Perhaps there is no more contentious subject in the church today than whether women can serve as pastors and evangelists in pastoral service. Finally, this issue is critical not to be regarded as a conflict between men and women. Some women feel that women should not be pastors and that the Bible forbids women from ministering. And some males believe women can serve as missionaries and that women have no limitations in ministry. This is not a case of discrimination or fanaticism but instead of following the Scriptures.
There are numerous arguments against women ministering or serving as female pastors. According to popular belief, Paul prevented women from being taught since women were illiterate in the first century. However, 1 Timothy 2:11-14 is unrelated to the situation of education. If education is a ministry characteristic, most of Jesus’ disciples do not appear to have it. The second widespread criticism is that Paul prohibited Ephesian women from teaching (Paul wrote the letter to Timothy, the Ephesian church’s pastor). Ephesus is well-known for housing the temple of Atemis, the Greco-Roman goddess. Women were given responsibility over the temple of Atemis.
1. Paula White
| Paula White | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Paula Michelle White-Cain (née Furr) |
| Birthdate | April 20, 1966 |
| Birthplace | Tupelo, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Televangelist, Proponent of Prosperity Theology |
| Spouses | Dean Knight (m. 1984; div. 1989) |
| Children | 1 |
| Notable Positions | Chair of the Evangelical Advisory Board in Donald Trump’s administration |
| Advisor Appointment | Special advisor to the Faith and Opportunity Initiative at the Office of Public Liaison, 2019 |
| Former Senior Pastor | New Destiny Christian Center (2014-2019) |
| Childhood Challenges | Overcame a challenging childhood marked by poverty, abuse, and personal struggles |
| Published Books | Author of several books, including “You’re All That!” and “Dare to Dream” |
| Television Presence | Hosted “Paula White Today” and appeared on multiple TV networks |
| Philanthropic Work | Engaged in community outreach, mentoring students, assisting families in need, and supporting young women trapped in the adult entertainment industry |
Paula White is an Evangelical preacher and Christian author best known for hosting the Paula White Today series on Spain and BET. Her books include Birth of Your Dreams: God’s Plan for Living Victory (2003) and The Ten Commandments of Health and Wellness (2006). (2007).
With her inspiring ministerial work, Paula White has become a distinguished figure in the religious community. She has served as a spiritual advisor to former US Presidents and has written several books on faith and personal growth. White’s teachings on prosperity often include her life experiences, making her sermons more relatable for many.
2. Juanita Bynum
| Juanita Bynum | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Juanita Bynum |
| Birthdate | January 16, 1959 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Genres | Gospel worship |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter, pastor |
| Years Active | 1995–present |
| Labels | RCA |
| Notable Achievement | Described as the most prominent black female television evangelist in the country by The New York Times |
| Published Work | Author of “The Threshing Floor” |
| Album | “Piece of My Passion” |
Juanita Bynum is an author, televangelist, and singer who created the No More Count audio and video tape series in 1997 and the Classic Goes Gospel music album in 2006. She also hosted the Women’s Weapons of Power Conference from 2000 to 2006. She has several gospel music C.D.s to her credit, including The Diary of Juanita Bynun and Morning Glory.
3. Darlene Zschech
| Darlene Zschech | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Darlene Joyce Zschech |
| Birth Name | Darlene Joyce Steinhardt |
| Date of Birth | September 8, 1965 |
| Place of Birth | Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Origin | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Genres | Contemporary worship music, contemporary Christian music |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, pastor |
| Instrument(s) | Voice |
| Years Active | 1989–present |
| Labels | Hillsong, INO, Integrity |
| Achievements | Pioneer of the modern worship movement |
| Notable Roles | Former worship pastor of Hillsong Church |
| Charitable Involvement | Member of Compassionart, a charity founded by Martin Smith |
| Television Appearance | Starred in the Australian children’s show, Happy Go Round, at the age of ten |
| Personal Struggles | Overcame bulimia during teenage years resulting from emotional stress |
| Spiritual Journey | Committed Christian from a young age, met husband at church |
| Career Highlights | Penned the popular worship song “Shout to the Lord” |
| Solo Albums | Kiss of Heaven (2003), Change Your World (2005), Simply Darlene (2011), You Are Love (2011) |
| Literary Works | Authored books: Worship (1996), Extravagant Worship (2002), The Kiss of Heaven (2003), |
| Battle with Cancer | Diagnosed with and miraculously healed from breast cancer |
| Family | Married to Mark Zschech, proud parent of three daughters |
Darlene Zschech is an Australian Pentecostal Christian singer-songwriter best known for her song “Shout for the Lord” and rock-influenced albums by Been Rolling Away and Friends in High Places. She was Hillsong Church’s worship pastor from 1996 until 2007. However, she still leads worship at the church regularly.
