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Becoming a Woman of Influence: Making a Lasting Impact on Others
God has a need for women who will be there for other women—to encourage their dreams, speak into their lives, and listen to their hearts. Author Carol Kent imparts principles from the life of Jesus for the making of an effective mentor. This effective discipleship tool and Bible study will help equip you to mentor the young women in your life who long to draw nearer to God.
106 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1999
37 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
About the author
Carol J. Kent
27 books32 followersCarol Kent is hilariously funny, biblically sound, and heartbreakingly transparent in person and in print. Founder and president of Speak Up for Hope (a prison ministry) and Speak Up Speaker Services (a speakers' bureau), Carol is the best-selling author of many books, including When I Lay My Isaac Down, A New Kind of Normal, Becoming a Woman of Influence, Speak Up with Confidence, Secret Longings of the Heart, and Tame Your Fears. She is an expert on public speaking, writing, and evangelism. Carol travels the world, speaking to tens of thousands each year at events such as Extraordinary Women, Vision New England, Women of Faith, THRIVE, and Women of Grace. Carol and her husband, Gene, make their home in Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 7, 2021
A friend came across this book and wanted my opinion whether it would be a good tool for teaching Christian women to become mentors to other women both Christian or not. I hadn't read the author's books before so I was curious to give this one a go.
Becoming a Woman of Influence is a quick, to the point, practical, and thought-provoking read and study. There was no clinical disconnect however. The author sprinkled each chapter with personal stories to help the reader relate to and better understand the point. There were practical conversation pointers and questions to go with each topic touched on from the importance and need for mentoring first of all and right down to the nitty-gritty of women having a love and compassion for others even willing to step way out of the comfort zone and see/treat people like Jesus did.
I appreciated that there were Scripture references to go along with principles and offered further thought. I also appreciated that the author was encouraging social settings and context with starter topics to get past the yes/no one-word answers that might make it feel more like an uncomfortable interview for both parties involved.
Without getting into complexities or details, this thin book is a good starter and encouragement for the topic of mentoring. The back of the book leads the reader to further online resources and reading material. It is a jumping off and meant to get the reader out of the reading chair and busy about the task of supporting, encouraging, and teaching other women for the purpose of leading them closer- or even to- Christ. I thought it did what it set out to do quite well.
Becoming a Woman of Influence is a quick, to the point, practical, and thought-provoking read and study. There was no clinical disconnect however. The author sprinkled each chapter with personal stories to help the reader relate to and better understand the point. There were practical conversation pointers and questions to go with each topic touched on from the importance and need for mentoring first of all and right down to the nitty-gritty of women having a love and compassion for others even willing to step way out of the comfort zone and see/treat people like Jesus did.
I appreciated that there were Scripture references to go along with principles and offered further thought. I also appreciated that the author was encouraging social settings and context with starter topics to get past the yes/no one-word answers that might make it feel more like an uncomfortable interview for both parties involved.
Without getting into complexities or details, this thin book is a good starter and encouragement for the topic of mentoring. The back of the book leads the reader to further online resources and reading material. It is a jumping off and meant to get the reader out of the reading chair and busy about the task of supporting, encouraging, and teaching other women for the purpose of leading them closer- or even to- Christ. I thought it did what it set out to do quite well.
May 3, 2018
I don't remember this book very well but I have a notebook that I answered questions in and I loved seeing what a learned from this book. There is a lot of great lessons in that notebook.
April 12, 2008
Not a book I will be keeping. Frankly, I thought the author was probably a better speaker than author. I found her haughty and not well thought through. I kept wishing she had better editors (or wishing I was reading a differnt book).
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September 8, 2020Originally I gave this title 4 stars. I am revising my stars to zero.
The reason I am doing so is that since reading this title, several things about my faith journey and expression have changed and I no longer subscribe to evangelical ideologies.
The reason I am doing so is that since reading this title, several things about my faith journey and expression have changed and I no longer subscribe to evangelical ideologies.
August 24, 2017
Even though the word “mentor” creeps into the text a couple of times, Becoming A Woman Of Influence is not about mentoring. Mentoring is a scary, formal kind of word. This book is, as its title says, about influence, intentional influence.
Carol Kent has examined the life of Jesus to find seven methods Jesus intentionally used to influence his disciples. She then draws parallels to how any Christian woman can do the same. Throughout the book, she stresses that this is a task every one of us should undertake. We are influencers; the choice we have is what kind of influencers will we become. If we want to follow Jesus’ commission to disciple the nations, then we would be wise to do as He did.
