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More Than Enchanting: Breaking Through Barriers to Influence Your World
Women have always been central to the life of the church. From the early hours of the first Easter, when women were charged to announce the resurrection of Jesus, to the state of the contemporary church, where women outnumber men in pews and positions of service. But as central as women have been, they've also found themselves regularly marginalized--and not only in the church but in the neighborhoods, cities and societies they inhabit. Sometimes they've had to endure the well-intended biases or benign neglect of the leaders of their communities; sometimes they've been sidelined by their own crises of confidence. Sometimes they've had to contend with both at once. Women who doubt their influence, who struggle to accept their distinct strengths and talents for what they are--gifts given through them to the world--suffer for it. The church, and really all of society, suffers with them. Jo Saxton invites women to discover (or rediscover) the gifts and talents that God has vested in us, and more important, the calling he has placed on each of us to seek first the kingdom of God where we are.
208 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2012
11 people are currently reading
511 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 26, 2012
OK, you may ask, why is this graying male reviewing a book that seeks to encourage rising leadership among women? Honest reason--I received it as a free book from InterVarsity Press as part of their FirstReads program with GoodReads. How is that for taking care of the required disclaimer?
Actually, I'm quite glad that I had a chance to read this book for three reasons. First, I find that Jo Saxton's prose just sparkles with her personality and her love of being a mobilizer of women in leadership. She had me from the Preface as she writes about Aunt May, the woman who brought her up. She writes, "while age would mature and change her body, it would never tame her spirit. May was feisty, passionate, selfless, grounded in lightheartedness and common sense" (p. 11). My sense is that this might describe Jo Saxton as well.
This book also helped me understand the pain that many gifted women who aspire to use their gifts to serve the church have suffered at the hands of men and what it is like to step into one's giftedness despite all this. Early on she tells of teaching on John 13 and that the ministry of washing feet was for both men and women, followed by a time of prayer ministry, where women flocked up in tears of lament. Saxton goes on to affirm the call of women to lead, beginning with a study of ezer in scripture that means far more than helper or "help mate" as it is often used of God's strength, power to save, to be a warrior and at the same time to cherish. She then reviews some of the powerful examples of women who lead in scripture and gives wise instruction on issues of calling, mentoring (including challenges to women to help rather than thwart other women), leading in a man's world, navigating life changes like children and bringing it all together in leading skillfully.
The third reason I appreciated this book is that she has much to say about leadership that applies to men as well, not only in terms of working in partnership with women but also for our own leadership. Sooner or later all of us in leadership experience failure of some sort or just "hit the wall" in our leadership. She talks about the need to take a HALT, an acronym for recognizing our Hunger, Anger, Loneliness, and Tiredness. Looking at our appetites, our anger, our experience of loneliness, and our weariness can put us in touch with our misshapen motivations and can be the place where Christ meets with, ministers to, and re-forms us.
This is a great book for women who aspire to or have stepped into roles of leadership yet struggle with self-doubt or past pain around the appropriateness of their leadership. And it is a book well worth reading by men who work alongside women, both within and outside the church, to realize the giftedness and courage and aspirations of these women.
Actually, I'm quite glad that I had a chance to read this book for three reasons. First, I find that Jo Saxton's prose just sparkles with her personality and her love of being a mobilizer of women in leadership. She had me from the Preface as she writes about Aunt May, the woman who brought her up. She writes, "while age would mature and change her body, it would never tame her spirit. May was feisty, passionate, selfless, grounded in lightheartedness and common sense" (p. 11). My sense is that this might describe Jo Saxton as well.
This book also helped me understand the pain that many gifted women who aspire to use their gifts to serve the church have suffered at the hands of men and what it is like to step into one's giftedness despite all this. Early on she tells of teaching on John 13 and that the ministry of washing feet was for both men and women, followed by a time of prayer ministry, where women flocked up in tears of lament. Saxton goes on to affirm the call of women to lead, beginning with a study of ezer in scripture that means far more than helper or "help mate" as it is often used of God's strength, power to save, to be a warrior and at the same time to cherish. She then reviews some of the powerful examples of women who lead in scripture and gives wise instruction on issues of calling, mentoring (including challenges to women to help rather than thwart other women), leading in a man's world, navigating life changes like children and bringing it all together in leading skillfully.
The third reason I appreciated this book is that she has much to say about leadership that applies to men as well, not only in terms of working in partnership with women but also for our own leadership. Sooner or later all of us in leadership experience failure of some sort or just "hit the wall" in our leadership. She talks about the need to take a HALT, an acronym for recognizing our Hunger, Anger, Loneliness, and Tiredness. Looking at our appetites, our anger, our experience of loneliness, and our weariness can put us in touch with our misshapen motivations and can be the place where Christ meets with, ministers to, and re-forms us.
