5 Influential Women Who Shaped Church History
The Women History Almost Forgot (But We’re Bringing Them Back)
Imagine this: A dusty old church archive full of scrolls, letters, worn-out leather bindings. Tucked between the lines of church history are women’s stories—some barely whispered, others intentionally silenced.
But here’s the truth: Without influential female figures and their contributions to church history, the church wouldn’t be what it is today.
Their stories aren’t just nice-to-know facts. They’re essential reminders that women have always played a pivotal role in God’s Kingdom—leading, teaching, prophesying, nurturing and reforming.
And today, we’re celebrating them.
Because as Christian women entrepreneurs, their courage fuels our calling.
Let’s dive into celebrating influential female figures and their contributions to church history—so you can see the legacy you’re part of.
| Name | Era | Primary Contribution |
| Lydia | Early Church (1st Century) | Entrepreneur, first European convert, and house church leader. |
| Macrina the Younger | Patristic Era (4th Century) | Theologian and mentor to the Cappadocian Fathers. |
| Hildegard of Bingen | Medieval Period (12th Century) | Visionary, composer, and bold preacher to the papacy. |
| Catherine Booth | Victorian Era (19th Century) | Co-founder of The Salvation Army and advocate for female ministry. |
| Jarena Lee | 19th Century | First authorized African American woman preacher in the AME Church. |
1.Lydia: Female Leadership in the Early Church
First up, Lydia. Businesswoman. Dealer of purple cloth (a luxury item). Likely wealthy, well-connected.
When Paul met Lydia (Acts 16), she became the first convert in Europe. But Lydia didn’t just say amen and sit back. She opened her home for worship, likely becoming a founding leader of the Philippian church.
Her financial contributions and hospitality helped the Gospel take root in Europe.
Why she matters: Lydia is proof that entrepreneurship and ministry aren’t separate lanes. Your business can fuel Kingdom work.
Celebrating influential female figures like Lydia reminds us that our businesses are part of God’s mission.
2. Macrina the Younger: Shape Theology in the Patristic Era
I bet you’ve heard of the Cappadocian Fathers—Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, Gregory of Nazianzus.
But behind their theological brilliance? Their sister—Macrina the Younger.
She was a theologian, teacher, and monastic leader, shaping her brothers’ spiritual formation. Gregory of Nyssa wrote about her with deep respect, calling her “the Teacher.”
Without Macrina, the theological foundations of the early church would look very different.
Why she matters: Macrina shows us that women shape theology, even if their names don’t always make the headlines.
When we celebrate influential female figures and their contributions to church history, we honor the hidden influencers too.
3. Hildegard of Bingen: Visionary Leader in the Medieval Period
A 12th-century Renaissance woman (before the Renaissance was a thing).
Hildegard of Bingen was a:
- Composer of sacred music
- Writer of theological texts
- Preacher who spoke truth to power
- Herbalist and healer
Her visions, which she called revelations from God, inspired her writings on theology, science, and medicine.
Why she matters: Hildegard reminds us that creativity and leadership are not mutually exclusive. She boldly spoke in a time when women weren’t supposed to preach.
Celebrating influential female figures like Hildegard shows us how multi-passionate leadership can thrive in faith spaces.
4. Catherine Booth: Powerful Preacher in the Victorian Era
When you think of the Salvation Army, you might picture brass bands or red kettles.
But it was Catherine Booth, alongside her husband William, who co-founded it. And Catherine?
She preached. Powerfully.
In fact, many said she was the better preacher of the two. Her fiery sermons on social justice and the Gospel helped shape the Salvation Army’s mission.
Why she matters: Catherine Booth normalized women preaching in the 19th century—arguing that if God calls, no human should silence.
Celebrating influential female figures like Catherine affirms that women’s voices belong in the pulpit and in social reform.
5. Jarena Lee: First African American Woman Preacher in the 19th Century
In the early 1800s, Jarena Lee felt God calling her to preach. But the male leaders in the African Methodist Episcopal Church told her no.
That didn’t stop her.
Eventually, the church recognized her calling, and she preached to thousands across the U.S. Her autobiography shares her journey of faith, struggle, and triumph.
Why she matters: Jarena Lee’s story reminds us that women of color have shaped church history—even when they had to fight twice as hard to be heard.
When we celebrate influential female figures and their contributions to church history, we commit to telling the whole story—including the voices that history tried to silence.
Recommended Reading
If you enjoyed learning about these influential women, explore our other resources for Christian entrepreneurs:
Why This Matters for Us Today
You might be wondering: Why dive into church history when I’m just trying to run my business and serve my clients?
Here’s why.
These influential female figures didn’t separate their faith, work, and leadership—they integrated them.
- Lydia leveraged her business to support ministry.
- Macrina used her wisdom to shape theological giants.
- Hildegard blended creativity and leadership.
- Catherine Booth combined preaching and social justice.
- Jarena Lee persisted through barriers to fulfill her calling.
Sound familiar?
You, dear entrepreneur, are walking in their footsteps.
When you lead your business, mentor others, or speak truth—you’re part of the same legacy. Your contributions matter just as theirs did.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let History Forget You
Church history is full of forgotten women—but it doesn’t have to stay that way.
By celebrating influential female figures and their contributions to church history, we reclaim the narrative. And we remind ourselves that we, too, are writing history.
Your leadership, your business, your faith—it’s part of God’s story.
So keep showing up. Keep leading. Keep making history.
And if you’re ready to connect with other women writing their own faith-driven stories, join us at NACWE. Together, we’re not just celebrating history—we’re making it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Women in Church History
Q: Who is the most famous woman in church history?
A: While Mary, mother of Jesus, is most prominent, figures like Hildegard of Bingen and Catherine Booth are pivotal for their leadership and theological contributions.
Q: Did women lead in the early church?
A: Yes, female figures in church history like Lydia and Phoebe held significant leadership and deaconship roles in the apostolic era.
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