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Developing Female Leaders: Navigate the Minefields and Release the Potential of Women in Your Church
What would your church look like if it maximized the dormant gifts of the women God has brought there? Discover how to develop and leverage the leadership abilities of women within your congregation. Leadership and people development veteran Kadi Cole offers a practical strategy to help church and organizational leaders craft cultures that facilitate the development of women as volunteer and staff leaders. In Developing Female Leaders , Cole shares eight easy-to-implement “best practices” that help accelerate a woman’s organizational contribution, such Combined with current research, thorough appendices and references add even more guidance for setting vision, milestones, and goals. Using interviews and surveys of more than one thousand women in key church and organizational roles, Developing Female Leaders is a one-of-a-kind resource for identifying what is missing today in your church to help it flourish in the future.
224 pages, Paperback
Published March 5, 2019
121 people are currently reading
711 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
March 10, 2019
This book isn’t just for church leaders.
It isn’t just for chicks.
It isn’t beating up men.
It isn’t berating churches.
It isn’t telling you what you should believe about women in leadership in your church or organization.
This book is empowering church leaders.
It’s for men & women who want to help develop LEADERS who happen to be female in their businesses, churches and lives.
It’s encouraging men AND women.
It’s equipping churches and organizations.
It’s helping you, wherever you fall in the “how much should women lead” spectrum.
This book is for you: chicks, pastors, ministry leaders, business owners, fathers, mothers, LEADERS.
“The Future is Together” and this book shows us HOW to make that happen.
It isn’t just for chicks.
It isn’t beating up men.
It isn’t berating churches.
It isn’t telling you what you should believe about women in leadership in your church or organization.
This book is empowering church leaders.
It’s for men & women who want to help develop LEADERS who happen to be female in their businesses, churches and lives.
It’s encouraging men AND women.
It’s equipping churches and organizations.
It’s helping you, wherever you fall in the “how much should women lead” spectrum.
This book is for you: chicks, pastors, ministry leaders, business owners, fathers, mothers, LEADERS.
“The Future is Together” and this book shows us HOW to make that happen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2019
A book on this topic is LONG overdue, and Kadi Cole nails it. Speaking from decades of personal experience, Kadi suggests seven practices for churches of all theological persuasions to develop and encourage female leaders. I especially loved her concept of the "sticky floor," the difference between diversity of inclusion, and the importance of Champions. I have already recommended this book to ministryleaders around the country.
I was fortunate to receive an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Thomas Nelson.
I was fortunate to receive an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Thomas Nelson.
May 18, 2023
I wish everyone who does vocational ministry would read this book. Super insightful on how to best utilize female leaders in our congregations, regardless of theological stance. This was especially inspiring and healing to me.
February 26, 2019
Does your church know how to encourage women to be the leaders God called them to be? This helpful book by Kadi Cole is a great resource to encourage churches who are attempting to empower women in their faith community.
With twenty years of experience, Kadi brings her expertise to the table with the first 8 chapters of the book having been dedicated to "Best Practices." She has identified common struggles that hold both leaders and potential leaders back. Often churches don't know how to begin integrating the women who have leadership skills that could transform the way things are done, and Kadi addresses this beautifully, even giving churches team discussion questions at the end of the book.
This is a nicely succinct book that church leaders could read together as a group to form a stronger connection with the women who already (in most cases) are the most essential workers in a church or organization. Why not empower those who are already serving in some capacity to become leaders in their churches? Learning how to find those specific talents that women might not even realize they have been putting to use is a worthwhile journey. Kadi gives research, statistics and real life examples of how encouraging and educating women willing to serve in a leadership capacity helps the church as a whole. She also discusses common questions that are bound to come up: clearly defining women's roles in your specific church denomination/community, spiritual formation, becoming a safe workplace, gender equality in pay, etc.
