Women Leading Well: Stewarding the Gift of Ministry Leadership

by Emily Dean

In  Women Leading Well , Emily Dean helps women discover and develop leadership skills for serving in ministry leadership. She explores the theological topics of the universal priesthood and spiritual giftings to demonstrate how Christ calls and uniquely equips women for ministry leadership in his church. Accessible and engaging, Dean helps the reader understand what leadership is and identify its practical implications for everyday ministry. 

160 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2023

Reviews

[Stacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Provided some helpful and practical tips for leading well in women’s ministry but was disappointed that they didn’t better address biblical roles for men and women outlined in the Bible.

[Ragan Bartholomew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Man, this book had so much potential but was such a frustrating disappointment. In the forward, Katie McCoy speaks of her experience as a female in seminary and I felt so seen.

In the first half, Dean gives general advice to women looking to go into ministry. I think it would be somewhat helpful for a woman in that position - but doesn’t seem like her audience is there. Based on the premise of the book, I assume those reading it are women already in ministry looking for guidance.

The second half, gave general leadership tips that felt basic and applicable to both genders. When she did speak to the female experience, it was strange and her generalizations really frustrated me. She often gave gender stereotypes too much power saying things like “when communicating with men, be direct and talk in billet points” (125).

I tried to be hopeful for this book - but ended it feeling frustrated and less understood than when I started it.

[Alecia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clear, practical manual on leading in ministry as a woman. The author writes from a more conservative theological framework and advocates for women to lead well and confidently in that space. While I wanted more depth in some parts, I really appreciate the practicality and encouragement. I wish there were more books for this!

[Jenna Hardister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easiest 5 stars ever given to a book.

[Emma Mullins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great introduction to women in ministry!

Emily did a great job laying out applicable tools and tricks on how to lead effectively as a woman in leadership. As someone in the trenches of ministry, there were lots of great nuggets of truth and conviction. This was a book I read for my Women in Ministry Leadership class and I recommend it to men and women that either are in full time ministry, or want to be!

[Kat Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid book! Most of the principles are things I’ve learned over the past few years of ministry, so I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to people in the same season as me, but definitely would recommend it to men and women beginning in ministry….Okay also probably a lot of men well into ministry too.

[Chris Aiken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Dean has given a gift to the church in this book. As a pastor I was looking for an encouraging resource for the ladies on my ministry team as well as residents and interns. It is difficult to clarify one's calling regardless of gender...so I can only imagine the difficulty for women in the space of a Baptist church. With grace, strength, and courage, Dr. Dean brings wisdom, theology, and leadership to bear in this resource. It will go on my shelf as a go-to resource for helping ladies discover and clarify their calling to serve the Lord and fulfill His mandate. Thank you Emily Dean.

[Angela Buckland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Dean is my professor at NOBTS. I have taken three classes with her so far…she’s that good! This is honestly one of the best books on women in leadership that I’ve read, and I’ve read quite a few. Its pages are practical (she even gives helpful advice on how to ask for a raise), encouraging, insightful, and full of hope. I would recommend this book to any woman in the context of ministry leadership.

[Warren Davie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books offers a very sound foundation and practical direction for women in leadership. For a demographic that has historically been held back in leadership, this book offers a useful exploration of what it means to be a leader in a ministry context, especially as a woman.

[Scottlyn Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend for women to read who are wanting to go into ministry/are currently working in ministry. This book really helped me understand a woman’s role in the church and how to fully step into the calling the Lord has placed on my life.

[Amy Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this fast and will going back to read lots of dog-eared pages. This was an encouraging and convicting book for me. I’m thankful to have it on hand!

[Megan Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really helpful and encouraging book for women who are in ministry!