4. Victoria Osteen
| Victoria Osteen | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Victoria Osteen |
| Birthdate | March 28, 1961 |
| Birthplace | Huntsville, Alabama |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma Mater | University of Houston |
| Occupation(s) | Pastor, author |
| Spouse | Joel Osteen (married in 1987) |
| Children | 2 |
| Church | Lakewood Church |
| Role | Co-Pastor |
| Early Life | – Raised in Houston, Texas |
| Education | – Attended University of Houston (Studied Psychology) |
| Ministry | – Founded Lakewood Church Women’s Ministry in 2003 |
| Media Presence | – Featured on a program broadcasted on Daystar Television Network |
| Charitable Work | – Supports organizations such as Feed the Children and The Bridge (shelter for battered women) |
| Literary Works | – Author of “Love Your Life: Living Happy, Healthy, and Whole” (2008) |
| Legal Controversy | – Involved in a disputed incident with a flight attendant on a Continental Airlines flight in 2005 |
Victoria Osteen is an American novelist and co-pastor of Houston’s Lakewood Church. She also hosts Victoria Osteen Live, a national weekly radio broadcast on Sirius XM’s Joel Osteen Radio. Victoria Osteen is John Osteen’s daughter-in-law and Joel Osteen’s wife.
5. Bobbie Houston
| Bobbie Houston | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bobbie Houston |
| Born | 16 January 1957 (age 66) |
| Nationality | New Zealand-born Australian |
| Ethnicity | Tongan descent |
| Occupation | Pentecostal Pastor |
| Church | Hillsong Church, Baulkham Hills, Sydney, Australia |
| Spouse | Brian Houston |
| Children | 3 |
| Ministry | Weekly women’s ministry of Hillsong Church |
| Notable Event | Co-founded Hillsong Church with husband Brian Houston |
| Conference | Hosts the annual Colour Your World Women’s Conference |
| Foundation | Founder of the Colour Sisterhood, a foundation by Hillsong Church for women |
| Bibliography | Author of several books, contributing to her extensive bibliography |
Bobbie Houston founded the Hillsong Church of Australia in Sydney, as well as Pentecostal (Assemblies of God in Australia) congregations in New South Wales, Australia, and Liverpool, England.
6. Bernice King
| Bernice King | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bernice King |
| Birthdate | March 28, 1963 |
| Birthplace | Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Education | Spelman College (BS), Emory University (MDiv, JD) |
| Occupation | CEO of The King Center |
| Parent(s) | Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King |
| Relatives | Alberta Williams King (grandmother), Martin Luther King Sr. (grandfather), Yolanda Denise King (sister), Martin Luther King III (brother), Dexter Scott King (brother), Alveda King (cousin), Edythe Scott Bagley (aunt), Christine King Farris (aunt) |
| Advocacy | Advocate of her father’s nonviolent philosophy (Nonviolence 365) |
| Notable Achievements | Elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) |
| Notable Events | Delivered eulogies at her mother’s and sister’s funerals |
| Influence | Supported Barack Obama’s presidential campaign |
Bernice King is Martin Luther King, Jr.’s youngest child, the executive director of The King Center, and serves as a Baptist minister. She received the Legend Award on my 50th anniversary of having a Dream Speech.
7. Marilyn Hickey
| Marilyn Hickey | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marilyn Allene Hickey |
| Born | July 1, 1931 (age 92) |
| Birthplace | Dalhart, Texas, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | – University of Northern Colorado (Bachelor of Arts in Collective Foreign Languages) |
| Occupation | Evangelist |
| Spouse | Rev. Wallace Hickey (married 1954–2012; his death) |
| Children | 2 |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Church | Pentecostal |
| Congregations served | – Orchard Road Christian Center, Denver, Colorado (co-pastor with husband Wallace) |
| Title | – Founder, Marilyn Hickey Ministries Int’l |
| TV Program | “Today with Marilyn and Sarah” |
| Notable Events | – Led a three-day prayer and faith healing rally in Karachi, Pakistan |
| Additional Information | – Overcame hereditary mental disorders in her family |
Marilyn Hickey is an American minister and television host who teaches Bible study lessons nationally and internationally. Born and raised in Dalhart, Texas, Hickey has co-hosted the Today Show with Marilyn and Sarah Tv since its debut in 1996.
