Biblical Leaders who were not Men

Lately I have seen a lot of comments from some Christians saying that women cannot minister or pastor in a church, as a leader of mixed gender groups. A lot of this is legalism and tradition. But what does the Bible actually say? Are there women leaders in the Bible? It turns out there are plenty of examples of women leading in both the Old and New Testament. Some like to point to Deborah, and some try to discredit her as a leader. But she was one sent from God. But going beyond the same old Bible references, let us take a look at just a few others that are less commonly used: 

a) Huldah the prophetess was a woman sought by men, the king and the priest, for guidance and a word from God - 2 Kings 22:14-15 (whole chapter for context)

Also 2 Chron. 34:21-28.

b ) Priscilla and her husband Aquila were co-pastors of a church. Once, they both taught a man the way of God more perfectly. She was clearly teaching the man, or else she would not be in this verse. Acts 18:26, Also Romans 16:3

c) Phoebe was a "servant" of the church at Cenchreae ( Servant in the original Greek: "deeakonos" (Strongs #1249) meaning "a waiter, a deacon or deaconess, specifically a Christian Pastor or Teacher") Paul spoke highly of Phoebe. See Romans 16:1.

Romans 16:1 

I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea,

- - -
These are just some of the examples.

The conclusion? Galatians 3:28-29. 

Galatians 3:28-29

New King James Version

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 

29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. 

In Christ we believers are all one. There is no male or female in Christ, spiritually and ministerially speaking. This goes along with the revelation that if you accept Christ, you are more than just saved... He is making you a king and a priest...  A Leader! Rev. 1:5-6 and Rev. 5:10-11. These verses from Revelation are not gender exclusive. Men and women are all being transformed into rulers in Christ. It is a present reality and truth in the churches.

 God does not play favourites and give men an upper hand over women in ministry. I have news for you: Man is NOTHING without Christ. We have no authority, as men, to teach the Gospel if we are apart from Christ. Women are no different.
Historically there is evidence for women leading in congregations as well. 
See: http://ezinearticles.com/?Women-As-Bible-Teachers---Early-Church-History&id=2082432

So, all those barriers that are put up in church are blown away by Jesus. If Christ is less than gender (as some would suggest), then apparently not even Christ can 
qualify a woman to serve in ministry leadership. Maybe someone should have told the early church this. Maybe God needs correction in allowing women as leaders? Or... maybe we should simply believe God and His infallible Word! May God grant you revelation of these verses in the Holy Spirit. Do the reading... look up these passages and see if what I say is true or not. I challenge you. 

Blessings, be encouraged!
~Pastor Curtis 
June 5, 2014, 6:04 PM EST.