March 2016

How Culture Affects Our Expectations of Leaders

Gender, ethnic, and socioeconomic biases affect how we lead and follow.
How Culture Affects Our Expectations of Leaders

All leaders have strong preferences, even about leadership, that are shaped by social and cultural location. Missiologist James Plueddemann states, “The ultimate purpose of the leadership is to bring people into full relationship with their Creator. We are created to know, love, and glorify God.” Beyond that, though, leadership style and practice are culturally ...

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Make a Difference for the Kingdom

Whether or not your name eventually appears in history books, we’re all called to do our part.
Make a Difference for the Kingdom

Editor’s Note: As we wrap up Women’s History Month this week, we want to remind you that you have a valuable role to play in God’s plan—even if your name never appears in history books. Today we celebrate all the women who have fought the fight, lived fully, and loved generously without public recognition, and that includes you. —Amy Jackson

When ...

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Easter Is Good News for Women Leaders

Though the world tells us we don’t matter or that we’re less-than, God clearly says otherwise.
Easter Is Good News for Women Leaders

The Easter story makes me laugh. Namely because it’s so relatable to women leaders in the church. Consider the scene at dawn on Easter morning. All four Gospels record the story, yet there are some differences. Did you know, for instance, that each Gospel lists different women discovering the empty tomb?

Matthew lists Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary.” Mark’s ...

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We Can't Help Everyone

When it comes to people with mental illness, I have to recognize my limitations.
We Can't Help Everyone

Early in my life, there were countless times I felt left out. Even when I was included, I often felt like I didn’t fit in. Because of this, I am drawn to the needy and disenfranchised, naturally gravitating toward anyone in the room who seems lonely. Many women leaders experience this as well. In my own loneliness, it feels safer to be the one reaching out than the one ...

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My Struggle with Maternity Leave

What I learned when I took 10 weeks away from my ministry
My Struggle with Maternity Leave

I started my first full-time ministry position as a youth and family pastor shortly after graduating from seminary. I had been married for a little over three years, my husband had a stable job, and we had recently purchased our first home.

Just like that, my biological clock started ticking.

After about a year of acclimating to our new church and my new position, we started ...

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When It’s Time to Quit

“Finish what you start” isn’t always good advice.
When It’s Time to Quit

As a child, I was told, “Don’t be a quitter.” and “Finish what you start.” These commands served as a means of encouragement and motivation for academic performance, athletic prowess, and character building. Through these instructions, I learned responsibility, and I find myself saying the same words to my daughter.

Nobody wants to be thought of ...

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Is Having It All Worth Having?

Three practices that help me focus on what matters.
Is Having It All Worth Having?

The woman who has it all always look flawless. She’s an immaculate homemaker, devoted mother, stylish decorator, exciting wife, gourmet chef, thoughtful friend, and successful worker. Before you get down on yourself for not measuring up, though, realize that the woman who has it all is a mythical creature as rare as a unicorn.

Whether it’s having it all, doing it ...

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5 Self-Examination Questions to Prevent Burnout

When it comes to burnout, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
5 Self-Examination Questions to Prevent Burnout

One of the greatest privileges of ministry is having a front-row seat to the life change that happens when God is at work in someone’s life. Ministry goes beyond our job to a calling that brings us purpose and fulfillment. We become swept up in the adventure and excitement of seeing God move and change lives, and we are willing to sacrifice anything and everything for ...

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My Friendship with Elisabeth Elliot

Leadership lessons over decadent desserts changed my life.
My Friendship with Elisabeth Elliot
Image: Used with permission from Lars Gren

“The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian, but the fact that I am a Christian makes me a different kind of woman.” —Elisabeth Elliot

On June 15, 2015, Elisabeth Elliot, one of the most influential Christian women of the 20th century, passed away. On that day, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post ...

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