I am thankful I was able to read an advanced copy. All opinions are my own. I truly believe this book has much to offer the faith community centering on how women can effectively lead in churches. This is a must read for any church who wants to harness the power of women who are passionate about leading.
With twenty years of experience, Kadi brings her expertise to the table with the first 8 chapters of the book having been dedicated to "Best Practices." She has identified common struggles that hold both leaders and potential leaders back. Often churches don't know how to begin integrating the women who have leadership skills that could transform the way things are done, and Kadi addresses this beautifully, even giving churches team discussion questions at the end of the book.
This is a nicely succinct book that church leaders could read together as a group to form a stronger connection with the women who already (in most cases) are the most essential workers in a church or organization. Why not empower those who are already serving in some capacity to become leaders in their churches? Learning how to find those specific talents that women might not even realize they have been putting to use is a worthwhile journey. Kadi gives research, statistics and real life examples of how encouraging and educating women willing to serve in a leadership capacity helps the church as a whole. She also discusses common questions that are bound to come up: clearly defining women's roles in your specific church denomination/community, spiritual formation, becoming a safe workplace, gender equality in pay, etc.
I am thankful I was able to read an advanced copy. All opinions are my own. I truly believe this book has much to offer the faith community centering on how women can effectively lead in churches. This is a must read for any church who wants to harness the power of women who are passionate about leading.
February 13, 2019
A great place to start... this book is a must for anyone in leadership. Don't let the title fool you it's not some chic book, but a book that is crammed packed with powerful tools and conversation starters to equip the women on your staff. There is so much about this book that reveals truths and unknown bias we all have, and how we can begin to bring these things to the table.
Kadi does an excellent job at addressing opinions and views from all denominations, and has topic starters to make sure that every women is serving to the best of the denominations capacity. Where can we serve, and how does that look? This book helps us to open the door to these tough conversations.
Real world examples, stories from pastors, and research backed information make this book a must have for leadership. Let's face it leadership is hard, ministry can be even harder-- but being a woman in these roles is no walk in the park. Kadi Cole does an outstanding job of charting the course and helping us all navigate the waters of female leadership.
I was lucky enough to read advance copy, but you can pre-order your book today! #DFL
Kadi does an excellent job at addressing opinions and views from all denominations, and has topic starters to make sure that every women is serving to the best of the denominations capacity. Where can we serve, and how does that look? This book helps us to open the door to these tough conversations.
Real world examples, stories from pastors, and research backed information make this book a must have for leadership. Let's face it leadership is hard, ministry can be even harder-- but being a woman in these roles is no walk in the park. Kadi Cole does an outstanding job of charting the course and helping us all navigate the waters of female leadership.
I was lucky enough to read advance copy, but you can pre-order your book today! #DFL
July 14, 2021
Every person in ministry should read this book—men and women. It’s deeply insightful, practical and helpful. She cuts through the fluffy messages of “more self-esteem” and talks about the real heart work & practical steps that need to happen for us to represent the Kingdom in our organizations.
February 25, 2019
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book.
This is a must read for anyone who wants to help women succeed. I wish that everyone would read this book so that they could see the struggles of being a woman in leadership and so that they would have the tools to help push past these struggles.
One thing that sets this book apart from other books I have read regarding this topic is that it takes into account all different theological viewpoints of women in ministry. It helps all people, despite theological differences, learn how to better equip and utilize the potential for women in their ministries.
This is a must read for anyone who wants to help women succeed. I wish that everyone would read this book so that they could see the struggles of being a woman in leadership and so that they would have the tools to help push past these struggles.
One thing that sets this book apart from other books I have read regarding this topic is that it takes into account all different theological viewpoints of women in ministry. It helps all people, despite theological differences, learn how to better equip and utilize the potential for women in their ministries.
February 27, 2019
I am so grateful for this powerful book! I believe it’s going to accomplish cultural shift and strengthen the bond between men and women in leadership.
