6/29/25 - Heavy Part 2: Women in the Ministry - Pastor Josh Stelly

Sermon Notes

Jesus modeled a revolutionary approach to women in ministry that transcends cultural limitations, calling the church to embrace God's original design where both men and women serve as equal participants in advancing His kingdom.

Point 1: God's Original Design - Partnership in Paradise

Genesis 1:26–28

Genesis 2:18

Psalm 121:1–2

We must distinguish between descriptive passages and prescriptive ones.

Point 2: Jesus' Revolutionary Example

• First, look at John 4—the woman at the well. 

John 4:29
• Second, consider Mary of Bethany in Luke 10:38-42

Luke 10:38–42

• Third, look at Luke 8:1-3

Luke 8:1–3

Matthew 28:5-10

Mary Magdalene doesn't just see the risen Jesus; she's commissioned by Him in John 20:17-18

John 20:17–18 NLT
Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!” Then she gave them his message.

Point 3: Understanding Difficult Passages in Context

1 Timothy 2:8–15
1 Timothy 2:11–12

- The word translated "authority" is "authenteo."

- The word translated "quiet" is "hesuchia," which doesn't mean complete silence.

1 Timothy 2:15

Romans 16:1

Romans 16:7

Point 4: Biblical Examples of Women in Leadership

- Miriam was a prophet and leader who led Israel in worship after the Red Sea crossing (Exodus 15:20-21).

- Deborah was a prophet, judge, and military commander who led Israel to victory against their enemies (Judges 4-5). When Barak refused to go to battle without her, she didn't hesitate to lead.

- Huldah was the prophet that King Josiah consulted when the Book of the Law was found. Not Jeremiah, not any of the male prophets—Huldah (2 Kings 22:14).

-Esther used her position of influence to save the Jewish people.

-Lydia was a businesswoman who became the first European convert and opened her home as a church (Acts 16:14-15).

-Priscilla taught Apollos, correcting his understanding of the gospel (Acts 18:26). Notice that Luke mentions Priscilla's name first, suggesting she took the lead in this teaching ministry.

-Philip's four daughters were all prophets (Acts 21:9).

-Phoebe was a deacon whom Paul trusted to carry his letter to the Romans—arguably the most important theological document in the New Testament (Romans 16:1).

Point 5: The Church's Call Today

First, we must stop limiting God's gifts. 

Second, we must follow Jesus' model, not cultural traditions. 

Third, we must have the courage to ask hard questions. 

Revelation 7:9–10

Acts 17:11

2 Timothy 2:15