Our CEO, Jessie Williams, recently had the privilege of serving as the guest host of the Pinnacle Leaders Podcast. In this episode, Jessie sat down with Laurie Langley, Co-founder and Vice President of Langley Leadership Group, to unpack some biblical tenets for understanding God’s intent for women in leadership. 

God’s Original Intent for Women

Laurie began by looking back at the first mention of women in the Bible, the creation account, in order to understand God’s original intent for women. 

“So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27. 

Laurie concluded that it ultimately takes both a man and a woman to fully represent the nature of God, since God is neither man nor woman, and He chose to create both as a representation of His image. Women, then, bring a specific expression of the nature of God and have a unique way of reflecting Him that is incomplete without man, and vice versa. Women were designed from the beginning to help lead and rule the earth. 

When women are given a “seat at the table” alongside men, they bring a fuller picture of God that is lacking when only men are represented. They bring a distinct perspective and their own valuable gifts that complement and are synergistic with men. Men and women are designed to partner together to see that God’s will is done. 

Whether you work in ministry, a church, or the corporate marketplace, as Believers, this is all something that we want: A fuller, more true picture of our God. 

Jesus: Setting the Standard for Women in Leadership

Laurie encouraged listeners to look to Jesus as an example of one who called and established women in ministry and leadership positions. During His time on eath, Jesus regularly acted as the initiator of liberating women, which was in stark contrast with His own culture at the time. All throughout the gospels, Jesus was setting the standard for what He wanted His kingdom to look like as far as women were concerned. Regardless of the culture, He was frequently empowering women, given them a voice, including them in His ministry and teaching them even though it was illegal at the time.

The kingdom Jesus structured was not male-dominant, even though the culture was. 

Jessie and Laurie wrapped up their conversation by encouraging women who are seeking leadership in ministry roles by reminding them to keep their eyes on Jesus, live free from bitterness and defense and not hand over their worth or identity to be defined by anyone other than the True Shepherd: Jesus.

They encouraged organizations and those who want to help women maximize their God-given gifts to:

1. Educate themselves. Seek what the Lord would have for their organization or church and read books with different perspectives.
2. Consult with women of influence or spiritual maturity around them. Ask them what it is like to be a woman in your organization. 
3. Begin to pray and make changes. Embrace the uncomfortable, because growth can only happen in the stretching. 

Watch the full podcast episode to learn more about the biblical role of women in leadership.