Four Ways to Help Women Flourish in Leadership

Leadership

Women in ministry often find themselves in the crosshairs of calling and controversy. Many women experience a call to serve in ministry, yet controversies over roles, titles, and responsibilities can hinder obedience and cause women to second-guess their calling. My ministry journey has spanned many contexts, with a wide variety of roles and responsibilities. The one common denominator has been serving alongside male leaders. Often, I’ve been the only woman in the room or at the table. This is an honor and, at times, a challenge. Men and women serving in ministry together can be wonderful and reflect the good design of a loving God. Yet, because of our inherent differences, serving well together requires intentionality.

I’m thankful to have served with some incredibly gifted male leaders in my ministry tenure. My interactions and relationships with these men have prompted a lot of thinking. Why was I comfortable serving with them? What conversations or actions created an environment of respect? Could I identify some universal principles to help others?

What follows are some practical tips to create an environment in the local church or denomination where women in ministry leadership can flourish.

1. Sister in Christ > Female Leader

Right practice begins with right belief. In Genesis 1, the Lord God created man and woman “in His image.” There is no disagreement that both men and women are created in the image of God. It’s biblical. Our interactions with one another should reflect our belief about one another.

In Women Leading Well, Dr. Emily Dean refers to men and women serving together in ministry as “sacred siblings.” In Ephesians 5:21, Paul begins his discussion of relationships with an instruction to “submit to one another in the fear of Christ.” In this instance, submitting carries an understanding of cooperation, carrying a burden, or a voluntary attitude of collegiality. In Jesus & Gender, Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and Eric Schumacher add, “Men and women serving one another in humility is the way of Jesus.”

I’ve felt incredibly valued by pastors and male leaders who see me first as their sister in Christ. My spiritual giftedness is in leadership, but my identity is in Christ. Many of these men recognized my giftedness, encouraged me in ministry, and offered me a place to serve. As we served alongside one another, we were brothers and sisters in Christ. Much like siblings, we didn’t agree on everything. Yet, also like siblings, we were committed to encouraging one another in Christlikeness.

2. Talk with Her > Talk to Her

Women are relational beings. One of the most formative experiences of my life has been seminary study. Something incredible happens in classes and seminars as men and women gather at tables to discuss class material and offer ideas for making the church better. I never once felt like an outsider. Conversely, my opinions were sought out by classmates and professors. I was invited to the discussion and others valued my contributions.

What might this look like in the local church? Use female leaders to help sharpen your messaging. Presumably, half of your congregation will be female. Because of our differences, we often hear things differently. Use women in leadership to craft messaging for church initiatives and ideas that will reach both men and women. I’m not suggesting you let someone else write your sermons or teaching outlines, but as you consider your context, use women in leadership to help refine your messaging for an audience that is most likely comprised of at least 50% women.

Following the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting last year, both men and women had a lot of thoughts and feelings about some of the things that transpired. One day, a denominational coworker and friend called me and asked me to talk about my experience at the convention. My friend said, “Sara, I value your ministry and leadership. We may not agree on everything, but I care about you as a person. You can be honest with me.” This friend chose to talk with me and opened the door for honest conversation. We can talk with one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, whether we agree or disagree.

3. Can > Can’t

Identify opportunities where women can serve in leadership. Encourage their ministry, value their contribution, and celebrate their success. Let’s turn the conversation around. The negative talk surrounding women in ministry dissuades participation at every level. Nobody likes a “negative Nellie.” The next Ruth Graham, Lottie Moon, or Donna Gaines may be sitting in a pew at your church. How will your leadership help them step into their God-given calling?

Many women are exhausted from the conversation about limitations and exclusions. Most of us don’t want to serve in those roles! In more than twenty years in ministry, I’ve never had a woman ask me for advice on becoming a pastor. Never. I have had numerous women seek guidance on serving the Lord as a missionary, minister, lay leader, professor, or pastor’s wife. Women are being called to ministry and desire opportunities to serve from their giftedness and calling.

4. Minister as a Verb > Minister as a Noun

Most women with whom I interact simply want to serve the Lord in their local church or community. They aren’t looking to be someone as much as they desire to do something. These women will go to great lengths to serve, even if it means doing so as a volunteer. I served in my first ministry position as a full-time volunteer for 11 years, and I’m grateful I had the opportunity. My calling was to serve the Lord, not seek a position. To be honest, most women don’t need a title to walk out their calling.

But while we’re being honest – titles, positions, and salaries do convey value. The first time I was invited to serve on a church staff I was amazed that I could be paid for that to which I felt called. The title that accompanied my position was Director of Women’s Ministries. Both the title and position expressed the value placed on the role by the pastor and personnel committee. I encourage you to work with women in leadership to acknowledge their service by creating a position and/or title for their work. Clearly communicate how she can minister most effectively, then encourage her to follow closely after Christ.

Conclusion

When asked what I love most about ministry my answer is always the same: people. When asked about the most challenging part of ministry my answer is always the same: people! Until we see Jesus, we will not escape the inherent difficulties of working with people. Yet the Lord has entrusted ministry to us for whatever time we are given on earth. We are responsible for those under our leadership – to provide biblical teaching, parameters for living, and encouragement to live out the Great Commission. I love being Southern Baptist. I also think we can do better with the discussion of gender and leadership. Let’s put our best effort forward and create hospitable environments for women in leadership. The women and girls in our churches are watching and awaiting our response.



Editor's Note: As a part of its commitment to fostering conversation within the Southern Baptist Convention, the Baptist Review may publish editorials that espouse viewpoints that are not necessarily shared by the TBR team or other contributors. We welcome submissions for responses and rebuttals to any editorials as we seek to host meaningful conversations about the present and future of our convention.

Sara Robinson

Sara Robinson

Dr. Sara E. Robinson is the Women’s Ministry and Transition Consultant for the Kentucky Baptist Convention and lives in Louisville, KY. She holds a Master of Religious Education from Liberty University and a Th.M. and Ph.D. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. During her time at NOBTS, Sara was the founding chairwoman of the Society for Women in Scholarship. She previously served churches and ministries in Somerset, KY and Lexington, KY. Sara is married to Phil, and they have one son, Zach. Sara is most passionate about training leaders and equipping women to serve the local church.