This is an excellent resource for equipping your ministry to raise up women into leadership. I believe it has a lot of corporate applications as well. Beyond helping me have more awareness, wisdom and tools to empower and disciple women, it helps navigate difficult conversations with men in leadership positions. I also found this book extremely helpful on self-awareness of my own leadership abilities.
This is an excellent resource for equipping your ministry to raise up women into leadership. I believe it has a lot of corporate applications as well. Beyond helping me have more awareness, wisdom and tools to empower and disciple women, it helps navigate difficult conversations with men in leadership positions. I also found this book extremely helpful on self-awareness of my own leadership abilities.
February 24, 2019
Though I am not an official leader in my church, I found so many of the topics to be applicable to business and my experience working with nonprofits. This book does a great job of asking the right questions to consider but never judges a church (or organization) for the answer. I have already recommended this book to my church leadership who are working to clarify the role of females in our church. I also have notes for myself and my coworkers to consider with our nonprofit. I was lucky to receive an Advanced Readers Copy and highly recommend this book for those who are looking at how to get females (and other diverse groups) involved!
February 24, 2019
I received this book as an ARC and was postive I was not the right demographic for this book since I have not gone to church in years and have never been in church leadership. But there is so much that can be used for any work place. This topic is long overdue in the church and I'm glad its being addressed in a classy but matter of fact way. This is a good read for anyone, male or female, with any leadership position in the church.
December 5, 2020
MEN, PLEASE READ THIS--DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE TURQUOISE AND PINK AND CURSIVE.
This is a must-read for anyone in church leadership and was so helpful for me as a woman who leads a co-ed Bible study for my church. No matter your church’s theological bent on gender roles, there are many, many practical steps in this book for giving women more opportunities, communicating opportunities more clearly, and modeling female leadership for future generations. Cannot recommend enough.
This is a must-read for anyone in church leadership and was so helpful for me as a woman who leads a co-ed Bible study for my church. No matter your church’s theological bent on gender roles, there are many, many practical steps in this book for giving women more opportunities, communicating opportunities more clearly, and modeling female leadership for future generations. Cannot recommend enough.
February 21, 2019
A number of years ago I was browsing the shelves of Christian leadership material, feeling disappointed that there weren't female voices in this conversation. 'Developing Female Leaders' is a great addition to the leadership conversation. The challenges and opportunities are articulated so well, lots of practical tips, and so many stories that resonated with my own experience.
My main disappointment is that Cole, in an attempt to not get drawn into a theological bun fight about women in leadership, weakens her own case for developing female leaders by providing a 'way out' for those opposed to women in some spheres of leadership.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher.
My main disappointment is that Cole, in an attempt to not get drawn into a theological bun fight about women in leadership, weakens her own case for developing female leaders by providing a 'way out' for those opposed to women in some spheres of leadership.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher.
February 12, 2019
Female leaders are emerging more and more in our churches today. I myself have been a leader in my church in the past (children's choir director), and I also lead online Bible studies, so the title of this book quickly caught my interest. While not all of it applied to me as a member of a very small church, I could appreciate many of the points made in the book, and I believe that it would be a good resource for a pastor/leadership team (especially in a larger church).
The author discusses important topics such as listening to and valuing the opinions of all leaders in the church, how to make women leaders feel comfortable in order to better reach their potential, and creating a safe environment for women leaders to thrive in. The book also included misconceptions about female leaders, and how to overcome those ideas.
I appreciated the honest and understanding tone of the book, and I think that it would be a good study/training for the leaders in a church. I would recommend this book for pastors/churches who wish to learn more about employ female leaders in this church.
I enjoyed an advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The author discusses important topics such as listening to and valuing the opinions of all leaders in the church, how to make women leaders feel comfortable in order to better reach their potential, and creating a safe environment for women leaders to thrive in. The book also included misconceptions about female leaders, and how to overcome those ideas.