This is a great book for women who aspire to or have stepped into roles of leadership yet struggle with self-doubt or past pain around the appropriateness of their leadership. And it is a book well worth reading by men who work alongside women, both within and outside the church, to realize the giftedness and courage and aspirations of these women.
February 12, 2017
I would have given the book 5 stars except that I feel the cover and the title of the book don't really serve its content. The title and cover suggest an "inspirational" sort of read, and while it's that in many respects, it's deeply theological, smart and finely honed to a particular audience--namely Christian women who are trying to work out a theology and practice for being female and also in leadership (in whatever form that looks like, but often the focus is on church leadership).
June 29, 2017
Very readable - Jo has an approachable voice and style. This book is geared toward younger women and is a delightful introduction.
September 13, 2021
3.5 stars
I once heard Jo Saxton speak at a conference and found her to be powerful, motivating and full of energy for the Lord. I've had this book for awhile and will pass it on to a friend in the hopes we can discuss it. I liked it, but something about it felt incomplete to me. As I moved through it, I had more questions about concepts and ideas being introduced, things that are unfamiliar to me in the church I grew up in. At times it also seemed that it was written more for women who are leaders in churches and other places but are not getting the support they need and I thought it was less influential for me because I am not currently in those types of positions. There are a good number of resources listed that I will dig into and try to get some answers from. I did find it encouraging that someone is out there writing about this!
Favorite quotes: "The Great Commission that Jesus gave to his disciples is an adventure we all embark on, but it is also a battle, a lifelong call to see the kingdom come on earth. That battle needs both men and women; we can't expect to win a war with half the army absent. Nor will we be as effective if half the army is unsure as to whether they should be there in the first place and are ill equipped for the challenges ahead. It's a battle strategy that's sure to fail."
I once heard Jo Saxton speak at a conference and found her to be powerful, motivating and full of energy for the Lord. I've had this book for awhile and will pass it on to a friend in the hopes we can discuss it. I liked it, but something about it felt incomplete to me. As I moved through it, I had more questions about concepts and ideas being introduced, things that are unfamiliar to me in the church I grew up in. At times it also seemed that it was written more for women who are leaders in churches and other places but are not getting the support they need and I thought it was less influential for me because I am not currently in those types of positions. There are a good number of resources listed that I will dig into and try to get some answers from. I did find it encouraging that someone is out there writing about this!
Favorite quotes: "The Great Commission that Jesus gave to his disciples is an adventure we all embark on, but it is also a battle, a lifelong call to see the kingdom come on earth. That battle needs both men and women; we can't expect to win a war with half the army absent. Nor will we be as effective if half the army is unsure as to whether they should be there in the first place and are ill equipped for the challenges ahead. It's a battle strategy that's sure to fail."
November 23, 2022
Women play a very vital role in the church community. The problem is, many women are scared to take on a leadership role or feel that leadership roles in church are designed for males. Jo Saxton, however, wants to reaffirm women and help them rediscover their roots. In her novel she reminds females of the great women that have come before them. She wants women to discover or rediscover the gifts and talents that the Lord has invested in us. The Lord has a place and desire for each of us and Jo wants to equip women with tools, advice, and knowledge so they can step into leadership roles with confidence.
August 28, 2019
Jo Saxton writes an encouraging book on how to be a woman in leadership AND in ministry. Many of the strategies should be used for all people in leadership/ministry, and it’s helpful advice to become a most effective leader (even if that means saying “no” more & “yes” less often).
June 14, 2017
Jo Saxton knows her stuff when it comes to women, leadership and the Bible. Would have been perfect for me to read 10 years ago!
July 13, 2017
An encouraging book for women growing into leadership, well-grounded in Scripture with many examples and quotes from women and men engaged in ministry.
May 28, 2018
Encouraging, motivating, and an easy, enjoyable read.
August 6, 2017
More Than Enchanting was a recommendation from the Propel Women website for a book club, so we read 2-3 chapters per week together. I found Jo Saxton's writing to be engaging, and I came away with a desire to find a mentor to help walk me through woman leadership issues, especially in the church.
Saxton starts with a chapter talking about Eve and going into detail about the Hebrew word used to describe her - ezer. I loved hearing that God's intent for woman was to make her strong and the word doesn't intend for woman to be weaker than man, but a suitable equal. This makes so much sense and puts a lot of other Biblical references into better perspective. Saxton gave several great examples of different kinds of women leaders in the Bible (Old AND New testament), and how God has always intended women to lead in various ways. The key word in all of the book was learning how to lead and how to find the support needed to do this. I found her examples to be practical and helpful. This was a good read and useful for prompting lots of discussion on the topic of women in leadership.
