Can women be missionaries? What does the Bible say about women missionaries?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible affirms that women have played vital roles in missionary work and the spread of the gospel throughout church history. While Scripture teaches that women are not to hold spiritual authority over men or teach them within the local church (1 Timothy 2:12; 1 Corinthians 14:34-35), it also highlights women actively participating in teaching, preaching, and missionary efforts alongside men (Acts 18:26; Romans 16:1-2; Philippians 4:2-3). Early Christian women, such as Priscilla, Lydia, Tabitha, Phoebe, and Mary the mother of John Mark, demonstrated faithful service by teaching, hosting gatherings, supporting missionaries, and spreading the gospel in various settings. These examples show that the role of a missionary is not limited by gender but rather defined by obedience and a willingness to share Christ wherever He leads. Women missionaries continue this legacy today, impacting lives globally. Their dedication challenges all believers to participate in God’s redemptive work. Ministry is fueled by God’s calling, not by gender, and inspiring a lasting impact for His kingdom both locally and worldwide.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Old Testament does not explicitly address the concept of women as “missionaries” in the way the New Testament later presents it, since the formal missionary movement had not yet begun. However, it does provide examples of women who played important roles in God’s plan and in influencing others for His purposes. Deborah served as a prophetess and judge, leading Israel both spiritually and politically (Judges 4–5). While not a missionary in the New Testament sense, she demonstrates that God can call women to significant roles in guiding His people.
• Huldah was a prophetess who proclaimed God’s word to King Josiah and influenced religious reform (2 Kings 22:14–20). Her role shows women speaking God’s truth with authority.
• Esther risked her life to save her people, influencing an entire nation for God’s purposes (Esther 4:14). Though not explicitly preaching the gospel, her courage and advocacy reveal what it means to be God’s instrument to bless others.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Although the Bible teaches that women are not to have spiritual authority over or teach men within the context of the local church (1 Timothy 2:12; 1 Corinthians 14:34-35), Scripture also frequently mentions women as active participants in teaching and preaching efforts, even using some of the same terms used to describe men (Acts 18:26; Romans 16:1-2; Philippians 4:2-3).
• The early women who followed Jesus and believed in Him likely would have shared the good news of Jesus at Pentecost and in the early Jerusalem church (Acts 2). Following Stephen's death (Acts 7), many Christian women fled Jerusalem along with other believers, sharing Christ wherever they traveled. In addition, Saul arrested some women who were known for sharing their faith (Acts 8:3).
• An early example of a Christian woman who lived out her faith in a missionary-like role was Tabitha. Acts 9:36 says, "She was full of good works and acts of charity." She died following a sickness, yet was raised from death by Peter (Acts 9:40).
• Whether or not a woman can be a "missionary" depends greatly on how someone defines that term. If the term "missionary" is taken to mean someone who goes out into the world and explains the gospel, who leads others to Christ in settings other than a local church, then there is certainly no reason a woman cannot be a "missionary." Concerns exist over spiritual leadership over men, but those are separate from this basic concept. Priscilla and her husband, mentioned in Acts 18:24–28, are described as "teaching" Apollos a more accurate view of the gospel after hearing him speak in the synagogue. This same woman is mentioned in Romans 16:3 using the term synergos, meaning a co-worker.
• Mary, the mother of John Mark, was also known as a church leader who hosted Christian gatherings. She was not a pastor, yet served in other roles that helped the church (Acts 12:12). Her son also became a missionary and wrote the Gospel of Mark.
• Lydia became a believer following the preaching of Paul, Silas, and Timothy (Acts 16:14). She then helped these men share Christ with those in her household and hosted these missionaries until their arrest. Her home was likely the gathering place of the Philippian church (Acts 16:40).
• When Paul preached in Athens, a woman named Damaris became a believer (Acts 17:34). Romans 16:1 mentions Phoebe, a "servant of the church at Cenchreae" who likely delivered the letter to the Romans, a work of missionary service. Priscilla (or Prisca) and her husband Aquila also served as missionaries in various places (Romans 16:3) and other women are mentioned in various serving roles in the Roman church (Romans 16).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Women missionaries serve as an essential part of God's work worldwide today, changing many lives for Christ. God calls and equips both men and women to share the gospel, teach, and disciple others, breaking barriers and bringing hope to people who need to know the good news. Women missionaries model Christ’s love in action, showing that ministry is not limited by gender but instead fueled by a willingness to obey God’s call.

Women often bring unique strengths, flexibility, and relational skills that allow them to connect deeply with people in diverse cultural contexts. Many women are able to enter communities, homes, and social networks where men may not have the same access, creating opportunities to share the gospel and disciple others. Wherever God calls women, He will equip them to reflect Him and make Him known around the world. Women should not fear stepping into service and sharing the gospel in creative and culturally sensitive ways, knowing that the Holy Spirit will empower them for what God has called them to do. The heart and passion of women missionaries call us to also participate in God’s redemptive plan around the world, both local and global, making a lasting impact for His kingdom.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible shows women actively participating in missionary work.
• Women can be missionaries, just not pastors over a local church body.
• Women missionaries continue to impact lives globally, fulfilling God’s plan through obedience and service.

REFLECT

• How do you see God using women to share the gospel and disciple others?
• How could you support or partner with women missionaries in their work locally or globally?
• How does understanding the biblical examples of women in ministry influence your view of God’s calling and service?

ENGAGE

• How do the stories of Priscilla, Lydia, and Phoebe challenge traditional views of women’s roles in ministry?
• What unique strengths or opportunities do women bring to missionary work?
• How can we better empower women to serve in gospel-centered missions?