During the time of Jesus, women in society were often marginalized and excluded from positions of authority or prominence. In many cultures, their testimonies were not considered reliable in legal matters, and their roles were largely confined to domestic spaces. Social and religious norms discouraged interactions between men and women outside their families, further isolating them from the public and spiritual spheres.
Yet, Jesus stood in stark contrast to these norms. He consistently demonstrated love, respect, and trust for women, engaging them in ways that were revolutionary for His time. Not only did He elevate their status by including them in His ministry, but He also entrusted them with vital roles that shaped the course of salvation history.
Below, we explore seven significant “firsts” for women in the Bible, highlighting their profound contributions as witnesses and messengers of the Good News—and the timeless lessons they offer for stepping boldly into new beginnings.
1. The First Evangelist: The Samaritan Woman at the Well
At Jacob’s well, Jesus spoke with a Samaritan woman, breaking societal and gender barriers (John 4:1–26). In this encounter, He revealed Himself as the Messiah, and her heart was forever changed. She became the first evangelist in the New Testament, sharing the news with her town and inspiring many to believe. Her story reminds us that each new day carries the potential for transformation—one conversation, one courageous step, or one act of faith can spark a ripple effect that changes the lives of those around us.
2. The First Witness of the Resurrection: Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene was the first person to see the risen Jesus (John 20:11–18). She encountered Him at the empty tomb, initially mistaking Him for the gardener. When Jesus called her by name, she recognized Him, and He entrusted her with the message of His resurrection. Her story reminds us that no matter where we are starting from, we are called to witness and share life-changing truths. Every beginning, no matter how uncertain, holds the potential to inspire others.
3. The First to Anoint Jesus for His Burial: Mary of Bethany
Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus’ feet with costly perfume, a prophetic act of devotion (John 12:1–8; Mark 14:6, 9). Jesus affirmed that her gesture would be remembered wherever the Gospel is preached. Mary’s actions teach us that intentional acts of faith, love, and service mark new beginnings with purpose. Each day offers a chance to leave a meaningful impact through devotion and thoughtful action.
4. The First Woman Healed Publicly: Peter’s Mother-in-Law
Peter’s mother-in-law was healed from a fever by Jesus (Matthew 8:14–15). Immediately following her restoration, she served Him and others, demonstrating how healing and empowerment go hand in hand. Her example reminds us that each fresh start can be met with action. Transformation—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—is meant to inspire us to serve and make a difference in the lives of others.
5. The First Financial Supporters of Jesus: Women of Means
Women such as Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna played a vital role in supporting Jesus’ ministry (Luke 8:1–3). Their generosity ensured His mission could continue, reflecting faith in action. Their story encourages us to invest our resources—time, energy, and talents—into things that advance God’s work. Every new beginning is an opportunity to give in ways that create lasting impact.
6. The First to Hear of His Birth: Mary, the Mother of Jesus
Mary, the mother of Jesus, was the first to hear the angel Gabriel’s announcement of His birth (Luke 1:26–38). Her immediate response, “I am the Lord’s servant,” reflects remarkable faith and willingness to embrace God’s plan. Mary’s courage teaches us that accepting God’s call requires trust, even when the future is unknown. Each new chapter in life is a chance to step forward in obedience and confidence, trusting that God’s plan unfolds perfectly.
7. The First Gentile Woman Praised for Her Faith: The Syrophoenician Woman
In Matthew 15:21–28, a Syrophoenician woman approached Jesus seeking healing for her daughter. Her persistence and unwavering faith impressed Him, and He praised her: “Woman, you have great faith!” Her story reminds us that persistence and boldness in faith open doors to new opportunities. Every beginning carries challenges, but perseverance and trust can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Jesus’ interactions with women consistently challenged cultural norms, emphasizing their faith, courage, and indispensable role in His mission. From the Samaritan woman who became the first evangelist to Mary Magdalene, the first witness of the resurrection, women were central to the story of salvation. Their lives inspire all believers to embrace God’s call, step boldly into their purpose, and recognize the transformative impact of faith, service, and courage—no matter what new beginnings lie ahead.
