Gifted to Lead

by Nancy Beach

No mistake was made in heaven when God gave you the gift of leadership or teaching. . . Every gift you have---your instincts to lead and your passion to make a difference--- came from the hand of a loving Father who crafted you.
In this practical and inspiring book, Willow Creek executive vice president and teaching pastor Nancy Beach speaks to women with God-given gifts of leading and teaching. Sharing from her thirty-year journey in a local church, Nancy offers guidance on such issues
* developing character
* earning respect
* finding your voice for leadership and teaching
* managing work and personal life
* forming an intentional support network, and more.
She also challenges church leaders to wrestle with the issue of women in leadership, and to be advocates for women as they seek to reach their full ministry potential.
My prayer is that you will fully engage in the dangerous and thrilling adventure of using your leadership gift to advance the kingdom of God. The path won't be easy. . . but God will never leave you alone. So trust him. And don't forget to enjoy the ride!

Genres: Leadership, Faith, Womens, Nonfiction, Religion, Christian

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2008

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect when I sat down to read this but now that I am finished, I can say I expected more. I felt like there was just a whole lot of glossing over this incredibly important topic. The only exception to this was Chapter 7 which I thought definitely the mark.

[Emily]

good read; however seems a shame that the men who need to read this won't and the women who do read this already understand the frustrations

[Cheryl Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy Beach is a rare gem - a strong, humble leader in the church who has gone before us in the steps of Deborah, Priscilla, and Mary. In this book she gives perspective and practical wisdom that flows from a heart for Jesus, not for personal gain or entitlement. I recommend it for men as well as women - especially chapter 7.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so helpful to me in a pivotal time in my life. Grateful for its guidance and insight.

[Samuel Kassing · Rating 2 out of 5]

The best chapter was the open letter to make leaders in the church.

The greatest weakness is that she assumes every church looks like Willow Creek.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The actual title of this book is Gifted to Lead: The Art of Leading As a Woman in the Church.

I gave this book three stars because I wanted to like it more than I ended up liking it. It made a lot of good points and identified the problems well. On that basis, I would encourage male leaders who are interested in exploring these issues to read it. However, I found it a little bit lacking in the area of offering real solutions. Overall, it seemed to have a "hang in there" approach, but gave surprisingly little guidance in the areas of leading up or being a person with leadership gifts who is not in a leadership role or is face with (acknowledged or not) wall of testosterone. I also felt that most experienced female leaders could have gotten just as much out of it if it was half the length.

Again, for men interested in exploring the issues, it is a must-read, because it well defines the problems, issues and struggles of being a woman with leadership gifts, while failing to give concrete advice or solutions to very real dilemmas.

[Mary_Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encouraging, affirming, and refreshing. I think Nancy Beach achieves her aim of wanting other women in ministerial leadership positions to feel "a little less alone...recognized and understood by another woman who is still trying to figure it out, trying to fulfill her own calling...recognizing and celebrating progress and hope." I appreciated it when she wrote, "Without your voice, your community will not shine as brightly or be as healthy as it can be." What a great reminder that EVERY person's contribution matters. This underscores what she said at the beginning of the book, "God did not make a mistake when he made you. When the gifts were handed out in heaven, the angels didn't say, 'Whoops! That's a baby girl -- we can't give her the gift of leadership!' Scripture tells us in 1 Cor 12 that the Holy Spirit distributes the gifts just as he desired." I appreciated reading these words and being reminded that God has called me and gifted me the way He has because He desires to use me.

[A.E. Forest · Rating 3 out of 5]

The actual title of this book is Gifted to Lead: The Art of Leading As a Woman in the Church.

I gave this book three stars because I wanted to like it more than I ended up liking it. It made a lot of good points and identified the problems well. On that basis, I would encourage male leaders who are interested in exploring these issues to read it. However, I found it a little bit lacking in the area of offering real solutions. Overall, it seemed to have a "hang in there" approach, but gave surprisingly little guidance in the areas of leading up or being a person with leadership gifts who is not in a leadership role or is face with (acknowledged or not) wall of testosterone. I also felt that most experienced female leaders could have gotten just as much out of it if it was half the length.

Again, for men interested in exploring the issues, it is a must-read, because it well defines the problems, issues and struggles of being a woman with leadership gifts, while failing to give concrete advice or solutions to very real dilemmas.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I would lean a bit more complimentarian in my view of women's roles, I was challenged by Nancy Beach. I felt like I was sitting down to tea with the author, hearing about her experiences in ministry rather than reading a dissertation on whether or not it is okay for women to lead. I didn't agree with everything, but I took away several points: 1. that I have a responsibility to fulfill my calling, 2. that each woman is created uniquely by God and I cannot compare myself with others or judge them for the decisions they make, and 3. I was encouraged to continue to take the time to develop my female relationships that will be a source of encouragement and life to me along my journey. I especially appreciated how Beach dealt with what she calls "mommy wars" challenging women to lay down envy and rejoice in the uniqueness of our sisters.

