Beyond the promise of eternal life, the intentional missional practices and kingdom leadership of Jesus offer a profound model for modern ministry. Challenging social norms and the biases of religious leaders, Jesus established an open table to invite outsiders into his kingdom. He offered transformation to the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:4–42), the Canaanite woman (Matt. 15:21–28), the man born blind (John 9:1–38), the disabled man seeking healing (John 5:2–15), and the tax collector Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1–10). As we reflect during this season of Lent and the holy observances leading to the Resurrection, we must specifically remember the witness of women.
Since “the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10), our discipleship and spiritual formation must include listening to those on the margins. These individuals, once spiritually distant, have been grafted into God’s Tree of Life. Recognizing that many on the margins are women is essential to understanding the full scope of Christ’s mission. By elevating these voices, we align our practices with the inclusive nature of the gospel and the restorative work of the early church.
Aside from John, the women were the ones who faithfully followed Jesus to the cross (Matt. 27:55–56, Mark 15:40–41). Their public witness remained steadfast as they prepared his body for burial and kept watch at the tomb (Matt. 27:61, 28:1; Mark 16:1; Luke 23:55–56). Ultimately, they became the first evangelists to proclaim the Resurrection (Matt. 28:8–10, John 20:11–18). Jesus appointed women to this work of leadership and truth-telling in a world that often rejected their testimony. In this new kingdom, where God’s daughters prophecy (Acts 2:17), providing a safe space for women in church remains a critical priority.
When considering resources for our church, we must include the contributions of women. In recent years the hashtag #ReadWomen has surfaced to draw attention to this need. This is yet another area where culture has led the church in championing an act of justice and equity. InterVarsity Press adopted this hashtag as a campaign to champion the work of their women authors. Yet, the church needs more than a hashtag or campaign; it needs a missional “why?”
The commitment of the Lausanne Covenant is “the whole church taking the whole gospel to the whole world.” It speaks directly to the need for this inclusion and leadership, and how our missional call and global effectiveness can be enhanced when considering the testimonies and faithful contributions of women. More than listening, we need a clear call for discipleship and spiritual formation that includes women, and we need specific practices to follow that call. Our beliefs drive our actions. So, we need pastors and church leaders to disciple themselves and their congregations out of the thoughts that books that are authored by women are exclusively or primarily for women.
What authors are you reading and learning from this year? Who are you quoting from the pulpit? Who are you inviting as guest speakers? What resources are you using to support Bible studies and small, life or community groups? If we are to live out our missional calling, then women must be on the agenda.
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Natasha Sistrunk Robinson is the visionary founder of Leadership LINKS, Inc. and the author of A Sojourner’s Truth and Mentor for Life.