Saxton starts with a chapter talking about Eve and going into detail about the Hebrew word used to describe her - ezer. I loved hearing that God's intent for woman was to make her strong and the word doesn't intend for woman to be weaker than man, but a suitable equal. This makes so much sense and puts a lot of other Biblical references into better perspective. Saxton gave several great examples of different kinds of women leaders in the Bible (Old AND New testament), and how God has always intended women to lead in various ways. The key word in all of the book was learning how to lead and how to find the support needed to do this. I found her examples to be practical and helpful. This was a good read and useful for prompting lots of discussion on the topic of women in leadership.
October 26, 2017
I've read most of the book and must say this is a "must read" for any Christian woman who desires to be a leader or is already leading in some capacity whether at home, work, or church. Jo Saxton tackles some of the challenges we face as women with a healthy dose of questions, insights and biblical examples. My generation (Gen X) has definitely lacked in women mentorship. It feels like Jo is personally mentoring through her writing.
ETA: This book was a great tool for any woman who wants to be an influence to others on any level.
ETA: This book was a great tool for any woman who wants to be an influence to others on any level.
March 16, 2016
More Than Enchanting kept me enthralled from page one. As a woman working outside the home and having leadership roles in our church and community, the emphasis on being a leader, even when women leaders are not encouraged, was a breath of fresh air. My notebook quickly filled with quotes and thoughts as I engaged with this work. Saxton does an excellent job of including Bible study concerning the role of women as leaders and includes a variety of word study resources as the basic of this content. She then proceeds to cover a variety of issues related to leadership and how to increase your effectiveness as a leader. My one regret while reading this work was that I was reading in it alone. I hope to read it again soon with a group of other women leaders in the huddle format Saxton describes.
Beyond the content, which was excellent and thought-provoking, I loved the way this book was set up. Many book have discussion questions at the end of chapters or the end of the book. However, More Than Enchanting has discussion questions incorporated right into the text of the book. The end of each chapter also contains reflections written by many leaders, both male and female. The end of the book also contains discussion questions which encompass the content of the entire book and help to complete a study on this book. Author, Jo Saxton, also includes a nice, but not comprehensive, listing of sources for further reading and study.
I would highly recommend More Than Enchanting to any woman who is a leader or who wants to be a leader. I would particularly encourage this book to be used in a Bible study or book discussion group among college students or young professionals who are struggling with the issue of how to be a godly woman leader. However, I would not limit the readership to just that demographic. I'm well past that age group now (I hit one of those milestone birthdays a few years ago) and found this quite useful and encouraging as I enter new leadership roles in my mid-life years.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free through a giveaway from Margaret Feinberg's blog. I was not required to write a positive review or even to review this book at all. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Beyond the content, which was excellent and thought-provoking, I loved the way this book was set up. Many book have discussion questions at the end of chapters or the end of the book. However, More Than Enchanting has discussion questions incorporated right into the text of the book. The end of each chapter also contains reflections written by many leaders, both male and female. The end of the book also contains discussion questions which encompass the content of the entire book and help to complete a study on this book. Author, Jo Saxton, also includes a nice, but not comprehensive, listing of sources for further reading and study.
I would highly recommend More Than Enchanting to any woman who is a leader or who wants to be a leader. I would particularly encourage this book to be used in a Bible study or book discussion group among college students or young professionals who are struggling with the issue of how to be a godly woman leader. However, I would not limit the readership to just that demographic. I'm well past that age group now (I hit one of those milestone birthdays a few years ago) and found this quite useful and encouraging as I enter new leadership roles in my mid-life years.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free through a giveaway from Margaret Feinberg's blog. I was not required to write a positive review or even to review this book at all. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
March 4, 2012
"More than Enchanting" is a book on women rising up into leadership in the Christian Church; yet it is neither abrasive not militant. Fact is, she presents some very well thought out approaches to help women reach out to the Holy Spirit and follow Jesus' command to preach to the whole world and in such a way men need to not only listen but help. Jo Saxton really has something to say and both men and women need to listen.
