Women, leadership, and movements: A critical look at the past, present, and future

Abstract

New indigenous movements to Christ are taking place in many parts of the world today, especially in Asia and Africa, generally described as church-planting movements or disciple-making movements. There is significant diversity among these movements in terms of their origins, worship, practices, and languages. Movement leaders have come to different conclusions about the most appropriate ministry roles for women. Although it is impossible to know what share of movements are led by women, a significant number have women leaders as part of the movement’s natural growth and immediate needs. This article offers a descriptive analysis of women’s roles in emerging movements by considering examples from history and the present. How might women’s leadership within emerging movements today be challenged as these movements grow and potentially institutionalize? This article aims to provide historical context to that question to help Christians think clearly about the future as it relates to women’s leadership roles in new indigenous movements.