These seven “firsts” in the Bible remind us that God values courage, faith, and devotion, often entrusting ordinary individuals with extraordinary roles. The women highlighted here embraced their callings with boldness, obedience, and trust, leaving a lasting impact on the story of salvation. Their lives inspire us to step confidently into new beginnings, to serve with purpose, and to trust that every act of faith—no matter how small—can shape the world around us. Just as these women became witnesses, messengers, and pillars of God’s plan, we too are invited to live boldly, embrace our calling, and make each new day an opportunity for transformation and hope.
Sometimes the most world-changing events begin with a whisper—a nudge, a quiet conversation, an act of obedience that seems small at the time. These ten real-life stories of every day people, show how simple faithfulness to God’s prompting can lead to eternal impact in ways we could never predict.
1. Albert McMakin & Billy Graham
Albert McMakin wasn’t a preacher. He wasn’t a missionary. He was a simple North Carolina farmer in the 1930s who loved Jesus. After becoming a Christian, he had a deep burden for his friends to know Christ too.
One friend he was especially burdened for was a teenage farm boy named Billy Graham. Billy wasn’t particularly interested in religion, and initially resisted going to the evangelistic meeting Albert was attending. But Albert wouldn’t give up. He kept inviting. Eventually, he offered to let Billy drive the truck to the meeting—which piqued Billy’s interest.
That night, Billy Graham heard the Gospel, was convicted of his sin, and ultimately gave his life to Christ. No one could have guessed that this one conversion would result in Billy Graham preaching to over 215 million people worldwide, becoming the most well-known evangelist of the 20th century.
The act of faithfulness: A quiet farmer didn’t preach to the masses—he simply invited a friend to meet Jesus.
2. Gladys Aylward & the Orphans of China
Born in 1902 in London, Gladys Aylward was a housemaid who felt a strong calling to serve as a missionary in China. When she applied to a mission board, they rejected her—she wasn’t educated enough, and she failed her Bible class. But her conviction never wavered.
Undeterred, she worked hard, saved her earnings, and eventually traveled to China on her own by train through war zones—an incredibly dangerous journey.
In China, she worked with an elderly missionary woman, and when that woman passed, Gladys took over the mission. She became known for her work with children and her dedication to adopting and rescuing orphans. During the Japanese invasion, she famously led over 100 children across treacherous mountains to safety—on foot, with no resources but her faith.
The act of faithfulness: Saying yes to God’s call, despite rejection, danger, and overwhelming odds.
3. Corrie ten Boom & the Hiding Place
Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch Christian watchmaker in the Netherlands during World War II. She and her family were deeply committed to their Christian faith and felt convicted to help their Jewish neighbors during the Nazi occupation.
They created a secret room in their home—The Hiding Place—where they sheltered Jews. Eventually, the Nazis discovered their operation. Corrie and her family were arrested; her father and sister died in custody. Corrie was sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp, where she endured horrific conditions.
But even in the camp, she smuggled in a Bible and led secret Bible studies, bringing hope to the women around her. After the war, she began sharing her story and preaching forgiveness—even confronting one of her former prison guards and forgiving him publicly.
The act of faithfulness: Courageously lived out Christ’s love, risking her life and choosing to forgive the unforgivable.
4. George Müller & the Power of Prayer
George Müller lived in the 1800s in England and was known for founding orphanages that cared for over 10,000 children during his lifetime. But what makes his story incredible is how he operated: he never asked for money or help from people. He only prayed.
Müller believed in demonstrating God’s ability to provide, and he wanted to show that God could be trusted with every need. He would pray, journal his requests, and wait. And time after time, God answered.
One famous incident tells of a morning when there was no food for the orphans. Müller sat the children at the tables, gave thanks for food that hadn’t yet come, and trusted God. Within minutes, a baker knocked, saying he had felt led to bake extra bread the night before. Then a milk cart broke down outside the orphanage, and the milkman offered them the contents.
The act of faithfulness: Radical trust in God’s provision, expressed through daily, quiet prayer.
5. Henrietta Mears & Mentoring the Next Generation
In the 1930s, Henrietta Mears was a schoolteacher turned Sunday school director at Hollywood Presbyterian Church. At a time when Sunday school was often considered boring and shallow, she brought vision, order, and passion to the program.
Under her leadership, the youth ministry exploded—from 400 to 4,000 students. But more importantly, she personally discipled and mentored many of the young people who would later have massive influence on Christianity in the 20th century.
