Gifted to Lead

Book Review

Beach, Nancy. Gifted To Lead. The art of leading as a woman in the church. Zondervan.

Comment. Henry
Nancy’s story of her experience as a leader at WCCC clearly explains the challenges of a woman being a leader in the male dominated environment of church culture. Her story is a must read for male church leadership who have a commitment to holistic church life
There hasn’t been a problem with woman leadership in evangelical churches historically as long as that leadership does not involve women leading men. For such leadership to happen there must be viable candidates who demonstrate such leadership gifting. This is the issue addressed by Nancy.

Nancy says of her own book, “I hope this book connects with women leaders and the men who want to understand them better”. (16)

Nancy became a youth leader under the early ministry of Bill Hybels (then a youth pastor) and Dave Holmbo (worship pastor). It is no accident that some women are blest with the gift of leadership. Effective involves building “relationships marked by mutual respect and trust”. (32) Gender is not the issue. To be a minority (of one) in a leadership group, be it race, age, or gender, is always a challenge. Henry Lorin Gates Jr. describes this condition as “the freight of being iconic”. Character is basic to leadership and it is demonstrated by four key traits, “humility, self-confidence, a sense of humor and integrity”. (36) Acceptance of women leadership (of men) in churches is a slow process. Finding a church that accepts woman leaders may be an option for some ladies.

“Be true to your own leadership style.” (52) Everyone wins when men and women work together with “mutual respect and love”. (58) Challenges of women leading in a ‘man’s world’ are discussed. Suggestions are made involving ‘leading up’. “Avoiding honest conversations about hard things is deadly for a leader in church ministry.” (70) Some of the unique challenges for women leaders are discussed involving the focus on appearance, microphone placement issues, and having a feminine impact, etc.

Having a family becomes a special challenge for women in leadership. Nancy writes, “being a mom in ministry has been the most stretching, complicated, and sometimes frustrating challenge in my life’. (101) The fascinating concept, “finding your voice” (107) as a leader, is explored. This process includes basic communication skills. When we communicate truth reinforced by our experiences our ‘voice’ will be heard.

Nancy sets one chapter aside as an open letter to male pastors and church leaders. I would call this the ‘signature chapter. She throws out a three-fold challenge. “Engage in diligent study. Make this a front-burner issue. Be the strongest advocate you can be for women with leadership and teaching gifts.” She goes on to point out that it matters greatly; “for the sake of your congregation; for your sake and the sake of your staff; for the sake of your daughters and the next generation.”

Women must guard against what Nancy calls “mommy wars”. (154), fighting among women. They need support from one another. She calls this “tribe building”. (163) Mentors and mentoring are important. Nancy’s final encouragement to women leaders is, “fulfill your calling”. (171)

There is a rather lengthy but informative list of appendices in the book.