8. Antoinette Brown Blackwell
| Antoinette Blackwell | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Antoinette Brown Blackwell |
| Birthdate | May 20, 1825 |
| Birthplace | Henrietta, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Other Names | Antoinette Blackwell |
| Known for | First woman American ordained minister, Women’s rights |
| Spouse | Samuel Charles Blackwell |
| Children | 7 |
| Died | November 5, 1921 (aged 96) |
| Place of Death | Elizabeth, New Jersey |
| Education | Oberlin College |
| Ordination | First woman ordained as a mainstream Protestant minister in the United States |
| Advocacy | Women’s rights and expanding women’s role in society |
| Public Speaking | Well-versed speaker on women’s rights and other important issues |
| Writing | Prolific author on theology, science, philosophy, and feminist perspectives |
| Reform Activism | Active in abolition, temperance, and women’s rights movements |
| Gender Equality | Believed in women’s active participation in religion for societal progress |
| Marriage and Family | Married Samuel Charles Blackwell and had seven children |
Antoinette Brown Blackwell (May 20, 1825 – November 5, 1921) was the first ordained woman minister in the United States. She was an eloquent speaker interested in the issues of her time, especially women’s rights.
9. Priscilla Shirer
| Priscilla Shirer | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Priscilla Shirer |
| Birthdate | December 31, 1974 (age 48) |
| Birthplace | Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| Occupation | Author, motivational speaker, actress, Christian media personality, evangelist |
| Nationality | American |
| Notable Works | War Room, Overcomer |
| Relatives | Father: Tony Evans |
| Education | Duncanville High School, Dallas Theological Seminary (Master’s degree in Biblical Studies) |
| Ministry | Co-founder of Going Beyond Ministries |
| Mentor in Ministry | Anne Graham Lotz |
| Speaking Engagements | Churches, conferences, LifeWay Christian Resources events |
| Film Debut | War Room (2015) |
| Family | Married to Jerry Shirer, three sons |
Priscilla Shirer is an actress and author known primarily for her works on faith-based non-fiction. She is also known for her live speaking engagements, where she has focused on teaching the message of the Bible to women through a descriptive teaching method.
10. Joyce Meyer
| Joyce Meyer | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joyce Meyer |
| Birthdate | June 4, 1943 (age 80) |
| Birthplace | St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Occupation | Charismatic Christian author, speaker, president of Joyce Meyer Ministries |
| Spouse | Dave Meyer |
| Ministry Headquarters | Fenton, Missouri |
| Education | Graduate of O’Fallon Technical High School in St. Louis |
| Spiritual Experience | Born again at age nine, had a profound encounter with God |
| Ministry Formation | Founded her own ministry in 1985 called “Life in the Word” |
| Television Ministry | Started airing the program “Enjoying Everyday Life” in 1993 |
| Influence and Recognition | Ranked 17th in Time magazine’s “25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America” |
| Lifestyle and Criticisms | Criticized for living an extravagant lifestyle and faced financial scrutiny |
| Financial Transparency | Committed to transparency, publishes annual reports, undergoes independent audit |
| Accreditation | Received accreditation from the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability |
Meyer is a member of Our Savior Church in St. Louis, a Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod congregation. She began taking an early morning Bible class at a local coffee shop and became active in the Life Christian Center, a charismatic church in Fenton. Within a few years, Meyer was the pastor of the church.
If you are looking for extra motivation to help you in your weight loss journey, check out these weight loss motivation quotes. These quotes will inspire you to exceed your goals and stay committed to a healthier lifestyle.
11. Nicole Lamarche
| Nicole Lamarche | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nicole Lamarche |
| Birthdate | 1978 |
| Birthplace | San Francisco, California |
| Other Names | Miss California |
| Years Active | 2003 |
| Alma Mater | Graduate Theological Union (MA in Theology), Pacific School of Religion (Master of Divinity) |
| Achievements | – Crowned Miss California |
| Ministry | – Ordained minister in the United Church of Christ (UCC) |
| Notable Appearances | – Featured on Larry King Live to discuss controversial answer regarding gay marriage by Miss California |
| Family | Married Jeremy Nickel (met in divinity school), has a daughter |
Nicole Lamarche is a former beauty pageant winner and an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ (UCC). She was crowned Miss California 2003 and placed fourth in the Miss America 2004 pageant.
12. Beverly Yvonne
| Beverly Yvonne | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Beverly Yvonne |
| Birthdate | March 7, 1984 |
| Birthplace | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Occupation | Pastor |
| Spouse | Bishop Wayne Timothy Jackson |
| Children | Brandon Timothy Jackson |
| Parent’s Name | Bishop Wayne Timothy Jackson (father) |
| Notable Work | – Role in the film “Roll Bounce” (2005) |
| Education | [Education information] |
| Awards | – 2006 Black Reel Award for Breakthrough Performance |
Beverly Yvonne was a pastor, and her grandfather Royal Titus Bozeman was a Pentecostal children’s preacher dubbed “Boy Wonder” by the Indiana newspapers.