Among those impacted by her were:
Bill Bright, who later founded Campus Crusade for Christ (now CRU), which would spread the Gospel to millions of students globally. Billy Graham, who visited her retreat center and was deeply inspired by her clarity of vision and theological depth.
She also helped found Gospel Light Publishing and Forest Home Christian Conference Center, both of which continue her legacy.
The act of faithfulness: Quietly and consistently mentoring young people, sowing seeds of leadership that would impact millions.
6. Edward Kimball & D.L. Moody
Dwight Lyman Moody was born in 1837 in Northfield, Massachusetts. He moved to Boston at 17 to work in his uncle’s shoe store. His uncle required him to attend church in order to stay employed.
Moody attended Mount Vernon Congregational Church, and it was there that a Sunday school teacher named Edward Kimball took a personal interest in him.
On April 21, 1855, Kimball felt strongly impressed to visit Moody at the shoe store where he worked. Nervously, Kimball went into the store and spoke with Moody in the back room about the love of Christ and the importance of accepting Him personally.
According to Kimball’s own recollection, he wasn’t sure his words had any effect at the time. But in that back room of the shoe store, Moody later said he gave his heart to Christ.
That seemingly small moment of obedience on Kimball’s part was the catalyst for Moody’s transformation. Moody would go on to become a world-famous evangelist, founding the Moody Bible Institute and leading countless thousands to Christ through his preaching and revival work both in the U.S. and the U.K.
The act of faithfulness: A Sunday school teacher followed a quiet prompting—and helped launch a movement that would reach millions.
7. Susanna Wesley – The Mother Who Discipled a Nation
Susanna Wesley (1669–1742) was the mother of John and Charles Wesley, the founders of the Methodist movement, which would eventually lead to spiritual revivals across England and America.
She gave birth to 19 children, though only 10 survived infancy. Her life was far from easy—she endured poverty, a house fire that nearly killed her children, and a husband who was often absent or imprisoned for debt. But despite all this, she remained devoted to raising her children with a foundation in Christ.
Susanna made time to personally disciple each child—setting aside one hour each week with every one of them, including the boys who would one day shake nations. She also held regular Bible studies and prayer meetings in her home, which began to attract hundreds of people, drawing more than the local church services.
Her influence on John and Charles was profound. John would later say:
“I learned more about Christianity from my mother than from all the theologians in England.”
She never preached to crowds, traveled abroad, or founded institutions—but her legacy helped launch a spiritual awakening that impacted millions.
The act of faithfulness: Quiet, consistent investment in her children’s spiritual lives—raising revivalists in her own home.
8. Amy Carmichael – The Missionary Who Refused to Quit
Amy Carmichael (1867–1951) was an Irish missionary to India who served for 55 years without a furlough. Born in a wealthy Presbyterian family in Northern Ireland, Amy felt God’s call to missions at a young age. Though her health was fragile, her resolve was unshakable.
In India, Amy encountered the horrific practice of temple prostitution, where young girls—some as young as 5—were dedicated to Hindu temples and sexually exploited. Deeply grieved, Amy began rescuing them and taking them into her care. This decision was highly controversial and dangerous, putting her at odds with cultural norms and spiritual powers of the time.
She founded the Dohnavur Fellowship, which became a sanctuary for hundreds of children. Amy insisted on total dependence on God for resources—never fundraising—and she adopted Indian dress, customs, and language to show the love of Christ without colonial overtones.
Later in life, she suffered a severe fall and became bedridden for 20 years, yet she continued to write extensively—authoring over 35 books—which deeply influenced generations of missionaries and intercessors.
The act of faithfulness: Rescuing the unseen and unwanted, enduring suffering, and writing truth that still bears fruit.
9. Elisabeth Elliot – Obedient in Sorrow, Strong in Surrender
Elisabeth Elliot (1926–2015) was the wife of Jim Elliot, one of five missionaries murdered by the Waodani tribe (also called Auca) in the Ecuadorian jungle in 1956. The men had gone to reach this unreached people group with the Gospel—knowing the risk was high.
After Jim’s death, most would have returned home broken. But Elisabeth—along with Rachel Saint, sister of one of the other slain missionaries—chose to stay in Ecuador. She continued to live among and learn from the local tribes and, eventually, moved in with the very people who had killed her husband.