Her book is full of biblical references both for showing the roll women have been called to and still are called to as well as explaining issues like "helper" in Genesis and Paul's definitions of the woman's roll in the church. But although she stays with her topic of women in the church it takes it to world proportions with statistics that makes one think. The rise and fall of the church, and indeed civilization, can always be measured with the way women are treated or how they perceive themselves in the church and civilization. "...the role and status of women in the church becomes an issue of strategic significance." "...health of the church is bound up with the vitality of the women in it." Her book offers a very surprising statistic of China when offering that "...65% of the leaders in the Chinese underground Church are women." And that is even higher for countries like India reaching up to 80%.
She takes you through the Old Testament times when even women were Judges over Israel and the roll of women at the beginning of Christianity. She deals with leadership in a man dominated world without going to war. She addresses the single women in the church and also the continuance of that leadership after marriage.
Any women either in leadership rolls in the church, or with aspirations to such leadership needs to read this. And men need to read it too to better understand the calling women have to such leadership from God and thus not be a hindrance nor fight God on this issue. The book is well done and has a lot to offer.
Her book is full of biblical references both for showing the roll women have been called to and still are called to as well as explaining issues like "helper" in Genesis and Paul's definitions of the woman's roll in the church. But although she stays with her topic of women in the church it takes it to world proportions with statistics that makes one think. The rise and fall of the church, and indeed civilization, can always be measured with the way women are treated or how they perceive themselves in the church and civilization. "...the role and status of women in the church becomes an issue of strategic significance." "...health of the church is bound up with the vitality of the women in it." Her book offers a very surprising statistic of China when offering that "...65% of the leaders in the Chinese underground Church are women." And that is even higher for countries like India reaching up to 80%.
She takes you through the Old Testament times when even women were Judges over Israel and the roll of women at the beginning of Christianity. She deals with leadership in a man dominated world without going to war. She addresses the single women in the church and also the continuance of that leadership after marriage.
Any women either in leadership rolls in the church, or with aspirations to such leadership needs to read this. And men need to read it too to better understand the calling women have to such leadership from God and thus not be a hindrance nor fight God on this issue. The book is well done and has a lot to offer.
March 9, 2017
Aside: I heard Jo Saxton speak at a conference in the fall of 2016, and I knew that I wanted to read at least one book by her for my 2017 reading challenge. She was an incredible speaker, and a lot of what she said changed my life.
Finally - a book about Women's leadership that goes beyond talking about the "debated" scriptures and defaulting to an incorrect, guilt-ridden interpretation of Proverbs 31!
Saxton goes well beyond the initial leadership discussion - she dissects what 'ezer' actually means (spoiler: "helper" barely scratches the surface!) and its nuances for women in scripture. After a quick "why women in leadership is okay" discussion (which is worth reading even if you know the arguments - her explanations have a lot of depth) she discusses the roles of various women in the bible in their contexts, and how their leadership roles shaped them and their communities. These examinations are interwoven with important facets of leadership using both examples from the bible and stories from women in Christian and secular leadership. One of my favourite chapters was her discussion of the all too common struggles that women in leadership face...I feel so much less alone! She also has a significant portion of her book dedicated to ministry and leadership both as single, married, and with children, how these will look different, (but that none are lesser/more!) and how ALL of these roles are important, which I appreciated.
Saxton's writing is strong, clear, and just what we need in churches today. I can't wait to read more by her.
Even though there's so much pain on this issue (which she beautifully acknowledges), Saxton gives me hope that this pain can be healed someday.
This book was a big game changer for me. I have a lot of people I'd love to recommend this to!
Finally - a book about Women's leadership that goes beyond talking about the "debated" scriptures and defaulting to an incorrect, guilt-ridden interpretation of Proverbs 31!
Saxton goes well beyond the initial leadership discussion - she dissects what 'ezer' actually means (spoiler: "helper" barely scratches the surface!) and its nuances for women in scripture. After a quick "why women in leadership is okay" discussion (which is worth reading even if you know the arguments - her explanations have a lot of depth) she discusses the roles of various women in the bible in their contexts, and how their leadership roles shaped them and their communities. These examinations are interwoven with important facets of leadership using both examples from the bible and stories from women in Christian and secular leadership. One of my favourite chapters was her discussion of the all too common struggles that women in leadership face...I feel so much less alone! She also has a significant portion of her book dedicated to ministry and leadership both as single, married, and with children, how these will look different, (but that none are lesser/more!) and how ALL of these roles are important, which I appreciated.
Saxton's writing is strong, clear, and just what we need in churches today. I can't wait to read more by her.
Even though there's so much pain on this issue (which she beautifully acknowledges), Saxton gives me hope that this pain can be healed someday.
