Women in God's Mission - by Mary T Lederleitner (Paperback)

About the Book

Women have advanced God's mission throughout history, but often face particular obstacles in ministry. Mission researcher Mary Lederleitner interviewed respected women in mission leadership from across the globe to gather their insights, expertise, and best practices. These real-life stories will shed light on dynamics that inhibit women, giving both women and men resources for partnering together in effective ministry and mission.

Book Synopsis

Christianity Today 2020 Book of the Year Award, Missions/Global Church

Women have advanced God's mission throughout history and around the world. But women often face particular obstacles in ministry. What do we need to know about how women thrive?

Mission researcher Mary Lederleitner interviewed and surveyed ninety-five respected women in mission leadership from thirty countries to gather their insights, expertise, and best practices. She unveils how women serve in distinctive ways and identifies key traits of faithful connected leaders. When women face opposition based on their gender, they employ various strategies to carry on with resilience and hope. Real-life stories and case studies shed light on dynamics that inhibit women and also give testimony to God's grace and empowerment in the midst of challenges.

Women and men will find resources here for partnering together in effective ministry and mission. Organizations can help women flourish through advocacy, mentoring, and addressing structural issues. Wherever God has invited you to serve and lead, discover that you are not alone as you answer the call.

Review Quotes

"A book titled Women in God's Mission might lead you to believe that it's written primarily to encourage women to fully utilize all their gifts in the global mission of God. If that were the only target, Mary's extensive worldwide research of women in leadership would have succeeded 100 percent. But there's so much more! If any man or woman cares about influencing the next generation, their church, their organization, or their sons and daughters to see God's purposes achieved in the world, then read this book. If you believe as I do that the whole church (in which more than 50 percent are women) is called to take the whole gospel to the whole world, then we need to hear and respond to the message of this book."

--Paul Borthwick, author, Western Christians in Global Mission, senior consultant, Development Associates International

"Drawing on key lessons from history, the rich intercultural experiences of women across the various sectors of the global evangelical community, and her own extensive work as a mission leader with Wycliffe and other ministries, Mary Lederleitner has provided us with inviting and thoughtful reflections in Women in God's Mission. Sensitive to the different perspectives in churches and denominations regarding egalitarian and complementarian perspectives, Lederleitner seeks to move beyond current polarizations by sharing the stories of respected women from about thirty countries with the goal of helping women and men think deeply about leadership and service in God's mission. Calling on her readers to find their identity in God, to focus on faithfulness in service, to understand contextual challenges, and to prioritize collaborative leadership approaches, Lederleitner hopes to see the influence of a new generation-- in continuity with Deborah and Esther, Priscilla and Lydia, Amy Carmichael and Corrie ten Boom, Sojourner Truth and Rosa Parks, Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong-- not only continue but expand for the generations to come. While some may wish for more extensive scriptural and theological engagement, the application questions at the conclusion of each chapter combined with the action steps in the final section of the book create abundant opportunities for readers to reflect further about these important matters. Women in God's Mission offers a significant contribution to the questions regarding service and leadership for the global church in the twenty-first century."

--David S. Dockery, president, Trinity International University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

"For years I have watched Mary use her gifts in missions, research, writing, and leadership. She lives the truth found in these pages. The gender discussion often devolves into arguing biblical positions. Women in God's Mission honors the wisdom and experience of women and men who share different understandings of women in ministry. Personal stories from all over the world build bridges that connect what God is doing to and through women. Let's continue the conversation so men and women heal and serve together for the glory of God."

--Adele Ahlberg Calhoun, author, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, copastor of spiritual formation, Highrock Arlington

"In this book, Mary Lederleitner has brought together the voices and experiences of dozens of women from an array of cultural backgrounds and ministry contexts. This collection of insights provides not only encouragement and inspiration for other women God has called into leadership for the sake of his kingdom but also offers an important lens for the church--comprised of both women and men--as we seek to grow in our understanding and practice of godly leadership. Women in God's Mission illustrates some of the unique experiences women face in their roles as leaders. However, it is much more than a book about women in ministry. Whether as a woman in leadership, a man colaboring with women in leadership, or simply out of concern for how God prepares and uses his people, both men and women can benefit greatly from the lessons drawn out of those experiences as we each seek to live out our calling as leaders in God's redemptive work."

--Evan Hunter, vice president, ScholarLeaders International

"Mary Lederleitner is a champion for Christ who dedicates her life to seeing his purposes fulfilled in the world. Now through Women in God's Mission she combines her own experience with that of female evangelical leaders from all over the world to inform, inspire, and empower daughters of Christ to do the same while navigating common barriers that may discourage them. Women in God's Mission is an invaluable guide for women in ministry, both at home and in the mission field."

--Bob Creson, president and CEO of Wycliffe Bible Translators USA

About the Author

Mary T. Lederleitner is founder and executive director of Missional Intelligence. She has a PhD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and an MA in intercultural studies from Wheaton College, and teaches as an adjunct professor at both institutions. She is a veteran mission leader and researcher who has served for two decades with the Wycliffe Global Alliance in a variety of international leadership roles. She serves on the OM Global Board and as a board member for Catalyst Services. She is also the author of Cross-Cultural Partnerships.