Over time, the Gospel softened their hearts. Many came to Christ—including the very men who had participated in the killings.
Elisabeth returned to the U.S. and began a lifetime ministry of writing, teaching, and speaking. Her book Through Gates of Splendor remains a Christian classic. Her message, forged in suffering, became a powerful voice on topics like obedience, suffering, and trusting God without full understanding.
The act of faithfulness: Forgiving, staying, and loving the very people who brought her unimaginable loss—because Christ loved them first.
10. Fanny Crosby – Blind Hymn Writer with Eternal Vision
Fanny J. Crosby (1820–1915) lost her eyesight as an infant, but she never saw her blindness as a curse. Instead, she believed it was a gift from God that helped her see the world through spiritual eyes.
Fanny began writing poetry at age 8 and would go on to write more than 8,000 hymns, including beloved classics like:
Blessed Assurance To God Be the Glory Rescue the Perishing All the Way My Savior Leads Me
Her songs have been translated into countless languages and sung by millions across centuries.
Fanny was also active in urban missions. She worked in New York City rescue missions, ministering to the poor, the addicted, and the homeless—many of whom came to Christ through her witness and songs.
Despite global fame, she lived simply and gave most of her earnings to charity. When asked if she regretted being blind, she replied:
“If I had a choice, I would still choose to remain blind… for when I die, the first face I ever will see will be the face of my blessed Savior.”
The act of faithfulness: Turning personal limitation into a platform for praise—using her voice to help millions worship.
Conclusion: Faithfulness Over Fame
These stories remind us that the most extraordinary spiritual outcomes often begin with ordinary acts of obedience. Whether it’s inviting a friend, praying in secret, mentoring a young person, or risking everything for others—God often does His greatest work through the simplest obedience.
We may not always understand why God nudges us in a certain direction. We may not see the outcome in our lifetime. But God does. He sees what’s happening in people’s hearts. He knows the eternal impact of our obedience—even when we don’t.
Our job is not to understand everything. Our job is to trust Him and be faithful.
When God leads, we don’t need all the answers. We only need to say yes.
In the wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, I cannot stay silent. He stood for righteousness, confronted lies, and reminded me of Stephen in the book of Acts — bold, unflinching, refuting nonsense with truth. And just like then, the world couldn’t stand to hear it. So, they killed him.
“Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?” — Galatians 4:16
The Pattern of Hatred
Stephen spoke with wisdom and spirit that his enemies could not refute. They plugged their ears, gnashed their teeth, and raged against the truth until they stoned him. Charlie faced the same spirit — a generation that hates the light, calls good evil and evil good, and literally shoots down anyone who dares to dissent, celebrating and rejoicing at his death.
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.” — Isaiah 5:20
We are watching the same story unfold. Then it was Stephen. Now it is Charlie. The names change, but the hatred for truth remains the same.
The Death of “Tolerance”
We are told to value “inclusion.” Yet the same voices that preach tolerance exclude anyone who refuses to bow. Disagreement is no longer allowed; only silence or surrender. “Let’s agree to disagree” has been replaced by “submit or be destroyed.”
As one supporter put it: “Charlie Kirk did not spread hate speech. He spread speech the left hated.”
And as George R.R. Martin warned: “When you tear out a man’s tongue, you are not proving him a liar, you’re only telling the world that you fear what he might say.”
What once was free debate is now suppression. What once was respect for dissent is now cancellation and violence. We have abandoned even Voltaire’s simple creed:
“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
Charlie refused to bow. He refused to surrender. He stood. And they could not endure it.
The Real Danger: Our Silence
His death woke me up out of my slumber, I pray it has awoken you too. And I will not go back. Because the greatest danger isn’t their hatred — it’s our silence. For too long we have remained silent when we could have spoken truth in love. Christian witness is not loud anger but faithful proclamation, even when it draws opposition.
Martyrdom is a megaphone. Stephen’s death shook Jerusalem. Charlie’s death must shake us. This is not the time to retreat.
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” — Matthew 10:28
The Rallying Cry
We will not shrink from speaking the truth in love. We will not be silenced, for our mission is to proclaim God’s Word, even when it is unpopular. We were born to stand in faith, to proclaim truth patiently and lovingly, trusting God with the results.