I appreciated the honest and understanding tone of the book, and I think that it would be a good study/training for the leaders in a church. I would recommend this book for pastors/churches who wish to learn more about employ female leaders in this church.
I enjoyed an advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
February 22, 2019
A valuable tool for churches across all denominations. No matter your theology regarding women in ministry there are women leading in various aspects of your church, including volunteers.
February 18, 2019
Powerful insight with applicable steps to engage change. Timely!
February 9, 2019
First I did recieve an advanced copy of this awesome book. There are leadership books on the market but I never read a book like this. It's written by a woman , to women , and answers the questions women have. I want to thank this author Kadi Cole for her leadership and listening to that voice on the inside that said write the book. As a Minister it's never easy being a woman because like any other male dominated environment they often think they know better or more. This book proves them all wrong. Kadi' s wisdom and the direct way she deals with the topics of each chapter will keep you hungry for more. My favorite chapter is the second one , Kadi deals with multiple issues in this one . Honestly I'm blown away by this book. The seeds of wisdom this author drops into you she will be seeing a harvest for many years to come.
Keep this book close to your desk you will be reading it again and again.
Keep this book close to your desk you will be reading it again and again.
March 7, 2019
Kadi Cole has written a fabulous thought provoking book about the important issues that emerge in our churches as more and more female leaders are being developed.
Kari’s book is filled with tools that will help open the door for those tough conversations, it is thought provoking, applicable, thoroughly researched, and inspirational.
This book is rich and has the ability to engage change. I’ve been recommending it daily!
I was super excited to receive an ARC from Thomas Nelson.
Kari’s book is filled with tools that will help open the door for those tough conversations, it is thought provoking, applicable, thoroughly researched, and inspirational.
This book is rich and has the ability to engage change. I’ve been recommending it daily!
I was super excited to receive an ARC from Thomas Nelson.
February 8, 2019
Couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book by Kadi Cole and was so excited to be able to read an advance release copy from the publisher. As I read through each chapter it felt like Kadi had reached into my own thoughts and experiences and written them out onto the pages. She validates what many women experience but find difficult to explain or articulate. I am excited for our church leadership to read this because there are so many practical applications included that truly enable the Church to be intentional about developing female leaders. You will not be disappointed with the rich content included in this vital resource!
February 4, 2019
I am honored and excited to have received and read an advanced copy of this book.
This is not a book that argues doctrine (complementarian vs egalitarian), nor is it a book about feminism or gender roles. It is an INCREDIBLE book about how to best support and encourage women in their unique giftedness as they serve in the church. It is refreshing and encouraging to think about helping to shape the next generation of women who feel called to serve Jesus in the church. The “best practices” shared are thought-provoking and applicable.
This is a thoughtful, balanced, well researched book that will encourage dialogue and promote conversations around this topic!! I encourage you to join the conversation: grab a copy, read it, and start the dialogue!
This is not a book that argues doctrine (complementarian vs egalitarian), nor is it a book about feminism or gender roles. It is an INCREDIBLE book about how to best support and encourage women in their unique giftedness as they serve in the church. It is refreshing and encouraging to think about helping to shape the next generation of women who feel called to serve Jesus in the church. The “best practices” shared are thought-provoking and applicable.
This is a thoughtful, balanced, well researched book that will encourage dialogue and promote conversations around this topic!! I encourage you to join the conversation: grab a copy, read it, and start the dialogue!
March 10, 2019
I finished this book a few days ago. It is very well written. It wasn’t exactly was I was looking for in a book, but just the same I finished it and will use the parts of the book that do apply to my life in other ways. Nicely done. I did receive an advance reader copy for my honest review.
February 3, 2019
This book is so succinct, practical and inspirational. I found myself on almost every page and it's already helped me become a better leader. I highly recommend it to anyone in ministry - woman or man - who wants to help 50% of our people unleash their God-given potential. I'm so glad I received an advance copy from the editor, but I also ordered copies for my team. It's that good!
