People worth watching
Encouraging women to step into Christian leadership
Photo by Chase Clark on Unsplash
One of the most important things we can do in Christian ministry is grow and develop leaders. Following Jesus’ example, we’re called to be on the lookout for future leaders - investing in them, teaching them, and modelling lives of holiness and grace. As disciples of Jesus, we make disciples for Jesus - in our whole life, in every relationship, in every moment.
Healthy ministry teams ask, “Who’s worth watching?” They pay attention to godly character, tap people on the shoulder, and create opportunities for growth - in conviction, godliness, and gifts as they serve Christ.
But two tendencies often shape who we develop:
1. We develop people just like us
Often without realising it, we notice and invest in those who share our background, personality, age, or gender. I confess I do this myself, I'm naturally drawn to disciple women like me - slightly older mums who love discussing theology!
2. We look for people who resemble past leaders
Rather than assessing biblically, we often default to familiar leadership styles or personalities. A friend once realised she encouraged men into leadership more readily - simply because that’s what she’d seen modelled.
Both tendencies can unintentionally bias us against developing women for ministry. That’s partly because most recruiting is done by male staff, and partly because the leadership models we’ve seen are often male. In fact, in 2021 data showed that of 52 people pursuing ordination in the Anglican Diocese of Sydney, only two were women. That may have been a statistical blip - but it’s still worth asking: How can we do better?
Because the world needs to know Jesus, we need all kinds of leaders - men and women, introverts and extroverts, visionaries and details people - to reach all kinds of people. We need to engage everyone in our churches in ministry for God’s kingdom to grow.
What makes the difference?
Here are five key factors women say helped them grow in ministry. I suspect they’ll encourage men too:
1. The tap on the shoulder
Many women describe the game-changing moment when someone noticed them and said, “Have you thought about ministry or theological study?” The impact of imposter syndrome and self-doubt cannot be overestimated. That external affirmation - naming character or gifting - can be the confidence boost someone needs to say yes to something they might never have considered.
2. The longer conversation
A one-off chat can spark interest, but a longer, intentional conversation opens up possibilities. I often use the TEVA model: Testimony, Experience, Vision, Action. In one leadership role, I set aside 90-minute sessions with each person to explore “What’s next?” That space often led to tailored, more energising roles, and sometimes even created new ministries. For women typically recruited into hospitality, pastoral care, or kids’ ministry, these conversations can unlock whole new areas of service.
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
3. Interest groups
These create a safe entry point to explore a new area - like writing, preaching, governance, or coaching. The value isn’t just the content, but the connection with like-minded women. This is especially helpful in spaces where female voices are scarce, and entry points can feel intimidating. A shared interest group is often the first step into broader leadership for many women.
4. Visible examples
“You can’t be what you can’t see.” Most of us grow by watching someone else do it. Seeing women in different ministry roles helps others imagine what could be. In smaller churches, this visibility is even more vital. This might look like sharing stories in interviews, providing links to articles, or setting up mentoring relationships. Women are especially helped by hearing how others got there, especially when the path wasn’t straight or obvious. Mentors who also champion and advocate for their mentees can have a powerful multiplying effect.
5. Multiple decision points
Women often revisit ministry opportunities at key transition points such as finishing study, a job change, marriage, returning from maternity leave, or when kids start school. These are great moments for fresh conversations. One Bible college graduate told me she started study while pregnant and parenting a toddler! Let’s not assume the answer is “no” based on circumstances, especially when the right support is in place.
Take a look around
As you look across your church, where might more women be encouraged to step into ministry? A quick review of who’s doing internships, studying theology, or on your staff team might reveal patterns. Or it might be about representation on your church council, small group leadership, or up-front roles in services.
You might find reasons to give thanks to God, or areas for growth. Let’s keep praying, encouraging, and raising up all kinds of workers for this enormous harvest field.\
This is a re-write of something I penned a while ago, but is still relevant. I’m interested to hear what has encouraged you to step into gospel ministry…