Some reviewers dismissed this book because Carol exclusively used The Message as a Bible reference. This also bothered me because at least once, she made a point based on the wording according to this paraphrase, but when I checked other versions of the Bible, the verses didn’t say at all what she said it said. I wouldn’t discount the book on this one error. There is so much rich material here. I have been challenged to be a lot more intentional about my leadership to women and a lot less formal about it. Influencing happens in the day-to-day moments. Influencing happens as you model the life of Jesus to the women around you.
I rarely go through the discussion questions at the back of a book but this time I did and I’m so glad I did. They were great questions! They got me to dig into the Bible and they challenged me to probe into my own thinking. It’s very worth taking the time to turn this into a personal study.
One sentence stood out to me so much, I wrote it on my white board as a daily reminder to become an intentional influencer: make every contact count. With the addition of two more words this sums up the message of this book: Make every contact count for Christ.
Carol Kent has examined the life of Jesus to find seven methods Jesus intentionally used to influence his disciples. She then draws parallels to how any Christian woman can do the same. Throughout the book, she stresses that this is a task every one of us should undertake. We are influencers; the choice we have is what kind of influencers will we become. If we want to follow Jesus’ commission to disciple the nations, then we would be wise to do as He did.
Some reviewers dismissed this book because Carol exclusively used The Message as a Bible reference. This also bothered me because at least once, she made a point based on the wording according to this paraphrase, but when I checked other versions of the Bible, the verses didn’t say at all what she said it said. I wouldn’t discount the book on this one error. There is so much rich material here. I have been challenged to be a lot more intentional about my leadership to women and a lot less formal about it. Influencing happens in the day-to-day moments. Influencing happens as you model the life of Jesus to the women around you.
I rarely go through the discussion questions at the back of a book but this time I did and I’m so glad I did. They were great questions! They got me to dig into the Bible and they challenged me to probe into my own thinking. It’s very worth taking the time to turn this into a personal study.
One sentence stood out to me so much, I wrote it on my white board as a daily reminder to become an intentional influencer: make every contact count. With the addition of two more words this sums up the message of this book: Make every contact count for Christ.
January 31, 2024
One of my favorite lines in this whole book is right at the beginning. “The influence this book talks about has nothing to do with selfish pride and with impressing people. It had everything to do with shaping your heart to the image of Jesus Christ and becoming a woman of influence who practices the principles He modeled.”
In the chapter The Principle of Asking Questions I like that the author talked about how Jesus would read his audience and then go from there on how to form the questions He asked. His questions were confrontational question for the Pharisee, a tender question for the woman taken in adultery and a revealing question for the disciples. We need to remember to read our “audience” so to speak when we approach people with questions.
In the chapter The Principle of Asking Questions I like that the author talked about how Jesus would read his audience and then go from there on how to form the questions He asked. His questions were confrontational question for the Pharisee, a tender question for the woman taken in adultery and a revealing question for the disciples. We need to remember to read our “audience” so to speak when we approach people with questions.
May 18, 2022
I read the original edition which was a bit dated but overall well written. Apparently the newer edition is worth it.
She offered some influential examples of her points throughout the book. I specifically enjoyed the last chapter/principle on casting vision.
The entire book offered suggestions and concepts that not only helped me to understand how to be a better friend and mentor, but it also shed light on what was lacking in the leadership and mentoring I have received personally. Having a strong, knowledgeable and compassionate mentor is key in the life of every person, male or female. Find one and be one.
She offered some influential examples of her points throughout the book. I specifically enjoyed the last chapter/principle on casting vision.
The entire book offered suggestions and concepts that not only helped me to understand how to be a better friend and mentor, but it also shed light on what was lacking in the leadership and mentoring I have received personally. Having a strong, knowledgeable and compassionate mentor is key in the life of every person, male or female. Find one and be one.
January 24, 2022
I've read so many engaging Christian books meant to motivate and enhance the lives of females supporting females. This one was NOT it. Frankly, I'm surprised it was published it was not engaging, motivating nor helpful. It was a story here and there but no real tie into how to use the stories in every day life. I found it monotonous and more of a pat me on the back basic publication. Thank GOD it was short, otherwise I would not have been able to attend my book club. Pass on this, too many great ones out there for this type of title.
April 12, 2018
This is a really good resource, but I watched the videos that go with it on Right Now Media... it is 100% safe to say that Carol and I would not be friends.
October 29, 2018
Offers a lot of practical advice!
