{"id":22177,"date":"2024-12-20T10:57:43","date_gmt":"2024-12-20T15:57:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/openbiblemessage.org\/?p=22177"},"modified":"2025-02-26T16:39:24","modified_gmt":"2025-02-26T21:39:24","slug":"five-actions-to-address-the-gap-of-women-in-ministry-leadership","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/openbiblemessage.org\/es\/2024\/12\/five-actions-to-address-the-gap-of-women-in-ministry-leadership\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Actions to Address the Gap of Women in Ministry Leadership"},"content":{"rendered":"

Open Bible has a rich heritage of women ministry leaders. Our denomination was birthed in revival and formed by the union of two movements that branched off from other denominations founded and led by women (Florence Crawford and Aimee Semple McPherson). Open Bible\u2019s position on women in ministry leadership celebrates women leaders at all levels. However, even with this rich history and current blessing for women in ministry leadership, it is still rare to find women in certain ministry positions within our churches. There are multiple reasons for this, but here are five actions to consider when addressing this issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Look at your own biases.<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most often, women aren\u2019t chosen for senior leadership roles because \u201cit hasn\u2019t been done before.\u201d Tradition can be a powerful force, but sometimes it keeps important change from happening. Ask yourself how you would feel if a woman were chosen as the senior pastor of your church. Chances are it might feel awkward. Awkward doesn\u2019t always mean it\u2019s wrong. It usually means it\u2019s just different. This awkwardness is often temporary, and the willingness to lean into it can create new opportunities for women to lead. When a ministry leadership position opens, allow yourself to consider both women and men as candidates for the position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Study what Scripture says about women leaders.<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Old and New Testaments are full of women who played important leadership roles at all levels. Look at the influence and level of authority they were given. Study the \u201cproblem passages\u201d (e.g. 1 Corinthians 14:34 and 1 Timothy 2:12) in Scripture that appear to limit women teaching and speaking. Some reputable scholars and commentaries show how these passages were meant to address specific problems that the early church dealt with rather than become an overall rule limiting women in leadership. If you are a church leader, clearly communicate your church\u2019s position on women in ministry leadership. Too often, this topic is ignored, keeping the status quo going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Champion women leaders.<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Encourage women, young and old, who have the gift to lead. Mentor them. Hire them. It is a blessing when a woman unselfishly cheers on another woman in her leadership; too often, there\u2019s a temptation to be jealous or deliver harsh criticism, which leads to hesitance in stepping into leadership. It\u2019s especially impactful when a male leader encourages and makes room for a woman to lead. Giving the same opportunities to women that would be given to men who are learning to lead is so important. Too often it is rare to have a young woman given time on stage or other public responsibilities while such opportunities are given to the men who are being trained. Try to be equal where you can. Make room for inexperience and give repeated opportunities to learn and grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Preach about strong women leaders in the Bible. <\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Scripture is filled with women leaders such as Miriam, Hannah, Esther, Deborah, Mary, and Priscilla. Highlighting their lives shows how God\u2019s leadership gifts are given to both men and women. This encourages women leaders and gives them biblical role models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Nurture a culture of leadership sharing.<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many times, the church hears from one pastor\u2019s voice most of the time. Regularly sharing the pulpit creates space where leaders in training can experience public ministry. Allowing both men and women to preach helps your congregation become accustomed to both male and female leadership, creating a bench of players who can be trained to assist at all levels of church leadership. This keeps the church from idolizing or draining one leader and allows more people\u2019s gifts to be shared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Church, the Bride of Christ, functions more fully when men and women work side by side in leadership. When women\u2019s voices and leadership gifts are ignored or limited, half of the Church\u2019s voice is muted. However, when men and women unselfishly share leadership and influence, God\u2019s kingdom moves forward powerfully. This unselfish sharing of leadership reflects God\u2019s nature more fully, creating a space where the Holy Spirit can come and powerfully move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional resources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n