“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit.” — Stephen, Acts 7:51
A Word of Comfort
To those who knew Charlie, who mourn his loss, and to those who are curious why he stood so boldly: hear this truth. Death is not the end for those who believe in Christ. The moment Charlie’s body fell, his spirit was received into the arms of Jesus.
“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord — for those who trust in Him.” — 2 Corinthians 5:8
Stephen, as he was stoned, looked up and saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God, ready to receive him. And I believe the same Lord stood to welcome Charlie home. Like Stephen, who prayed for those who stoned him (‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them’ — Acts 7:60), we are called to hold truth and grace together — to speak boldly but forgive freely. May we also be reminded to number our days, trusting the Lord to decide the span of our lives, and to live faithfully in the time He gives us.
For those who grieve, may you be strengthened and given grace. May Jesus draw near to your broken hearts, comforting you in your loss.
Though he will be deeply missed, let us hold fast to the hope we have in Christ — the hope of resurrection, the hope of eternal life, and the hope that one day every tear will be wiped away. His race is finished, his crown of life secured, his rest eternal.
But his story is not over. Because every martyr points us to the cross — where Jesus Himself conquered death. And through that victory, all who repent and believe in Him will share in the same hope: everlasting life.
Born for Such a Time as This
Charlie Kirk — a modern-day Stephen — has joined the cloud of witnesses who stood unashamed for truth. His blood is not wasted. His voice is not silenced.
“The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.” — Tertullian
Like Stephen’s martyrdom sparked Saul’s conversion and propelled the gospel outward, so too will Charlie’s stand spark awakening.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight… and run with endurance the race that is set before us.” — Hebrews 12:1
If they thought ending Charlie’s life would silence the truth, they are mistaken. His witness lives on in those who speak faithfully and lovingly for Christ. Like Stephen’s death, his example inspires boldness and truth to spread like fire. His voice continues through us as we proclaim God’s Word with courage and love.
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance… will arise from another place. But who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” — Esther 4:14
We were born for such a time as this. Not to shrink back. Not to compromise truth. Not to hide our faith. We were born to stand in faith, to proclaim God’s Word with courage and love, and to trust Him with the results.
The Gospel Charlie Believed and Preached
Charlie would not want this moment to end without the message that defined his life: Jesus Christ. His boldness did not come from politics, or from himself — it came from the Word of God and the person of Jesus Christ.
Here is that message:
We are all sinners, separated from God by our rebellion and pride. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23
Sin earns death — not only physical death, but eternal separation from God. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 6:23
God, in His mercy, sent His Son Jesus to die in our place, to take the penalty we deserved. “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8
Jesus did not remain in the grave — He rose from the dead, defeating sin and death once for all. To be saved, you must repent and trust in Him. “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” — Romans 10:9
That is the hope Charlie carried. That is the reason he stood fearless. He knew death was not the end, but the beginning of eternity with Christ.
A Call to Respond
If your heart is stirred, God is calling you today. Salvation comes through repentance — turning away from sin, which is anything we know is wrong or that separates us from God — and trusting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Repentance means honestly acknowledging your sins, asking God to forgive them, and choosing to turn from them with His help. Trusting Jesus means believing that His death on the cross paid for your sins, that He rose again, and that He is alive to guide, strengthen, and transform your life.
You can respond with a simple prayer, such as:
“Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins. I turn from all that I know is wrong and turn to You. I believe You died for me and rose again. I trust You as my Lord and Savior. Take my life, forgive me, and make me Yours forever. Amen.”
When you do this, you are forgiven, welcomed into God’s family, and given the Holy Spirit to guide you every day. Your old life begins to be transformed, and your eternal life with Christ begins.
“Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out.” — Acts 3:19
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” — Romans 10:13
Charlie is with Christ now, and his witness continues through every person who stands for truth and every heart that responds to Jesus. Stand. Believe. Live.
What next?
If you prayed this prayer and want guidance on how to grow in your new life with Christ, this resource will help you take the next steps:
The Bible compares the man who lives in dependence on God to a tree that draws its sustenance from an underground river (Jeremiah 17:5-8). That is how Jesus lived – perpetually drawing His spiritual resources, as a man, from the Holy Spirit (the river of God).
Jesus’ victory over temptation, was not through human determination, but because He drew strength from the Father, moment-by-moment. The way of self-denial as exemplified and taught by Jesus is not one where the soul attempts to master itself. No. That is Buddhism and yoga and is as different from the teaching of Scripture as earth is from heaven.
“Jesus continuously sought for the power of God in prayer, and was never disappointed.” Jesus taught that as human beings we do not have the power to live and serve God as we should. He said that we were like helpless branches entirely dependent on the sap supplied by the tree for fruitfulness. “Apart from Me,” He said, “you can do nothing” (John 15:5). And so, what we do manage to do, without the help of the Holy Spirit can be considered to be NOTHING. Herein lies the vital necessity to be “filled with the Spirit continuously” (Ephesians 5:18).
Jesus Himself was filled and anointed with the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1, 18), and He lived and laboured for His Father in the Spirit’s power. But this was possible, only because as a man, He was poor in spirit.
Jesus was conscious of the weakness of the human frame that He had taken on. Therefore, He was perpetually looking for opportunities to get alone and pray. Someone has said that, as tourists look for good hotels and for important sights to be seen, when they enter a city, so Jesus looked for solitary places where He could pray.
He sought for power to overcome temptation and put His soul-power to death. No man was as conscious as Jesus was, of the utter weakness of the flesh, and so He sought the Father’s face in prayer for help, as no man ever did. He prayed with “loud crying and tears” in the days of His flesh. The result was that He was mightily strengthened by the Father, much more than any other man. Thus, Jesus never once sinned and never lived out from His soul (Hebrews 4:15; 5:7-9).
Is it not significant that 25 times in the gospels, the words “pray” or “prayer” are used in connection with Jesus? Therein lay the secret of His life and His labours.
Jesus not only prayed before the great events of His life, but also after some of His great achievements. After feeding the five thousand miraculously, He withdrew into the mountains to pray (Matthew 14:23). This was no doubt to guard against temptations to pride or complacency over the work accomplished, and to renew His strength by waiting on His Father (Isaiah 40:31). We usually pray only before we have some important task to do for the Lord. But if we would develop the habit that Jesus had, of waiting before the Father after we have finished our task, we would preserve ourselves from pride and thus be equipped to do greater things for the Lord.
The busier Jesus’ life became, the more He prayed. There were times when He did not have time to eat or even to rest (Mark 3:20; 6:31, 33, 46), but He always took time to pray. He knew when to sleep and when to pray, for He obeyed the promptings of the Spirit.
Poverty of spirit is a prerequisite for effective prayer. Prayer is the expression of human helplessness, and if it is to be meaningful and not a mere ritual, there must be a constant recognition of the inadequacy of human resources either to live the Christian life or to serve God.
Jesus continuously sought for the power of God in prayer and was never disappointed. Thus, He accomplished things through prayer, that even He could not have accomplished in any other way.
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And clever in their own sight! ~ Isaiah 5:20-24
The connection between rejecting God’s revealed truth and the widespread moral and spiritual failures within the Church is profound. This issue goes beyond cases of abuse or leadership compromise; it strikes at the heart of how the Church perceives and proclaims the authority of God.
The Importance of God’s Design for Marriage
Marriage is not merely a social construct; it is a sacred institution established by God to symbolize the relationship between Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:31–32). This covenant reflects God’s character, His faithfulness, and His love for humanity. When leaders reject or distort God’s design for marriage, they are not only undermining biblical teaching—they are denying the authority of the Creator Himself.
When a leader aligns with ideologies that contradict God’s revealed pattern for life and sexuality, they are no longer serving the God they are ordained to represent. By accepting cultural redefinitions of marriage and affirming practices contrary to Scripture, they openly reject God’s authority over creation and dismiss His character as good, wise, and loving.
The Assumption:
• If God’s design for marriage is no longer ‘good,’ then God Himself cannot be good, but that is a lie. Psalm 145:9 states, “The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.”
• If God’s definition of marriage is labeled ‘offensive’ or ‘homophobic,’ then God is cast as a dictator rather than a loving Creator, but that is a lie. John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
• If God’s Word is dismissed as irrelevant in modern society, the Church does not lose its foundation or witness, as this claim is a lie. The gates of hell will not prevail against the true Church, which is not confined to manmade denominations but is the community of faithful believers (Matthew 16:18). Scripture, such as Hebrews 4:12, affirms that God’s Word is alive, active, and transformative, reaching the depths of human nature and exposing truth.
