Women in the Church: Leaders or Followers?

Women in the Lord's church may be inclined to answer the question, "Are we to be leaders or followers?" with the response "followers." This comes from misinterpretation of scriptures concerning submission. Submission and leadership can and should go hand in hand. Jesus was the most effective leader this world has ever known, though was he submissive even unto death. He prayed, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me, nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done" (Luke 22:42). All Christians, not just women, are required to be submissive. Paul exhorted Christians, "that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us" (I Corinthians 16:16). As you can see from Jesus' example, leadership and submission are not exclusive of one another. A submissive leader is a more effective leader.

Aspirations of leadership do not mean one desires the God-given appointments of leadership positions in the church, such as deaconship or eldership. Certainly not! Christian ladies, please remember that leadership is actually influence rather than position. Ladies, we are in dire need of female leadership in the church today! We need willing and pure hearted ladies to influence and lead our younger ladies in doing what is right and good. We are to be followers of Christ but leaders of mankind. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ put Christians in charge of leading others to Him, sometimes referred to as the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20). Perhaps the Christian's lack of desire, motivation, or encouragement to become a leader in the Lord's church has placed His church at a disadvantage in areas of growth, numerically and spiritually.

Here at Arnold we are in the process of cultivating leaders of our youth in the new Lads to Leaders Program. Growing leaders in the very young, though, will require active modeling of leadership from their elders, including women. Remember what Paul said to the older women, "the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things-- that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed" (Titus 2:3-5). There is always a lady younger than yourself in whom you may exert much influence.

Many workers are required in this grand endeavor of growing leaders from our youth. John Maxwell, a leadership expert/speaker/author said, "The first step to leadership is servanthood." Again, Jesus was the supreme example of servitude. Hours before his crucifixion, Jesus left an everlasting example to his 12 leaders when he washed their feet. We often remember what our loved ones say or do right before they die. Don't you think that by washing their feet, he was teaching the disciples that a servant spirit is critical in spiritual leading? I do! This must have been an important idea he wanted them to always remember? We should emulate our Lord's attitude of service in leading which may include doing some undesirable works.

In what ways can we as women lead in the Church? There are so many! It's often said we should lead by example, and that comes from a very reputable source, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Do not be a Christian who fails to practice what they preach. Have you proclaimed that being a member of the Lord's church is essential yet there are children looking for you at Sunday evening worship services or mid-week Bible study? Are you setting a good example for these little ones? (Matthew 18:6). Are younger ladies witnessing your spiritual leadership? Are you reading and studying your Bible as one would who cherishes their Christianity?

Why not become a servant-leader in the church today? Perhaps you could teach a Bible class or even one soul; mentor a younger lady; invite others to worship services; lead others by your example in attendance at worship services, faithfulness, and purity of spirit; offer your services to the Lads to Leaders program. Whatever way you choose to lead in His kingdom, the rewards will be plentiful. As Christian women, we should only desire leadership which is part of God's plan. If we seek to serve God with a willing heart and stay within the God-given leadership opportunities He has provided, we will please Him.

---Written by: Erin Holloway