People Worth Watching
– By Rev. Jo Gibbs
An important area in Christian ministry is growing and developing leaders. Following the example of Jesus, we want to be on the lookout for future leaders, investing time in them, teaching them, modelling a life of holiness and grace. As disciples of Jesus, we are to make disciples for Jesus – in our whole life, in every relationship in every moment.
Healthy ministry teams will ask the question “who is worth watching?”, taking time to notice godly people, to tap them on the shoulder, disciple them and provide opportunities for them to grow in their gifts, character and conviction in service to Christ.
There are two common tendencies I’ve seen in the recruiting and developing of leaders…
We notice and develop future leaders who are just like us. It’s something we do quite unintentionally. People with a similar personality, age, background or gender. I confess, I tend to do this myself – I generally am better at encouraging and discipling women who are slightly older mums who love discussing theology, just like me!
The other tendency is to develop people who look like the leaders we’ve seen previously. The criteria we look for can be less based on biblical criteria but rather on particular personality types or leadership styles we’ve seen modelled. And it can produce a very narrow type or definition of leaders. A female friend had noticed she tended to promote and encourage men for leadership development in her church, just because those are the leaders she’s seen exampled around her.
Both of these tendencies can tend to bias against developing women in ministry roles. This could be partly because the responsibility for recruiting often rests mostly with male ministry staff, and also because those are the leadership models we’ve seen before. And in many churches the data about who is serving in different teams or being developed for ministry can reflect this. Statistics recently released show that of the 52 people currently pursuing ordination in Sydney Diocese and studying at Moore College, only 2 of them are women. While this may be a blip with a number of complex causes, it’s important to use relevant data to ask “How can we be doing this better?”
Because the whole world needs to know Jesus, it’s important to be growing leaders of all different personalities, gifts, backgrounds, both men and women so that they can reach different people with the good news of Jesus. And we need to be engaging everyone in our churches in ministry to see God’s kingdom grow.
Here are five specific areas that women have identified that have encouraged them to grow in ministry, but I suspect (and hope!) they’re encouraging for men too.
The tap on the shoulder
Many women have told me about the significance of having a staff member or ministry team leader approach them specifically to talk about serving in ministry or doing some theological study. The impact of self-doubt and second-guessing whether one has the needed skills can be significant for women in the workplace and the church. This, combined also with a right Christian emphasis on humility, means women can feel uncomfortable putting themselves forward. The tap on the shoulder gives many women the confidence from external feedback on their gifts or character to try something they may not have considered or had previously dismissed.
The longer conversation
Sitting down for a longer chat about serving possibilities often leads to a greater willingness for women to take up new roles, and finding more tailored roles for each person where they are more likely to thrive. I’ve used the TEVA model effectively - Testimony, Experience, Vision, Action.[1] In one leadership role I would set aside 90 minutes for each one-on-one conversation to consider “What’s next” for someone. Being pragmatic, there are always specific roles that need filling, but I’ve seen some great new roles and ministries develop using this more open model. And if women have been typically recruited to specific roles in pastoral care, hospitality or kids’ ministry, the longer conversation can open up new possibilities for women to serve in new spaces.
Interest groups
Interest groups can bring together women in a non-threatening way to dip their toe in the water in a new area. Currently writing, preaching, and song-writing groups for women are available in Sydney and other locations, and provide not only the content of learning, but also the connection and encouragement from meeting with like-minded women. Groups like these are also important to consider in areas where there are few female voices in the general space and entry points can seem daunting. Any woman who’s been to a meeting or conference where there are few women will know that feeling of ‘onlyness’[2] that can result. There are endless possibilities wherever there are shared interests. Imagine if there were interest groups for female evangelists, women writing articles or serving on Boards. From these groups women are more likely to move with confidence into mixed spaces.
Examples
It’s often said, “You can’t be what you can’t see”. While there are some pioneering types who trailblaze, most of us ordinary folk learn from the examples and role-models around us. For women, being able to see examples of other women in a range of different roles helps them imagine what could be. If you come from a smaller church this is potentially even more significant. This could be through the longer conversation, inviting women to be interviewed at a church event, linking with articles or mentoring. Hearing how women got to their current role (which often doesn’t look like a ‘typical’ pathway) can be particularly helpful. Mentors who also act as champions, advocating for their mentee, suggesting opportunities and mentioning their names to others, have a significant role.
Multiple decision points
Women’s lives can have multiple decision points at which growth and new roles can be considered. Finishing study, changing jobs, getting married, finishing maternity leave – all of these and more are points at which a conversation can happen. When kids start school, or get older, I’ve seen many women consider more study or serving at church. And it’s important not to assume their answer will be “No” just because of their circumstances - a recent Mary Andrews College graduate talked about starting study when she had a toddler and was pregnant with her second child! Decision points could come at any time with the right support and encouragement.
As you take a look across your church, perhaps there are places where more women can be encouraged to serve. A quick review of who is on Parish Council, small group leading, or participating upfront in Sunday services might give you a sense of whether more encouragement to women is needed. Or it may be looking at who is offering for internships, the mix on your staff team or who is studying at Bible college. Your review might be a cause for rejoicing (take the time to praise God for his work in both the lives of men and women) or might highlight some specific areas for growth. We all want to see the gospel proclaimed and God’s kingdom growing. The harvest field is enormous and we need both men and women equipped to take the good news to the world.
1 A model developed by Dan Lee at MBM Rooty Hill Anglican. The person shares their testimony of coming to know Jesus, as well as their previous experience in ministry and secular work. The interviewer shares their vision for the ministry and then discusses opportunities to be involved.
2 McCrindle Research have noted the impact of ‘onlyness’, particularly for women
https://mccrindle.com.au/insights/blog/women-make-up-47-of-the-workforce-but-underrepresented-in-leadership/
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Rev. Jo Gibbs is the CEO of ADM. She has worked in community development, social planning, in parish ministry and served with CMS in South Asia for 11 years. Jo’s work has a particular focus on leadership development, training and equipping women for gospel work, and making spaces for women to use their God-given gifts.
As an organisation, Anglican Deaconess Ministries is committed to growing gospel-shaped women to serve Christ in the church, the community and the world. We want to be a springboard to see many women activated for gospel work wherever God has placed them, engaging our sceptical and hurting world with the good news of Jesus.