Seeing Women Through the Heart of Christ

As conversations about women in the church continue in sermons, social media, and theological circles, one wonders how many faithful women quietly ask themselves, Does my church rejoice in my presence as much as it regulates my participation?

Many are tired. Tired of being talked about more than talked to. Tired of being held at arm’s length in conversations that focus more on boundaries than on blessings. Tired of feeling like the church is slow to celebrate what God so clearly honors the beauty, strength, and faith of His daughters.

The church is right to pursue biblical clarity on gender and calling. Scripture does, indeed, speak to the roles of men and women. But Scripture does much more than assign roles it rejoices in women. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible holds up women not merely as helpers or supporters, but as vital participants in the unfolding drama of redemption.

It’s time the church speaks with the same tone and reverence. The question we must ask is not simply what can women do in the church, but do we honor women like Christ does?

The First Woman Was a Gift

Before there was a pulpit, a priesthood, or a mission strategy, there was a garden. And in that garden, the first recorded words spoken by a human being were in celebration of a woman.

“This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh,” Adam exclaimed (Genesis 2:23). He wasn’t analyzing or debating her role. He was rejoicing in her existence. Eve was God’s answer to what He called “not good” man alone. She was the solution, not the supplement. Her very presence was cause for delight.

Before Eve had achieved anything, before she had spoken a word or performed a task, she was cherished. Not for what she could do but for who she was: God’s creation, God’s gift.

That tone of honor must define the church today.

Women at the Center of Redemption

The Bible is not shy about celebrating women. Over and over, God uses their faith, courage, and wisdom to advance His purposes:

• Rebekah left her homeland in faith, just like Abraham.

• Ruth, a Moabite widow, joined God’s people and became an ancestor of Christ.

• Deborah led with boldness when Israel needed a judge.

• Hannah prayed with such fervor that heaven moved.

• Esther risked her life to save her people.

• Mary believed God’s word and bore the Savior of the world.

• Rahab protected God’s spies and entered the lineage of Jesus.

These stories are not exceptions. They are patterns. Women show up again and again not as passive onlookers, but as powerful instruments in God’s hand.

And beyond the named heroines are the many unnamed ones: the widow of Zarephath, the Canaanite mother, the woman at the well, the sinful woman who washed Jesus’ feet. Each one of them was seen, loved, and honored by the Lord.

The Honor Jesus Gave Women

Jesus didn’t wait for cultural permission to honor women. He led the way. In a world that often silenced or sidelined them, He saw them, spoke with them, healed them, and welcomed them into His kingdom work.

• He taught Mary of Bethany alongside the men.

• He received anointing from a woman’s hands before His burial.

• He revealed His Messiahship first to a Samaritan woman.

• He entrusted the first resurrection testimony to female witnesses.

And He continues to see, heal, and use women today.

The church, then, must be more than not dismissive. We must be joyfully grateful. Our words, our teaching, our posture should echo the heartbeat of Christ treasuring, thanking, and affirming the indispensable role of women in His body.

Faithful Women in Church History

What would the church be without Monica, whose prayers for her wayward son gave us Augustine?

Without Priscilla, who helped instruct Apollos in the way of God more accurately?

Without Lottie Moon, Amy Carmichael, or Gladys Aylward, who poured their lives out on foreign soil so others might know Christ?

But beyond these well-known names are thousands of others. Women who serve in obscurity. Who pray through the night for their children. Who lead Bible studies, welcome the hurting, and support missions with their humble income. Who show up early and stay late, week after week, year after year.

The church’s advance past, present, and future is deeply tied to the faithful witness of women.

A recent study from Barna Research noted that over 60% of weekly church attenders in the U.S. are women. This is not a small demographic. This is a spiritual army. And yet, many still feel unseen or underused. That should trouble us.

Not Second-Class Citizens

In Christ, “there is neither male nor female” in terms of access to grace (Galatians 3:28). Men and women are equally saved, equally loved, and equally called to reflect the image of God in the world. While distinct callings may exist, there is no hierarchy of value.

Eve was not an afterthought she was essential. And today’s Christian women are no less essential. Without them, the mission suffers. Without them, the church limps.

To speak of women only in terms of limitations, or to reduce them to spectators, is to miss both the heart of God and the history of redemption.

Speak Like Adam Again

Before we analyze what women can or cannot do, let us begin by simply saying, “This at last is bone of my bones.” Let us reclaim that posture of awe and honor. Let us echo the joy of Jesus, who never hesitated to affirm the faith and dignity of the women around Him.

And let the women in our churches hear it. Not just once a year. Not just in theological footnotes. But in sermons, in conversations, in discipleship let them know they are honored, valued, and vital.

The church has not yet seen what could happen if it truly celebrates its sisters the way Christ does.

Tell a woman in your life how much her faith has impacted you or subscribe to our newsletter to receive more gospel-centered reflections like this.