This book was a big game changer for me. I have a lot of people I'd love to recommend this to!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2014
Full disclosure: I edited this book. But only a little bit. It was originally released in Great Britain and I edited it for an American audience. Pretty light touch. I like the book quite a lot, even though I'm not the primary audience: Jo Saxton writes to women (particularly Christian women) who have leadership and other gifts. Jo quickly and effectively dispenses with the standard arguments among conservative denominations for relegating women to subservient roles. And having done that, Jo moves happily, constructively into addressing the contemporary challenges women face as they seek to live lives of influence. She's candid, direct, supportive, unflappable, confident and encouraging. She tells a lot of stories and shares the space with a number of women in places of influence, who tell their own stories and offer their own encouragement. A great book for discipling women, for springboarding conversations about contemporary life, for exploring ways of integrating women more fully into the life of your church. Good stuff.
March 9, 2012
Won as Goodreads First Read.
A must-read for anyone concerned with the role of women in the contemporary Christian church. Saxton speaks to those women who increasingly form the backbone of the church and yet often feel underutilized and powerless. Hers is a voice to affirm that women have always and should continue to provide their leadership skills to the church. She uses biblical references to illustrate the powerful part women played in the early church. As then, women today should expect and work to be all the God has called us to be. She concludes with some practical advice, thoughts, and encouragement to those women who have already assumed leadership roles.
A must-read for anyone concerned with the role of women in the contemporary Christian church. Saxton speaks to those women who increasingly form the backbone of the church and yet often feel underutilized and powerless. Hers is a voice to affirm that women have always and should continue to provide their leadership skills to the church. She uses biblical references to illustrate the powerful part women played in the early church. As then, women today should expect and work to be all the God has called us to be. She concludes with some practical advice, thoughts, and encouragement to those women who have already assumed leadership roles.
March 15, 2012
More Than Enchanting: Breaking Through Barriers to Influence Your World
by: Jo Saxton
I won this book from a Goodreads/First Reads giveaway
This book encourages women to look at themselves and their relationships. It encourages them to look at the plan God has for them in leadership roles in the church and their lives. There are biblical references to help us along. It also has statistics that show us that the role of women in the church is so important.
This is a great, and impowering book for woman, but I believe men can learn alot from this book also. There is alot of information in this book and it is written very well. Great book.
by: Jo Saxton
I won this book from a Goodreads/First Reads giveaway
This book encourages women to look at themselves and their relationships. It encourages them to look at the plan God has for them in leadership roles in the church and their lives. There are biblical references to help us along. It also has statistics that show us that the role of women in the church is so important.
This is a great, and impowering book for woman, but I believe men can learn alot from this book also. There is alot of information in this book and it is written very well. Great book.
May 6, 2014
Jo Saxton puts into words what any woman in ministry will have experienced, felt, thought or longed for. I have a litany of individuals to give this book to simply so they don't have to feel like it is "just them." I wish this book had been around when I was in my 20's! It might have saved me so much heart ache and painful life experience. Jo shares her experience for all our betterment. Her practical helps on navigating the world of ministry leadership as a woman are worthwhile.
If you are a woman, in ministry or not, read it! If you are a man, READ IT! It's important to understand the challenges faced by roughly half the world's population, whether in ministry or not.
If you are a woman, in ministry or not, read it! If you are a man, READ IT! It's important to understand the challenges faced by roughly half the world's population, whether in ministry or not.
March 26, 2012
A good read for female leaders in church/ministry circles who often find it discouraging to work in a male dominated field. I found the title misleading, and would have never picked this book up if I hadn't read an article by the author prior to reading the book. It truly is a leadership book for Christian woman, and I enjoyed that Saxton included women in all phases of life to share their stories.
January 11, 2017
A very encouraging book for women in leadership. The way she writes is clear, but beautiful and she has good arguments and suggestions. I would recommend this for women who are struggling to feel confident in the calling of leadership, or who have been made to think that because they are female they should not hold the roles that God has given them the skills to do.
January 9, 2016
Truly fabulous book. Jo Saxton goes beyond making a case for women in leadership in all spheres of life to addressing the internal barriers and character issues unique to women leading. Every Christian woman should read this book. Seriously. And much needed voice in the church.
February 6, 2017
Empowering, encouraging and refreshing. Saxton speaks to the intellectual side and the emotional side as she examines what it looks like for a woman to be a leader both inside and outside the church.
Want to read
February 15, 2012I won this book as a Goodreads First Read.
April 27, 2012
Not a huge fan of the title or the cover, but can really tell she's a speaker. Great read that isn't about theology of women in ministry, but more on women and leadership.
Want to read
March 6, 2012My 5th goodreads win!!
August 10, 2016
More in-depth review to follow soon.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews