WRITTEN BY: Tecia Pelling

The journey of women in ministry is both a personal calling and a profound responsibility. Those of us who are answering this call often find ourselves at a crossroads of tradition and progress, standing as trailblazers in spaces where women have historically been excluded. Yet, the most powerful realization is this: the work we do today may not fully benefit us, but it will open doors for generations of women to come.

This is the essence of servant leadership—investing in a future where others can flourish.

An Open Door

I vividly remember the moment this truth became real to me—the day I was ordained as a pastor in my church. The weight of the moment was immense because I was among the first women in our congregation to receive this honor. It was a significant milestone, not just for me but for our church as a whole.

While the ordination was a profound privilege, it carried a deep sense of responsibility for two reasons. First, I was keenly aware that other women before me had paved the way for this moment, yet they had not been given the same recognition. Their sacrifices made my ordination possible.

Second, I understood that this was only the beginning. The question stirring in my heart was, "Who will I invite to join me on this journey as God continues to carve out a path for women in ministry?"

Shortly after the ceremony, a younger female leader approached me with tears in her eyes and said, “Today brought healing to my heart.” She shared how, for much of her life, she had been told that her calling was limited because she was a woman. Though she felt a deep stirring from God to speak and lead, she was taught to suppress it, believing that God didn’t use women to pastor or teach over men. Despite her prayers asking God to take the desire away, it only grew stronger.

Can you imagine there might be women in your community who are asking the God of immeasurably more to limit the desires he gave them?

Seeing me—a woman—acknowledged and supported by our male church leaders and given space to step into my calling as a pastor, gave her the assurance she needed to begin praying differently. It brought her healing and hope, affirming that God was indeed calling her! She could now embrace her calling without fear or doubt! And let go of her shame, knowing her calling was not a sin.

Embracing the role of a trailblazing woman can be one of the most challenging transitions, as it often demands significant sacrifice. Pursuing your calling with unwavering passion oftentimes does not make sense to those around you—and that's understandable! After all, Christ entrusted the assignment to you, not them. This was certainly true for the woman at the well.

In John 4:1-42, we read the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. This is one of the most compelling stories of transformation and purpose in the Bible! Her life and encounter with Jesus hold profound lessons about the power of paving the way for others, even from unexpected places and circumstances.

A Divine Encounter

The Samaritan woman was living a life marked by pain, rejection, and societal judgment. Her decision to draw water at noon, the hottest part of the day, hints at her isolation. Yet, this moment of solitude became a divine appointment. Jesus, tired and thirsty, deliberately engaged her in conversation, breaking several cultural barriers. A Jewish man speaking with a Samaritan woman was unthinkable, but Jesus’ mission was never confined by societal norms.

This encounter shows us that God often begins His work of transformation in the unlikeliest moments and with the most unexpected people. Jesus saw beyond her past and spoke to her potential, paving the way for her to step into a greater purpose.

An Honest Transformation

When Jesus revealed her life story—her five husbands and her current relationship—she didn’t deny or deflect. Instead, she engaged in a meaningful conversation about worship and the coming Messiah. Her openness and willingness to confront her truth became the catalyst for her transformation. Jesus’ declaration, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he” (John 4:26 NIV), changed everything for her.

Transformation often begins when we are honest about where we are. The Samaritan woman’s life is a testament to the fact that God doesn’t require perfection to use us. He requires a willing heart.

After her encounter with Jesus, the Samaritan woman did something extraordinary. She left her water jar—the very symbol of her daily toil—and ran back to her village to share her experience. Her words, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” (John 4:29), sparked curiosity and led many to meet Jesus for themselves.

Her transformation was not just personal; it was communal. Despite her past, she became an effective evangelist, drawing others to Christ through her testimony. This demonstrates the ripple effect of one life changed by Jesus–even the life of a woman. When we share our stories, we pave the way for others to encounter Him.

Breaking Barriers

The Samaritan woman’s story is one of breaking barriers, as she was a woman, a Samaritan, and someone with a troubled past, yet Jesus used her to bring an entire village to faith, reminding us that the gospel is for everyone and that God’s work transcends race, gender, and societal norms.

By boldly sharing her testimony, she challenged perceptions and paved the way for her community to encounter Jesus, illustrating the power of purpose as her mundane trip to the well became a life-changing moment that demonstrated how God can use anyone to make a difference.

Sometimes, paving the way for others requires courage—courage to confront our past, courage to share our story, and courage to believe that we can be part of something greater than ourselves. As we reflect on the Samaritan woman’s story, let us consider the opportunities we have to pave the way for others, especially as women.