Women’s Leadership in the Church Isn’t Optional

Why Women’s Leadership in the Church Isn’t Optional—It’s Biblical: Lessons from Romans 16

When we talk about the future of the Church, we often dream big: reaching new people, transforming communities, and seeing lives changed by the gospel. But if we want to see the Church thrive as God intended, we must look back to its roots. And when we do, especially in Romans 16, we find something both radical and refreshingly clear: women were leaders, deacons, apostles, and indispensable partners in gospel ministry from the very beginning.

The Early Church: A Team Effort

Paul’s closing chapter in Romans isn’t just a list of names—it’s a window into the heart of the early church. It’s diverse. It’s vibrant. And it’s a team effort. Men and women married and single, young and old, from every nation and ethnicity—all working together for the sake of the gospel. The Church isn’t meant to be a spectator sport; it’s a place where everyone is called to participate.

Meet Phoebe: Deacon, Leader, and Paul’s Trusted Proxy

Let’s talk about Phoebe. Paul introduces her in Romans 16:1–2 with a commendation that should make us sit up and take notice:

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor [leader] of many people, including me. (Romans 16:1–2, CSB)

Phoebe wasn’t just a helper; she was a deacon—a functional leader in her home church. But Paul trusted her with something even more significant: carrying his letter to the Romans. Remember, this was before email, before printing presses. The letter carrier didn’t just deliver the mail—they read it aloud, answered questions, and represented the author. One of the most renowned biblical scholars on Paul’s letters, Richard Longenecker, states: “Phoebe should be viewed as the first commentator to others on Paul’s letter to Rome.”

The Greek word Paul uses for “benefactor” (προΐστημι) is the same root used elsewhere in the New Testament for church leaders—people with real authority, influence, and responsibility. For example, the same Greek term in the masculine form is translated as “ring leader” when referring to Paul (Acts 24:5). The cognate word group (related words) are used 8x in the NT always is in the context of honorary church leadership! Letting Paul’s description for Phoebe speak for itself, we see that Phoebe is an example, not an exception.

Phoebe was Paul’s point person, his proxy in his absence. She had to be mature in faith, wise, and trustworthy.

Meet Junia: An Outstanding Apostle Among Apostles

Paul goes on to greet Andronicus and Junia, calling them “outstanding among the apostles.” Let that sink in: Junia, a woman, is named as an apostle—a title reserved for those who saw the risen Christ and were commissioned to launch the church. Most scholars agree: apostleship was the highest office in the early church. Junia and Andronicus were even imprisoned for their faith, enduring hardship and persecution right alongside Paul.

Imagine what it took for a woman to be imprisoned in the ancient world. It meant Junia wasn’t just present; she was leading from the front, risking everything for the gospel.

This Isn’t About Culture—It’s About Calling

Some argue that embracing women in all levels of church leadership is a modern accommodation. But Romans 16 shows us it’s a return to our roots. The early church wasn’t afraid to empower women. In fact, it thrived because it did. Paul didn’t make ministry competitive; he celebrated every person’s contribution, every spiritual gift, regardless of gender. At Newbreak, we believe the same. We’re not fans in the stands—we’re followers of Christ all on the field of play. We don’t compare or compete; we collaborate and celebrate. The gospel expands most powerfully when every voice is heard, every gift is used, and every person—male or female—steps into their calling.

The Gospel Calls Us All

Here’s the truth: if you belong to Jesus, you have a gospel calling. It’s not a matter of if, but whether you’ll be obedient to it. Your life isn’t your own anymore; it’s been redeemed, repurposed, and set on a new trajectory by Christ. And that means your gifts, your story, your leadership—they matter. Paul praised the Roman church for their obedience, not just their belief. The gospel isn’t just good news about your past or your future—it’s the power to change your purpose right now.

Let’s Be the Church God Intended

Romans 16 isn’t just history—it’s a blueprint. Women were integral to the gospel then, and they must be now. This isn’t about one gender over another; it’s about retrieving the apostolic vision of full participation. When we embrace women’s leadership at every level, we’re not just being progressive—we’re being biblical. So, Church, let’s step out in obedience. Let’s celebrate the women in leadership among us. Let’s unlock the full potential of the Church by empowering every believer to lead, serve, and share the gospel.

The question isn’t whether women can lead. The question is: will we be obedient enough to let them?

I understand we didn’t address all the Scriptural data, points and counterpoints when it comes to this discussion. This blog post was meant to simply make a few brief points of consideration during our sermon series through the letter to the Romans. Some scholars have devoted years of research and writing on this topic.

Here are two books I believe are helpful and not too academic (though from qualified authors) when it comes to the topic of women in church leadership:

Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church by Nijay K. Gupta
Equal by Katia Adams

This Week's Sermon