women in leadership roles

Were there women in leadership roles during Paul's ministry and church founding? How did Paul work with women in the churches he founded? Phoebe was a deacon and fellow helper (Romans 16:1-2). Pricilla,Euodia and Syntyche were fellow workers standing side-by-side with men such as Aquilla and Clement (Romans 16:3, Phil. 4:2-3). Paul instructed Timothy that the office of deacon was to be filled by men and women. Women deacons were to be serious, not slanderers but temperate and faithful in all things (1 Tim. 3:11). Widows were to have special ministry,older women were to teach younger women (1 Tim. 5:3, Titus 2:3-5). Phoebe,Pricilla, Nympha and Chloe (who had churches in their homes), all served and taught using their gifts for building up the church. Paul loved, affirmed,depended upon, and ministered with women. So in conclusion, we see that the Gospel levels us before God. We are all saved by faith alone. United in Christ we are to reflect our new life of unity and equality in serving the church, the community and our families. Men and women together are to use their gifts in building up the church and taking the Gospel to the world. We are al lfellow-workers in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.