January 24, 2019
I downloaded the PDF (prerelease, provided by the author) after work yesterday and thought I would just glance at the table of contents last night. Instead, I started reading, and I've just finished the final chapter this morning. Reading this book is like reading a synthesis of my own thoughts, experiences, challenges, and questions. Thank you for giving me vocabulary to describe my experience ("girl title", ha!) but also tools for leading a way forward. I'm looking forward to when can I get this in print to share with others.
January 24, 2019
Loved this book! (I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher). As someone who has been involved in various forms of ministry for 20 years, someone is FINALLY addressing what I have been thinking in my head. Female leadership in the church...YES. There are so many obstacles, including theological debates, and Kadi addresses these obstacles so well and without prejudice to what her opinions might be. Researched based and logical, this is such a great book to pass onto your team!
March 16, 2019
I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher and I was not disappointed. There are nuggets of gold on every page. This is information that can be used not only in the church, but in everyday life as well. Definitely recommend for those wanting to grow.
February 19, 2019
I received an advance reader copy of Developing Female from Thomas Nelson and it is a must read for all female leaders both in the Church and in business. It's also a must read for the men who want their organization to flourish by empowering gifted women to lead in executive roles. I highly recommend it!
March 5, 2019
I received this book as an advanced copy from the publisher.
As an executive team member at my church, it was both thought provocation as well as encouraging to get the insights shared in this book. There were so many questions answered by the thorough research Kadi did in preparation for writing this book. And because it is written in a very engaging way, I am looking forward to sharing it with our whole leadership once it’s released.
As an executive team member at my church, it was both thought provocation as well as encouraging to get the insights shared in this book. There were so many questions answered by the thorough research Kadi did in preparation for writing this book. And because it is written in a very engaging way, I am looking forward to sharing it with our whole leadership once it’s released.
February 8, 2019
If you are a pastor or leader in a church you've got to read this book! I read an advanced readers copy. Regardless of where you are on the theological spectrum of what women can do in the church, from leading in children's ministry all the way to giving the sermon on Sunday mornings, you will find valuable insight in helping them lead better. Kade Cole's best practices as presented in this book are so important for today's church.
January 21, 2019
With grace and style, Kadi has beautifully expressed what many of us want to say to our brothers in Christ on the topic of female leadership in the church. Communication on the subject between the genders has been difficult at best and nonexistent at worst. With great clarity, Kadi lays out practical advice in which pastors, no matter their theological stance, and women leaders, no matter their calling, can find common ground together and come to the best solution for their church. As a female leader starting out into what will hopefully become full-time ministry, I am encouraged that bridges can be built. I am so grateful for all the female leaders that took the time to give of themselves to make this book a reality and for Kadi's honest, transparent, and well-balanced presentation of the subject. Get your copy today and let the conversation begin!
Please note, I received an advanced copy from the publisher. Kadi's book is set to release March 5th, but can be pre-ordered now.
Please note, I received an advanced copy from the publisher. Kadi's book is set to release March 5th, but can be pre-ordered now.
January 29, 2023
3.4 stars? It’s a tough one to rate.
I really wanted to love this one, and there was a good amount of food for thought. However, I was extremely underwhelmed. There were few, if any, references to scripture. It also seemed that she was primarily discussing roles in large churches that function in a more corporate-workplace manner. She also never mentioned that if pastors and other leaders are hoping to encourage women in their church to use their gifts, the pastors and leaders in the church have to know the women in their church well enough to know their strengths.
I really wanted to love this one, and there was a good amount of food for thought. However, I was extremely underwhelmed. There were few, if any, references to scripture. It also seemed that she was primarily discussing roles in large churches that function in a more corporate-workplace manner. She also never mentioned that if pastors and other leaders are hoping to encourage women in their church to use their gifts, the pastors and leaders in the church have to know the women in their church well enough to know their strengths.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews