Women who lead

Today, 32 women leaders presented a webinar on leading change ("Turning Points") by Leadership Network. Many of them used the same wording or had similar insights:

1. Change is inevitable and constant.
2. God is before and in change, working in us, through us, and with us in change. Nothing takes him by surprise, and he uses everything that comes our way.
3. Know your strengths and giftings. God will call you to "impossible" things that you are designed for. Don't settle for lesser or diversionary things that might make you miss the wonderful opportunities he brings your way.
4. Lean into, rather than away from, change, regardless if it is change that was planned or unexpected. God is our security, our wisdom, and our leader in times of change.
5. Be a change agent for others, as well as being transformed into Christlikeness by change.
6. PRAY. Pray. And then pray some more. A reworked quote: "If God has plans for the world, the Church, and us, why do we spend 15 minutes praying and 7 hours planning. Shouldn't it be the other way around?"
7. Trust God. He knows more than we do and is able to bring about his purposes.
8. Trust people to do the best they can with the information they have. Sometimes leaders have to make decisions based on knowing more than the rest of the team does. Others may grumble or complain because they don't have all the facts.
9. Tell your leadership team the heart and reason for changes. They will find difficult decisions easier to follow if they understand the reasoning and spirit behind the change.
10. Every relationship and new insight is connected, whether at home, work, church, or in education. God uses every change to move us toward him, even when we are not aware of the end goal. Sometimes God tells us only enough to get us moving along. (Again, TRUST.)

There were many observations from personal life, ministry, and business. Summing it up?

• PRAY. 
• TRUST. 
• It's about God and PEOPLE, not agendas or goals.

Thanks to the women leaders who shared their hearts, vulnerabilities, and life lessons with the thousands of attendees - men and women. Among them, our own Jodi Detrick (now leader of women's ministries for the national AG) and Christina Gard, children's pastor and faculty specialist at Northwest U for Children's Ministry. Kudos, ladies!

There is no doubt that experience supports God's call for women leaders in scripture. Thanks be to God.