By Sian Saria
Women have never been excluded from participating in the ministry of God. They have been at the very core of it alongside men. Today, there are many who serve in leadership positions and populate a variety of church ministries.
This is an article for the women serving God right now, amid these times of strenuous effort into reaching out, connecting, adapting, and doing. I hope that this encourages you in your servitude towards the Lord.
The survey of seven women in ministry will be found in the book of Acts.
Let us start off with Mary, the Mother of Jesus.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus (Acts 1:12-26)
Mary, the Mother of Jesus was the first woman mentioned in the book of Acts. This occurred in Acts 1 which involved the disciples, with Mary, her sons, and other women, gathered in prayer and in one accord, awaiting the Pentecost.
In this passage, we notice Mary alongside other women participating in a monumental occasion, devoted in prayer with the disciples and the brothers of Christ.
It can be observed that the women were not excluded but thoroughly included at the beginning of the Early Church and as we see later, all throughout.
2. Tabitha-Dorcas (Acts 9:30-43)
Women are seldom mentioned by their names in the Bible; however, Tabitha, or Dorcas, was specified. This woman was described as a “disciple”, “full of good works and acts of charity” (Acts 9:36). The fruits of her compassion-filled labor, done through the power of Christ, were well recognized in the weeping of the widows at Tabitha’s death. These widows held tunics and other garments made by Tabitha for them.
James 1:27 describes a devout person of the Lord as compassionate, helpful of those that are in need, alone, and oppressed. Tabitha was recognized for that particular trait of hers. Furthermore, God used her restoration to life to bring many to Christ.
3. Mary, Mother of John (Acts 12:6-19)
Mary, the Mother of John (also called Mark), was mentioned once in the Bible. This instance was found in Acts 12:6-19. Mary’s home was the first place Paul had thought of going to after God had rescued him from imprisonment. Paul knew that it was in Mary’s home that many people were gathered to pray for Paul’s delivery from prison. It seemed as if her home was open to the church, observing how Paul knew where to go right after.
Mary too was a widow and while wealthy, lived under bitter persecution. She was not only seen as inferior but hated as well. Nonetheless, Mary had still boldly opened her home to the church. Mary’s witnessing is not only noticed in her hospitality, but in the fact that her servants, or servant (Rhoda), is a follower of Christ as well.
4. Rhoda (Acts 12:5-19)
It is notably important to recognize that a young female servant, a maid, was mentioned in the Bible, alongside the few other women indicated.
Rhoda was the first to know that Paul had been freed from prison. It was simply by the voice of Paul that she was able to recognize him. “Out of her gladness” (Acts 12:14, NKJV), she ran to the group of brothers and sisters praying and excitedly told them that Paul was at their doorstep. In disbelief, she was mocked and called mad. Nevertheless, Rhoda insisted until the group had met Paul at the door, in which they were described to be ‘astonished’.
It can be observed that Rhoda may have been participating in the frequent gathering of the saints, praying, and learning about God with them. She believed in an instant that God had answered their prayer, whilst the rest were unbelieving.
In these 4 women, we observe varying backgrounds and statuses, as well as different roles in ministry work. All were recognized.
“Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.”
(2 Cor. 4:1, NIV)