The Importance of Female Laborers

I bet if we all closed our eyes and thought of our favorite elementary teacher, a face or memories of a sweet lady would pop into most of our heads. I know my mind immediately goes to my second-grade teacher. She had the sweetest personality, a loving—yet sometimes stern—voice that brought guidance and direction, and a God-given desire to invest in future generations.

If we look around at our college ministries, I’d say that college students—both males and females—could all use a loving, guiding voice from a trusted, wise woman to speak truth into their lives. Someone who is a few steps ahead in life, who can encourage and equip, and be an example for the young ladies walking around college campuses. When a female college student walks into a Bible study and sees a welcoming smile from a female mentor, there is an immediate sense of belonging. Seeing a woman serve and invest can provide the encouragement that they, too, can pour into the generation after them.

The Bible provides several examples of women, both married and single, who made an impact for the cause of Christ. Deborah, a prophetess and judge, used God’s Word to settle disputes among His people. Phoebe provided aid and protection to those in her church. And Priscilla served alongside her husband as a teacher and missionary with Paul. She opened her home to early believers, helped establish local churches, and faithfully taught from God’s Word. Clearly, we have many examples of women making an extraordinary impact on the life of the church—so where are those same examples today?

You may think, as a woman, that God hasn’t called you to be a leader in your church or a specific ministry, but that could not be further from the truth. The church needs strong, biblical female examples for the next generation to follow. You can model what a godly wife looks like for a male college student who longs for a future spouse. You can show the young women in your Bible study what it looks like to open your home and create a welcoming space for community. You can be an encouragement simply by showing up—even when you’re exhausted from whatever life has brought you that week.



So the next time your mind tells you that you’re not making a difference, think of someone in your life who made a difference for you. Then humbly ask God to use your life for His glory—you may be amazed at what He can do through you.