
Why Not Women by Loren Cunningham
Powerful And Free by Danny Silk
Bible Women: All Their Words and Why They Matter Kindle Editionby Lindsay Hardin Freeman
I didn't come from a ministry background, but when I married my husband in 2010 with an Interior Design degree from LSU and no seminary training, he welcomed me into the ministry. In 2012, a prophetic couple told me that I had the anointing of Lydia, and God wanted to use it to funnel millions through the Kingdom by starting online courses and classes. At this time, I had NO dream or even thought of Let’s Echo, but I received the word from the Lord.
Today, I'm witnessing that prophetic word coming true. You are a prophetic word fulfilled and a dream come true!
The Preacher Girl Club empowers women to use their voice for Jesus through our online coaching community, practical courses, and leadership resources. Our members collaborate, speak at each other's events, write content together, and start ministries side by side.
