Second, this research suggests that women’s leadership gifts are being under-utilized. White men are largely the ones leading Christian organizations, Christian colleges, and Christian nonprofits. (Our study also found that racial diversity levels were very low). This means that the church and church-based organizations are missing out on a depth and breadth of perspective that is necessary to be the church. Some of this may not be due to principled opposition to women in leadership, but due to a lack of initiative to support and actively encourage women in leadership. This is why the next phase of our study will involve interviews with leaders in organizations where women are well represented and thriving, in order to understand best practices that other organizations might adopt.

To learn more about the study: http://www.gordon.edu/womeninleadership

Margot Starbuck is the author, most recently, ofNot Who I Imagined: Surprised by a Loving God. Connect with Margot at www.MargotStarbuck.comor on Facebook.