[Sara Horn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've followed Nancy for awhile with her service at Willow Creek and have always looked up to her as a leader in ministry. I read this book while going through a year-long experiment on biblical submission and so while much of what she wrote was helpful and inspiring, I did find myself leaning in disagreement with some things (to my surprise). Some of the things I appreciated may sound surface or shallow, but I liked relating to her struggles, even down to how to wear the microphone (which I still run into challenges with when speaking!). Overall, I would recommend this book for women looking for wisdom in ministering in the church or in paraministry organizations.

[Brent · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this for my wife and she thought that chapter 6, Finding Your Voice, applies to anyone. I agree. “To have voice is to be fully present, to feel counted in, and counted on, to have something to say, and to be heard.” (pg. 107). Quoting another book, Mad Dogs, “Real voice is the experience of speaking and not leaving Of saying what we know and feeling it ring true all the way down to our shoes and continuing to stand in them. Of feeling strong as we stand and hearing the words and meanings that come back to us as we’re standing strong in our own voice.” (pg. 117).

[Melisa Blankenship · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book to read as a woman who is new in my role as a minister. Beach doesn't dive deep into the mechanics of leading as much as she covers the nuances of what it's like to lead as a woman. That being said, she does have some great insights about leading from which anyone can benefit. She's a storyteller and uses her stories to highlight lessons learned and encouragements for the reader. I'd recommend this book to anyone but especially a woman who is leading in a male dominated field.

[Heather Djama · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book focuses on women who have ministry gifting in the church and have not felt released to walk in their gifting because they are a woman. This book does not give a scriptural basis for why women should be in ministry but it does help women relate to others that might have went through similar struggles. This book would defiantly help a women feeling hindered in her gifting to feel as though she is not alone.

[Shari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed listening to this book on Hoopla during long walks. I found myself nodding in agreement throughout Nancy’s account as I too pioneered serving in a church as one of the first women to do so in my context. Given the publishing date 2008 the perspective and advice found this book is now quite dated. It would a great gift to the church if Nancy were to update it, especially given the tumult of #churchtoo.

[Lori Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely the best book for women in leadership in a church or ministry. Nancy understands the challenges we face as women in leadership (both internally and externally) and those special challenges because we are female leaders in a church setting. This is one of those rare books that helped me to me more comfortable being the woman God created me to be.

[Keryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having attended a seminar with Nancy Beach at our local church during her visit to South Africa, I expected to be riveted to this book as I was by her speaking, but instead I took a long time to finish the book. My favourite parts were her personal anecdotes. I ended up skimming the second half which was a pity as the content was good, but a little drawn out.

[Susy Flory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book! Saw Nancy Beach in a workshop themed to this book. She's an amazing communicator, gifted leader, and humble. I enjoyed her journey to leadership as a woman in the church where so many hit the stained glass ceiling.

[Jacquelyn Beckworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is an excellent read for anyone in vocational ministry. As a woman with leadership gifting, I was encouraged with the reminder that I'm not alone. This book is in no one some feminist book, but rather a wake up call that women in leadership is vital in the local church.

[Amyjo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book felt 30 years late. At times the tone grated and felt like a long complaint on how life for a female leader is so much more difficult than life for a male later.

The best thing about the book was the essay at the end and the list of resources.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of this book is no brainer, but every once in a little while it is GOOD to remember it is good to be a woman with leadership traits.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anecdotal and a touch risky on Nancy's part. Don't forget to read the endorsements!

[Suzi]

found via comment on CHM blog. Title was "Gifted to Lead."

[Michelle]

I'm called to be full time mummy. If you feel called to be full time ministry, grab this book.

[Mallory Boyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this woman and this book! She has paved the way for women to lead and lean into their God given gifts in ministry. Thankful!

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderfully affirming work of women taking their place as leaders in the Christian Church. Having been set free by the courageous work of Schussler- Fiorenza, Daly, Carmody and the witness of pioneer Australians like Serena Lake-Thorpe, it is refreshing to hear of an author who can speak into the lives of Gen Y & Z, especially those from reformed evangelical churches run by men for male hierarchy leadership. Here is a leader capable of leading men and women of every generation as a senior pastor of a regional church.