What does the Bible say about women as missionaries?

Background and Scriptural Foundations

One of the central questions posed when discussing women as missionaries involves whether Scripture endorses or limits the role of women in spreading the gospel. Within the pages of biblical narrative and instruction, there are numerous examples of women proclaiming God’s truth, supporting the gospel’s expansion, and serving in ways that parallel missionary practice today.

A thorough examination begins with the Great Commission:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

This command is not explicitly gender-restricted, and therefore invites both men and women to participate in the spread of the good news.

Women in the Ministry of Jesus

During Christ’s earthly ministry, women played a significant role. For instance, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and others supported Jesus financially and materially (Luke 8:1–3). Moreover, after His resurrection, the risen Christ first revealed Himself to Mary Magdalene, instructing her:

“Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see Me” (Matthew 28:10).

She carried this message faithfully, functioning—by any measure—as a missionary in telling others the good news that Jesus had risen. This firsthand commission highlights how women were entrusted to proclaim critical aspects of the gospel.

New Testament Examples of Women in Evangelistic Roles

Several women appear throughout Acts and the Epistles as participants and partners in the missionary and evangelistic efforts of the early Church:

• Priscilla (Acts 18:1–3, 18–19, 24–26): Priscilla and her husband Aquila worked alongside Paul. Notably, she was actively involved in teaching Apollos “the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26).

• Phoebe (Romans 16:1–2): Described as a “servant” (often translated as “deacon”) of the church in Cenchrea. Paul commends her to the Roman believers, indicating she played a vital role that involved traveling and serving the Christian community, tasks historically parallel to missionary work.

• Lydia (Acts 16:14–15): A businesswoman who provided hospitality to Paul and his companions in Philippi. After her conversion, her home became a gathering place for believers, and she appears to have offered ongoing support for the early church’s expansion.

These women assisted and sometimes led in the spread of the gospel. Their efforts aligned with broader missionary activity that reached new regions and people groups.

Interpreting Passages on Church Order and Teaching

Certain passages raise questions about teaching and authority in the church. For example, Paul’s instruction that a woman should not “teach or exercise authority over a man” (1 Timothy 2:12) continues to be debated. In some church traditions, this is interpreted as limiting a woman’s role in the formal teaching office of elder or pastor within the local congregation.

Yet these discussions often acknowledge that proclaiming the gospel to unbelievers, or “missionary work,” is not always held within the same parameters as local church governance. There is room in many conservative interpretations for women to share the message of salvation, to teach in certain contexts (especially to other women or in evangelistic/ministry situations), and to serve in missionary capacities under spiritual authority and accountability.

Historicity of Women’s Contributions

Beyond Scripture, early church history underscores women’s active participation. Ancient references, including those from Roman historians and church fathers, note women who traveled to spread the faith and care for the poor and oppressed. Archaeological findings of early church meeting sites occasionally show inscriptions or dedications honoring faithful women and their service, demonstrating a broad acceptance of their ministry roles in many capacities.

Moreover, modern history provides anecdotal examples of missionary women (such as Lottie Moon in China and Mary Slessor in Africa), who effectively brought the gospel to regions previously unreached. Their impact supports the contention that God has used women mightily in missionary work throughout the centuries.

The Principle of “Go and Tell”

Christ’s consistent message was for His disciples, regardless of gender, to testify of His resurrection and invite others to believe in Him. The Samaritan woman at the well is a prime example: “[M]any of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony” (John 4:39). She shared her personal encounter with Christ, functioning effectively as a witness. This pattern sets a precedent for women to participate in evangelism and missionary endeavors, even breaking cultural norms in her day.

In the overall biblical witness, the core principle of sharing Christ transcends distinctions of gender. Though the New Testament addresses complexities of local church organization, the driving thrust of gospel proclamation stands open to all believers.

Balancing Missionary Service with Scriptural Order

In matters of formal church structure, many conservative traditions maintain that authoritative pastoral leadership is reserved for qualified men. However, within that framework, ample scriptural and historical support shows women engaged in evangelism, discipleship, and extensive service—including traveling as missionaries.

Essential to this balance is the recognition that the New Testament envisions a cooperative community. Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 emphasize that believers, both men and women, have gifts to be used for the edification of the Church. The missionary setting often demands every available gift and skill, pressed into service to reach the lost.

Conclusion

In Scripture, women serve as heralds of the gospel, benefactors of the apostles, teachers of truth, and vital contributors to church growth. The Great Commission and accompanying biblical examples strongly indicate that women can, and indeed should, participate in missionary work, sharing the message of salvation through Christ.

While discussions regarding church authority and leadership offices remain, there is clear biblical precedent for women bearing witness, discipling others, and even traveling to new regions to spread the gospel. Many historical accounts and archaeological insights confirm that women have done so faithfully—from the earliest days of the Church to modern times—without contradiction to the consistent teaching of Scripture.