Do you have the ambition to become a leader, or the fervent desire to inspire and guide others? In many professions, women have made extraordinary strides, shattering the entrenched barriers that have historically held them back from achieving their aspirations or fulfilling their God-given callings, whether in the church or in the marketplace. Matthew 22:14 aptly states, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” Both men and women are beckoned into the kingdom of God, yet not everyone is destined for leadership. It is God who calls and appoints leaders for His divine purposes. Whether you are a high achiever or sense a divine calling to lead, this article is for you.

 Women usually serve as the backbone of organizations, taking on critical roles as secretaries and administrative personnel. In ministry, women contribute significantly to building the kingdom, often in supportive roles such as secondary leaders, deacons, or assistant pastors. However, this supportive status can obscure their pathways to higher leadership positions. So, the call for women to lead is not just for equal rights or to occupy the same position as their male counterparts, but rather to fulfill a divine call from God. This article does not subscribe to an egalitarian viewpoint, but instead advocates for God’s perspective and rule. Elevating women leaders to places of authority is crucial in maximizing growth in society. Gender-inclusive leadership fosters diverse perspectives that drive innovation and social progress.

A.W. Tozer states, “Leadership is a divine calling, driven by the Holy Spirit rather than personal ambition. A true leader is characterized by humility, service, and a Christ-centered dependence on God rather than worldly techniques or ambition.”[1] When it comes to leadership, there are biblical principles concerning true qualifications that stem from one’s spirituality rather than one’s gender. This perspective highlights the idea that character and faith should guide who leads, transcending traditional boundaries. Cadi Cole describes “Leadership is not a title or position. It is the ability to influence someone for change. Leadership is a spiritual gift that is given directly by God to build up His church.”[2] Both authors’ points of view provide a unique truth; each definition added together creates a complete picture of an effective leader called by God. “God created man and woman to serve together as one. Like the trinity, God establishes communities where everyone can thrive and flourish together. God’s plan for creation is for relationship.”[3] Therefore, Tozer states, “God does not call the equipped. Rather, in His wisdom, God equips the called. And that’s where power and authority flow through the life of His servant,”[4] whether male or female. When women and men are free to fulfill God’s call beyond gender expectations, people flourish. Cole describes “men and women who are equal in value but have different primary roles.”[5] Remember, Galatians 3:28, There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female… Although society’s traditional doctrines place males as the dominant partner, God does not exclude women from the portrayal of leadership. Leaders are called according to God’s purpose and plans. Morgan says, “The Lord will remake your life’s plans.”[6] Jeremiah 1:5, God says this: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you through the testing and trials, and embrace spiritual development that will transform your life. Then, lead from a crucified perspective. Become an imitator of Christ in His humility, so the Lord can use you.

Bibliography

Cole, Kadi. Developing Female Leaders: Navigating the Mindfields and Releasing the Potential of Women in Your Church. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2019.

Morgan, Anna R. Growing Women in Ministry: Seven Aspects of Leadership Development. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing Group, 2024.

Schenck, Ken. A Biblical Argument for Women in Ministry and Leadership. New Haven, CT: Lulu.com, 2024.

Tozer, A.W. Lead Like Christ: Reflecting the Qualities and Character of Christ in Your Ministry. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 2021.

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[1] A.W. Tozer, Lead Like Christ: Reflecting The Qualities and Character of Christ in Your Ministry (Grand Rapids, MI: Bethany House Publishers, 2021), 7-19.

[2] Kadi Cole, Developing Female Leaders: Navigating the Minefields and Release the Potential of Women in Your Church (Nashville, TN: Harper Collins Publishing, 2019), 61.

[3] Ibid., 18-19.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid., 31.

[6] Anna R. Morgan, Growing Women in Ministry: Seven Aspects of Leadership Development (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academics, 2024), 41-51.

[7] Ibid., 47.