November 3, 2020
I read through this in one sitting, which was not the best way, but I loved the thoughts and hope to go through it properly another time!
March 16, 2025
2.5 stars, rounded up
April 29, 2025
4⭐️
This book had good information, talking about how Jesus influenced others and how we need to pattern after Him. But it seemed very surface level imo. Definitely some good points though!
This book had good information, talking about how Jesus influenced others and how we need to pattern after Him. But it seemed very surface level imo. Definitely some good points though!
February 18, 2011
One thing is certain: I do desire to be a woman who influences others to draw deeper into the love and life of Christ. When I saw this Carol Kent title available from NavPress I knew right away that it was one I wanted to read.
Kent bases her book around 7 principles drawn from examining the life of our Lord Jesus and gives us real-life application for implementing these principles into our lives as women. The keys she brings forth are:
1. Time alone with God
2. Walking and talking
3. Storytelling
4. Asking questions
5. Compassion
6. Unconditional love
7. Casting vision
The book is not a long one; there are a couple of introductory chapters and then one devoted to each of these principles. That made the reading interesting, since I knew there would be a different focus each time I picked it up.
My main complaint against this book would be the fact that Kent mainly uses The Message Bible when sharing Scripture. As a lover of the beautiful and lyrical King James Version, I would often not catch that she was quoting a passage that I was very familiar with or even had memorized until she listed the reference at the end. I'd never read The Message Bible before but found it to be too informal and summarized for my personal taste.
There is a 9-week study guide included at the back that I did not have time to go through with this reading but I did take a peek at it and thought it looked very thorough and thought-provoking. Sometime I would like to go through and study it out as the author intended.
I found many helpful and practical ideas presented in the book. My favorite chapter was the one about asking questions to draw people out. I also liked how the focus was on us becoming like Christ so that He could draw others to Himself through us. That's where the difference really is: our own efforts will always fall short, but through Christ in us we can see other ladies brought to freedom and new heights in their relationship with Him. It is all about Him!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
This review originally appeared at http://wwww.reviewsbyerin.livejournal...
Kent bases her book around 7 principles drawn from examining the life of our Lord Jesus and gives us real-life application for implementing these principles into our lives as women. The keys she brings forth are:
1. Time alone with God
2. Walking and talking
3. Storytelling
4. Asking questions
5. Compassion
6. Unconditional love
7. Casting vision
The book is not a long one; there are a couple of introductory chapters and then one devoted to each of these principles. That made the reading interesting, since I knew there would be a different focus each time I picked it up.
My main complaint against this book would be the fact that Kent mainly uses The Message Bible when sharing Scripture. As a lover of the beautiful and lyrical King James Version, I would often not catch that she was quoting a passage that I was very familiar with or even had memorized until she listed the reference at the end. I'd never read The Message Bible before but found it to be too informal and summarized for my personal taste.
There is a 9-week study guide included at the back that I did not have time to go through with this reading but I did take a peek at it and thought it looked very thorough and thought-provoking. Sometime I would like to go through and study it out as the author intended.
I found many helpful and practical ideas presented in the book. My favorite chapter was the one about asking questions to draw people out. I also liked how the focus was on us becoming like Christ so that He could draw others to Himself through us. That's where the difference really is: our own efforts will always fall short, but through Christ in us we can see other ladies brought to freedom and new heights in their relationship with Him. It is all about Him!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
This review originally appeared at http://wwww.reviewsbyerin.livejournal...
February 13, 2011
This book is mainly about older Christian women becoming mentors to younger Christian women. Becoming a Woman of Influence has nine chapters and they are Impacting Live Like Jesus Did, Learning from the Master, The Principle of Time Alone with God, The Principle of Walking and Talking, The Principle of Storytelling, The Principle of Asking Questions, The Principle of Compassion, The Principle of Unconditional Love, The Principle of Casting Vision. Then after those chapters comes a Nine-week Bible Study.
This book shows us if we just follow Jesus’ example and do what He did we will be doing the right thing.
Here is three facts from the book that really jumped out at me.
1. One person (Jesus) trained twelve human beings who went on th so influence th world that time itself is now recorded as being before or after His existence.
2. This person (Jesus) worked with a staff that was totally human and not divine… a staff that in spite of illiteracy, questionable backgrounds, fractious feelings, and momentary cowardice went on to accomplish the tasks He trained them to do. They did this for one man the reason-to be with Him again.
3.His leadership style was intended to be put to use by any of us.