13. Anita C. Hill
| Anita C Hill | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anita Carol Hill |
| Birthdate | 1951 |
| Birthplace | Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Faith Background | Roman Catholic |
| Denomination | Lutheran Church |
| Ordained Status | One of the first ordained lesbian women in the church |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in Science from Mississippi State University |
| Ministry Experience | Lay minister at Saint Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church |
| Career Highlights | Advocate for LGBT inclusion in the church |
| Documentary | Subject of the documentary “This Obedience” |
| Archival Records | Hill’s papers are maintained for researchers by the Minnesota Historical Society at the Gale Family Library |
She is a Brandeis University undergraduate professor of social policy, law, and women’s studies, as well as a member of the Heller School of Social Policy and Management. She rose to public prominence in 1991 when she accused U.S. Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment at the U.S. Department of Education and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
14. Shirley Caesar
| Shirley Caesar | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shirley Ann Caesar-Williams (nee Caesar) |
| Birthdate | October 13, 1938 (age 84) |
| Birthplace | Durham, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Other Names | Pastor Shirley Caesar, The Queen of Gospel Music, The First Lady of Gospel Music |
| Career Highlights | American gospel singer |
| Education | Graduated with honors from Shaw University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration |
| Family | Married Bishop Harold I. Williams in 1983 |
| Philanthropy and Outreach | Donates a portion of concert sales to outreach ministries |
| Acting Career | Appeared in movies such as “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” and “Fighting Temptations” |
| Delta Sigma Theta | Member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority |
Shirley Caesar is a gospel musician, songwriter, and recording artist from Durham, North Carolina. She is best recognized as the Queen of Gospel Music and the First Lady of Gospel Music. She began recording songs at the age of 12 and has since published over 40 CDs.
To complement Shirley Caesar’s powerful persona and soulful music, consider embracing red-headed actresses hairstyles. Red hair is often associated with boldness and confidence, which can add an extra level of flair to your overall look. Whether you opt for a fiery bob or flowing locks, these hairstyles will beautifully enhance your features and capture attention.
15. Serita Jakes
| Serita Jakes | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Serita Jakes |
| Occupation | Pastor, Author |
| Spouse | T.D. Jakes (m. 1982) |
| Religion | Nondenominational Christian |
| Congregations Served | The Potter’s House Church, Dallas, Texas |
| Advocate of Sexual Abstinence | Yes |
| Supportive of LGBT Rights | While she does not support same-sex marriage, she respects the rights of those who disagree. |
| Leadership Role at The Potter’s House | Holds a leadership role at The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas. |
| Published Author and Filmmaker | Yes |
| Recognition and Awards | Notable contributions and leadership in the religious community. |
Serita Jakes is a visionary, author, and speaker. Serita works alongside her husband, Bishop T. D. Jakes, at The Potter’s House, a 30,000-member Dallas church. Serita A. Jakes was born on August 19, 1955, in Beckley, West Virginia, USA.
16. Judith Babirye
| Judith Babirye | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Judith Babirye |
| Birthdate | September 23, 1977 (age 45) |
| Birthplace | Nyenga, Buikwe District, Uganda |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| Occupation | Pentecostal pastor, gospel musician, politician |
| Church | New Life Deliverance Church, Makindye Division, Kampala, Uganda |
| Education | Makerere University, Bachelor of Arts in Tourism (2001) |
| Notable Songs | “Beera Nange,” “Wambatira,” “Omusaayi gwa Yesu,” “Ekitibwa kyo Mukama,” “Maama” |
| Awards | Winner of Best Gospel Single at the 2006 Pearl of Africa Music Awards |
| Marital Status | Married to Paul Musoke Ssebulime since July 28, 2018 |
| Previous Marriage | Previously married to Samuel Niwo (divorced in 2017) |
| Children | One daughter from her previous marriage |
Judith Babirye is a Ugandan politician and gospel artist. She is the lead pastor of “New Life Liberation Church,” which is located in Makindye Division, southeast of Kampala, Uganda’s capital.