When Church leaders publicly reject the biblical definition of marriage, they reject Christ Himself. This is not a small error; it is a profound act of betrayal. Leadership in the Church requires not just personal faith but a commitment to defend and proclaim the truth of God’s Word, no matter the cultural pressures.
The Connection to Abuse and Cover-Ups
This rejection of God’s authority is deeply connected to the Church’s failure to address abuse. The same leaders who abandon biblical teaching on marriage and sexuality are often the ones who prioritize institutional reputation over justice and truth. Both failures stem from a desire to appease societal trends or maintain power rather than honor God and protect His flock.
The many abuse cases demonstrates the disastrous consequences of this approach. When leaders fail to bring sin into the light, they betray victims, misrepresent Christ, and erode trust in the Church. The attempt to cover up abuse is not merely a failure of human judgment—it is a rejection of the gospel’s call to repentance, justice, and restoration.
Cultural Capitulation Harms the Gospel
The broader cultural capitulation to ideologies around marriage, gender, and sexuality has only deepened the Church’s crisis. By aligning itself with these movements, the Church sends a message that God’s Word is outdated or incorrect. This not only leads Christians astray but gives secular ideologies the power to infiltrate and reshape the Church’s teaching.
For instance, under compromised leadership:
• Children are taught unbiblical ideologies in schools, often endorsed by Church policies.
• Faithful Christians are ostracized for upholding Scripture, losing jobs and reputations.
• Sinful behaviors are affirmed, leaving many under the false impression that they are in right standing with God.
These failures have eternal consequences. Scripture warns that those who live unrepentantly in sin will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9). Leaders who affirm sin or fail to call for repentance are complicit in leading others away from salvation.
Rejecting Christ Through Compromise
The rejection of God’s design for marriage is not a mere doctrinal misstep; it is a rejection of Christ Himself. The Archbishop of Canterbury, and leaders like him, disqualify themselves from spiritual leadership by their blatant denial of foundational truths.
The Bible makes clear that leaders will be judged more strictly by God because their actions and words influence others, they have a big responsibility. They’re supposed to guide others toward God and live as good examples. If they lead people the wrong way, they’re held accountable for that (James 3:1). Matthew 7:15–20 warns us to watch out for leaders who seem good on the outside but don’t actually live in a way that honors God. Jesus says you can tell who they really are by their “fruit.”
If a leader’s actions show compromise, dishonesty and cause spiritual harm, they’re not following Jesus faithfully. In fact, they’re going against Him, no matter what they claim. This kind of behavior is “anti-Christ,” opposing what Jesus stands for. When the fruit of leadership is compromise, deceit and confusion, it is evidence of a failure to remain faithful to Christ.
In short: Leaders have a heavy responsibility to lead well. If their actions don’t match their words and they cause harm instead of helping, again, it shows they aren’t being faithful to Christ. That’s why we need to be careful and pay attention to what kind of “fruit” their leadership produces.
This is not a minor issue. Leaders who reject biblical truth about marriage, sexuality, or holiness cannot effectively shepherd God’s people. They have aligned themselves with a worldview that is “at enmity with God” (James 4:4).
A Call to Repentance and Reform
The solution to these intertwined issues—abuse cover-ups and doctrinal compromise—lies in repentance and a return to biblical faithfulness. The Church must:
1. Appoint leaders who are born-again, Spirit-filled, and uncompromising in their commitment to Scripture.
2. Hold leaders accountable to God’s standards, not human traditions or cultural pressures.
3. Confront sin openly and pursue justice for victims, trusting in God’s power to restore and heal.
The Church must reject the temptation to conform to societal ideologies and instead boldly proclaim the truth of the gospel. As Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31–32).
True freedom—freedom from sin, deception, and spiritual harm—comes only through faithfulness to Christ. Leaders who reject this truth and lead others astray bring judgment upon themselves and harm the Church’s witness.
Let us pray for a revival of truth and faithfulness within the Church. May God raise up leaders who will honor His Word, protect His people, and restore the Church’s commitment to the gospel. Only through His grace can the Church be cleansed and renewed.
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***Based on CEO Andrea Williams article at Christian Concern / Photo by Lil Artsy at Pexels
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