So the author is saying we can mentor twelve people and get fantastic results also.
Very good book that I believe would be an interest if you want to start a program like this or have someone older mentor you.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
This book shows us if we just follow Jesus’ example and do what He did we will be doing the right thing.
Here is three facts from the book that really jumped out at me.
1. One person (Jesus) trained twelve human beings who went on th so influence th world that time itself is now recorded as being before or after His existence.
2. This person (Jesus) worked with a staff that was totally human and not divine… a staff that in spite of illiteracy, questionable backgrounds, fractious feelings, and momentary cowardice went on to accomplish the tasks He trained them to do. They did this for one man the reason-to be with Him again.
3.His leadership style was intended to be put to use by any of us.
So the author is saying we can mentor twelve people and get fantastic results also.
Very good book that I believe would be an interest if you want to start a program like this or have someone older mentor you.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
May 16, 2013
I read this for a women's Bible study. I am drawn to the idea of spiritual mentoring and really enjoyed most of Carol Kent's ideas on the subject. It was one of the best books on mentoring that lent itself to studying together as a group. Some women did not like the study questions being at the end of the book rather than having them at the end of each chapter, but this did not bother me. Just meant a lot of flipping back and forth. The study questions were for the most part excellent,and the book led to a lot of good discussion about intentionally impacting others in our lives who are looking for relationships of this type. A lot of mentoring happens by chance and without purposefully setting out to do so; Carol's thesis is that we need to be more intentional about influencing others in our lives, and the book did a good job of discussing how this could happen.
April 26, 2016
This is a very meaningful book. How can a person have an impact on someone for Christ? Can just anyone be a mentor? Do any of us have excuse not to give to others? What does God want and what are others looking for? An important point in this book is how we look at others. Do we look at people and think they are never enough to help us? Are we looking for perfection or wisdom? Only God is perfect and wisdom comes through making mistakes. Do not let your mistakes keep you from mentoring or sharing. God will use you if you are available. Be encouraged. Allow God to do the planning.
September 10, 2012
We used this book in LifeGroup and it really helped me to realize that the next step in my faith is to share with others and mentor other women. Kent provides great stories and insight for how to do this and be intentional about allowing God to use us to minister to others. I feel the target audience was older women, but I think younger women have just as much potential to mentor as anyone. This book provided for some great discussion.
August 12, 2016
When you read this book, I highly recommend taking the advice of the author at the beginning. She says to get the most from the book you should not read it cover to cover, but flip to the back where the nine-week bible study is, and work through it that way. It's one of the best bible studies I've ever done! It's an easy read with a lot of practical ways to live out your faith and make a lasting impact on others.
January 19, 2009
Okay, this sounds like a cheesy self help book, but it's really not. A therapist told me to read this, not even a Christian counselor, just a therapist who knew I was a Christian. It breaks down the way that Jesus lived and by implementing some of his traits in our lives we can show others God's love. I really ended up liking this. It has a Bible study in the back...
October 27, 2013
LOVED this book...would recommend it to all women who want to share their faith. The book has a very 'evangelism feel' through-out the book; learning from the actions of Jesus and to make a dedicated effort to live those actions in our lives. It also mentions the importance of 'mentoring' within our own church. It's an easy read and one that will encourage all women.
February 20, 2015
Can't speak enough great things about the study that is included along with the book. Constant directing to read scripture verses. I really like studies that tell me to open my bible and read as opposed to having the verses there in the book. Just makes me dig deeper because I generally will also read around the mentioned verses and review the commentary, etc. Great book with great advice.
June 26, 2015
A nice light encouragement and inspiration about cultivating a compassionate and caring heart to build supportive and meaningful relationships with others through looking at Jesus' engagement with people.
April 15, 2008
Hands-down an excellent read for women's book studies.
June 25, 2008
What a book, I truly am enjoying reading this book
August 16, 2011
MOPS study for the year--worth reading again!
August 8, 2012
Great insight for mentoring new or younger Christians. In a round-about way, it's also teaching me how to be a great friend. Good read!! :)
July 10, 2012
Great stories and scriptural references for being a mentor and just being there for others.
Also a great outline for using this as a group study.
Also a great outline for using this as a group study.
April 3, 2013
3.25; good for a light summer Bible study. Picture doing it with neighbors in the spirit of transforming my neighborhood/community; holding one another accountable.
May 10, 2013
Love this book! I'm reading it with my women's ministry team for the fourth time. Lots of practical tools for growing a successful encouragement ministry.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews