Imagine a woman, gifted in teaching, yearning to share God’s word, but stifled by two extremes. The conversation around women and teaching in the church feels like a rocket aiming for the moon but stuck on the launchpad. On one hand, endless debates trap women’s gifts in a theological tug-of-war. On the other, the “rockstar teacher” model prioritizes platforms and personalities with cute outfits and instant followers over the biblical truths and message they came to share. Both approaches miss the mark.
The Bible is filled with women who boldly used their gifts to teach and inspire. Deborah, a judge and prophetess, led Israel militarily and spiritually. Priscilla, alongside her husband Aquila, instructed Apollos, a renowned teacher, in the way of God. Even Philip’s daughters prophesied, demonstrating the Holy Spirit’s work through women. These are just a few examples of how God has used women throughout history and continues to use them today, to share His message and equip believers.
God desires to transform lives through His Word, not through limitations or chasing clicks. He wants his Spirit to move freely, in coffee shops just as much as during big conferences. So, how do we reignite the passion for women teachers and equip those questioning their calling? Let’s refocus on the real mission: equipping women to faithfully study and share God’s Word and nurture disciples, as they confidently walk out their callings for the local church.
Fuel Your Passion: Learn for Love, Not Likes. In today’s social media frenzy, it’s easy to fall into the trap of learning for validation. We approach the Bible seeking content for catchy posts, neglecting its true power. Yet, God’s ultimate desire is to draw us closer to Him. When we study with a heart of love, seeking answers, connections, and personal transformation, He reveals Himself in profound ways. This genuine love becomes the fuel that ignites your teaching and inspires others. This is a daily practice that we all have to come back to. Many leaders and teachers have lost their love for God, because they approach the Bible as a turn-key transaction, instead of a life-sustaining well. Read and study without posting about it.
Unveiling the Grand Narrative: Read Chronologically. Learning Bible stories in isolation can leave us with a fragmented understanding. Reading chronologically paints the grand picture of redemption, revealing how seemingly unconnected stories from childhood Bible school days weave together into a beautiful tapestry of God’s faithfulness. This practice not only fosters deeper understanding but also strengthens your discipline in daily Bible intake. As a Bible teacher, I’m constantly amazed by the richness of Scripture. Connecting new characters with old truths or tracing themes from Genesis to Revelation unveils layer upon layer of meaning, like peeling back the petals of a rose. My understanding of the text deepens with every study session, a reminder of the Bible’s inexhaustible wisdom. Check out this great resource from Tyndale, NLT One Year Chronological Study Bible.
Invest in Expertise: Seek Continuous Learning. While starting small is crucial, consider ongoing formal education. Every spiritual gift needs to be stewarded and stewarding means doing the work. The gift of teaching is not a charismatic personality and stage presence, but instead is the ability to take the truths of Scripture and communicate them with truth and grace. Many seminaries and organizations offer affordable online certificates or courses. These resources can equip you with in-depth knowledge of Old Testament themes, church history, core doctrines, and even ancient Near Eastern culture. A great resource to check out is our Church Answers University certifications which are accessible and affordable. Continuous learning keeps your teaching fresh and relevant and helps to keep you in a humble posture of learning and listening. Check out Church Answers University.
Start Small, Impact Deeply: Focus on Discipleship, Not Display. Coffee shops, dining tables, and kitchen counters – these are the training grounds for your ministry. Before broadcasting to the internet, pour your gifts into a smaller group. This allows you to understand their struggles, tailor your lessons, and learn from their questions. You’ll witness firsthand the impact of your teaching, fostering deeper connections and ensuring your message resonates with hearts, not just screens or conference attendees. Your local church, neighborhood, and workplace are where God desires you to leverage your gifts. Look for the people in front of you and invite them into what God is teaching you.
The world needs women who teach God’s word with both depth and passion. Let’s rise above the limitations and noise. Let’s embrace lifelong learning, cultivate a heart for discipleship, and ignite a fire in ourselves and others for the transformative power of Scripture. As we faithfully share God’s message, we become instruments of His love, leaving a legacy of transformed hearts and seeds of faith sown for generations to come.
