When Women Lead: Embrace Your Authority, Move Beyond Barriers, and Find Joy in Leading Others

by Carolyn Moore, Tara Beth Leach (Foreword)

Much of what men and women both think about women, gender differences, and cultural norms is remarkably under-processed. Without the benefit of intentional conversation about the barriers women face, most women are left to enter the world of leadership with inadequate awareness and resources. The acknowledgement of a woman's right to leadership is only the first step. We have not yet addressed the very common barriers women face when they enter the leadership arena, nor have we explored practical solutions to help them navigate those barriers so they can lead effectively. Women need to know that unrealistic optimism is a recipe for failure. Simply by acknowledging constraints to success, then exploring strategies to enhance leadership skills, we can help women take greater authority over their call to live out of a God-given identity and giftedness. When Women Lead is for men and women who advocate for female leadership within the Church. When women are educated about the challenges they face and are given resources to navigate beyond those challenges, their opportunity for success in ministry increases dramatically. The purpose of this book is to describe those challenges, explore practical solutions, and equip women to lead successfully and hopefully. While it is an excellent resource for women ready to enter leadership with more confidence and authority, it's also perfect for denominational leaders charged with raising up women called to leadership roles, for lay leaders who want to better understand the dynamics at work when the pastor is a woman, and for husbands, parents, and friends who desperately want to support women in their life who are living out what God has given them to do. What if the Kingdom of God is straining toward the day when all God's people are deployed in the work of the Great Commission? Women are already leading powerful movements around the world. The evangelistic explosion being documented in many closed countries is largely due to the leadership of women. Missionaries tell of the critical role of women in introducing the gospel to new groups. This book can help to equip a new generation of women to rise up with tools in hand to welcome and advance God's Kingdom on earth.

Genres: Leadership, Christianity, Theology, Womens

256 pages, Paperback

Published September 27, 2022

Reviews

[Dr Ariel Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to be honest. About halfway through this book, I stopped reading and cried. Before I finished the book, I think I did that twice more. To see in writing some of the most painful rejections that I myself have experienced in ministry, to realize that I am always entering into rooms full of men with an invisible but ever-present defense posture, in which I have to prove why I'm worthy to be with them, to remember again the disappointments and the heartaches that I have faced simply because I am female... it's overwhelming.

This is not a book on the theological posture of women in ministry, although she certainly uses Scripture in her points. She doesn't exegete 1 Timothy 2 or enter into the Greek meanings or Corinthian contexts. Rather, her writing is a call of solidarity for sisters in ministry leadership and a charge to create strategies for change. I wholeheartedly support both.

The book breaks down into two halves: first, we identify the barriers that we face and then we strategize how to move forward anyway. The first half was very hard for me because as she herself says, women already know the barriers way too well. We already know the denominational stance, the bigotry and prejudice, the low expectations, and more. Yet, even with 30 years of ministry leadership under my belt, it still grieved me to read her words. The second half is spread through practical suggestions, such as developing through mentorship and coaching, and the challenge to exercise the spiritual authority that God has conferred upon us.

She encourages the reader that one of the most important tools for a woman in leadership is her optimism. I'm glad she claimed that because I just felt sorrow and frustration, so I needed the reminder to put my faith in God's control and justice.

[Johson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done Carolyn Moore.
This is a book I would definitely recommend to any woman in the beginning of their leadership journey, as a good guide into what they’re getting themselves into, but also to help navigate possible frustrations within leading. Moore delicately points out the hardships women face within ministry, not just things like not being entrusted with preaching, but also brings light to the financial and promotional aspects that women must navigate differently within a male dominant culture. In the end at the core, as it is with I dare say everything, it is all about our identity and standing strong on who we are in Christ - not who we think we have to be to please the people. All the while she stays respectful toward male leadership. In no way does she aim to eradicate it, but much rather highlights the fact that we need both male and female in the field, to lead holistically and within God‘s original design.
She also offers helpful tools for those who may not have access to mentors or coaches to guide them.

I give it four stars only because, as someone who is working within ministry and blessed to have a many mentors and coaches on this journey, much of the subject matter was not new. I would still classify it as an encouraging read.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

You couldn't be more wrong if you think this is another ultra-feminist read.

Carolyn Moore weaves research with anecdotes and presents a compelling argument for women in leadership -- both within ministry and outside of it. She explains the differences in types of leadership, the obstacles women face and suggestions on how to overcome them.

The focus on the biblical partnership between men and women and the God-given authority for women in leadership is prevalent but never "in your face." There's harmony in all things, including this area.

All the women and men in your life, your church and your community should read this.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carolyn Moore has written a book for ALL women in leadership. While this is aimed primarily for those in church leadership, she writes such sound transferable concepts, and her research includes both business and religious data, so those in the secular sphere will absolutely benefit from this book as well.

The first part of this book discusses various barriers women come up against as they rise through various leadership roles: first there are theological barriers; but also different perceptions; people don't believe there are actual problems, so she reveals the data; and more.

The second half of the book - the real gem - is that she doesn't leave her readers wallowing in misery because of those barriers. She gives real-world ideas as to how to overcome them! This is the brilliance of the book. The author first explains why women in leadership struggle, and then she explains concretely how to overcome those problems.

Every person can benefit from this, men included. It will give men great insight as to how women perceive their work situations and things they can do to help their coworkers.

This book is a game-changer. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND

[Maddie Atkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

“If you are a woman, the fact that you’re holding a book in your hand right now puts you in a privileged minority. You should stop and utter a prayer of thanksgiving. Then pray for your sisters who don’t read.”

I was given this book as a gift from my grandpa who is a close friend of Carolyn. While I do not completely aline theology with the content of this book, nor do I claim to know fully what I believe about the topics in this book, I was greatly humbled and blessed by this honest and encouraging letter to women in leadership in the church. It is with great humility that I will continue considering what exactly I believe about the content of the book, and I am excited to do so.

[Marnae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not the target audience for this, really...but it resonated. Big time. It was an answer to prayer for me and beautifully addressed feelings that I've been struggling with in terms of how my denomination relates to women and how I personally should move forward. The world is fallen and there are so many barriers, but if I recognize that, I can work around them and do what I'm called to do anyway.

Well-researched and fantastically written. So glad that Carolyn Moore listened to her own call.

[Peggy Renfroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will change lives! I am looking forward to getting together with a group to discuss "When Women Lead".
Part 1, barriers to women leading, is an insightful reality check.
Part 2 is about empowering: identity, authority, equipping and partnership.
ALL of God's people can participate in the work of the Great Commission.
This book will encourage more women to step into the gifts God has given them for the Kingdom, as well as alerting the Church to what needs changing.

[Dina Horne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moore takes this book in an unexpected direction to include a great plea for women to be involved in global missions, leading the effort to expand the church around the world. Her own stories woven in, Moore has great principles for others to glean. Appreciate her shoutouts to others who encouraged her along the way.

[JoAnn Bastien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Well researched, Well written. Carolyn describes her experience and I feel like she was describing my own. I appreciate her hopeful and realistic tone. There is no condemnation or condescension. Lots of practical and applicable advice. Please share with female AND male leaders.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the book primarily focuses on women leading in ministry, there is a lot of good information that can be utilized by women in all leadership roles. It is thoughtfully written and has good content but could be a little dry at times.

[Brandi Diamond · Rating 2 out of 5]

Strong start… but not what I needed.

[Billie Fisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very enlightening as to how women are still treated in church leadership.

[Hope Knoerle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars ⭐️

[MPeters]

Very thought provoking