17. Kim Burrell
| Kim Burrell | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kim Burrell |
| Birthdate | August 26, 1972 |
| Birthplace | Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Occupation | Gospel singer, songwriter, and pastor |
| Youth Performances | GMWA Youth Mass Choir, Trinity Temple Full Gospel Mass Choir, The Inspirational Sounds Mass Choir |
| Albums | Try Me Again, Everlasting Life, Live In Concert, No Ways Tired |
| Grammy Nomination | Best Soul Gospel Album |
| Collaboration | Featured on “Higher Ground” with Missy Elliott and Karen Clark Sheard |
| Ephesians 4 Conference | Established and hosts an annual workshop for performing artists |
| Feature Film Contribution | Sang “I see a Victory” for the Hidden Figures soundtrack |
| Controversial Sermon | Preached controversial remarks about homosexuality |
| Canceled Appearances | The Ellen DeGeneres Show, BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music event |
| Radio Talk Show | Bridging the Gap with Kim Burrell, canceled by Texas Southern University |
Kim Burrell, born Kimberly Burrell, is an American gospel singer from Houston, Texas. Burrell’s radio talk show, Bridging the Gap with Kim Burrell, has been canceled by Texas Southern University.
18. Susan Norris Fitkin
| Susan Norris Fitkin | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Susan Norris Fitkin |
| Born | March 31, 1870, Ely, Quebec, Canada |
| Died | October 18, 1951, Oakland, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Ordained Minister, Pastor, Evangelist, Missionary Society President |
| Years Active | 1893-1948 |
| Spouse | Abram Fitkin (married 1896, died 1933) |
| Denomination | Church of the Nazarene |
| Notable Role | Founder and First President of the Church of the Nazarene’s Women’s Foreign Missionary Society (now Nazarene Missions International) |
| Contributions | Funded and founded Fitkin Memorial Hospital in Manzini, Swaziland |
Susan Norris Fitkin (March 31, 1870 – October 18, 1951) was a Canadian ordained pastor who worked in the Society of Friends, the Association of Pentecostal Churches of America, and the Church of the Nazarene. From September 1915 to June 1948, Fitkin was the founder and first president of the Church of Nazarene’s Women’s Foreign Missionary Society (now Nazarene Missions International). Fitkin was a member of the Church of the Nazarene’s General Board for twenty-four years. Fitkin and her husband, Abram Fitkin, funded and founded the Fitkin Memorial Hospital in Manzini, Swaziland, as well as the Nazarene Bible Training Schools in China and Beirut, Lebanon, in 1924.
19. Bimbo Odukoya
| Bimbo Odukoya | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Abimbola Rosemary “Bimbo” Odukoya |
| Date of Birth | September 12, 1960 |
| Date of Death | December 11, 2005 |
| Occupation | Pastor, Televangelist |
| Spouse | Pastor Taiwo Odukoya |
| Children | Tolu Odukoya, Jimmy Odukoya, Tobi Odukoya |
| Awards | Over 60 national and international awards |
| Leadership | Contributions to nation building and development |
| Moral Standards | High moral standards and role model status |
| Olympic Torch | Represented Nigeria at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens |
| Television Program | Host of “Single and Married” |
| Conference Speaker | Sought-after speaker on marriage and relationships |
| Mission Church Program | Continued under the management of Othniel Jimmy Odukoya |
Pastor Bimbo Odukoya, also known as “Pastor Bims,” was born on September 12, 1960 (Née Abimbola Rosemary Segun-Williams). For primary education, she went to St Mary’s private school, and for high school, she went to Holy Child College in Lagos. She finished her ‘A’ levels at Federal Government College Ijanikin before attending the University of Ibadan, where she got a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Archaeology and gave her life to Christ in 1978. She then began her career at the National Theater of Lagos.
20. Ida Bell Robinson
| Ida Bell Robinson | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ida Bell Robinson |
| Born | August 3, 1891, Hazlehurst, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | April 20, 1946, Winter Haven, Florida, U.S. |
| Occupation | Senior Bishop, Mount Sinai Holy Church of America, Pastor and Evangelist |
| Founder | Mount Sinai Holy Church of America, Inc. |
| Vision | Establishing a church to empower women preachers and provide full clergy rights |
| Charter Granted | May 20, 1924 |
| Female Leadership | Consistent female leadership from founding in 1924 until February 2001 |
| Church Growth | Rapid expansion across the East Coast of the United States |
| Legacy | Author of “You Have Stept Out of Your Place” and “Daughters of Thunder” |
Ida Bell Robinson grew up in Pensacola, Florida, the seventh of twelve children born to Robert and Annie Bell. After her teenage conversion at an evangelistic street meeting, she led prayer services in homes. In 1909 she married Oliver Robinson, and they soon relocated to Philadelphia for better employment opportunities. She did street evangelism in Philadelphia under the auspices of The United Holy Church of America.