In observance of Women’s History Month when we honor women who made history, make a plan to provide resources in your congregation or small group that will empower women to become confident leaders.
These resources are not just for use by women. Men are encouraged to work alongside women to better understand how to support them in leadership.
Request These Books
These books can be borrowed for free by anyone involved with a United Methodist church in the North Carolina Conference. We can even mail them to you! All you need to do is fill out the Resource Request Form.
Women Leaders
She: Five Keys to Unlock the Power of Women in Ministry by Karoline M. Lewis
With startling clarity, Lewis reveals the underpinnings of sexism and examines issues of identity, authority, sexuality, authenticity, embodiment, boundaries and self-care. She guides the participant to develop a personal theology of leadership. This five-session group experience is for clergy, staff and laity, women and men. DVD, participant book, and book are available.
A Woman’s Place: A Bible Study Exploring Every Woman’s Call to Work
by Katelyn Beaty
This eight-week study takes a look at the meaning of “work” with an emphasis on Scripture and prayer. Through authentic discussion, women will be encouraged to affirm one another in their calling to engage in the holy act of work, regardless of their specific choices. DVD, leader guide, and participant guide are available.
Women Speak of God by Amy Oden
This eight-session course introduces us to the voices of six women who struggled with issues of identity, character, and calling, and who were able to attest to God’s living presence amidst their struggles. This is a mid-level course for both women and men who want to grow in faith and see how God works in difficult times and places. DVD and participant guide are available.
Women in the New Testament
by Kenneth E. Bailey
Dr. Bailey discusses and reflects on the various strands of the New Testament that affirm women in leadership. He deals with all of the important texts and does not opt for one set while neglecting the other. He finds a deep unity in the New Testament view of this subject that is often overlooked. The DVD includes a study guide.
We Pray With Her: Encouragement for All Women Who Lead edited by Emily Peck-McClain, Danyelle Trexler, Jen Tyler, J. Paige Boyer, Shannon Sullivan
We Pray with Her is a collection of 100 inspiring devotionals written by women. For women leaders or aspiring leaders, those in a supportive role to a leader, or women who want to support their sisters in Christ.
Biblical Gender Equality
Jesus Feminist: An Invitation to Revisit the Bible’s View of Women by Sarah Bessey
Sarah Bessey offers a clarion freedom call for all who want to realize their giftedness and potential in the kingdom of God. Through a thoughtful review of biblical teaching and church practices, Bessey shares how following Jesus made a feminist out of her.
Is Gender Equality a Biblical Ideal?
by Mimi Haddad and Sean Callaghan
Over five lectures, the series provides a comprehensive overview on the Bible’s teaching of shared leadership between men and women. Originally developed for NGOs, this lecture series is perfect for individuals, small groups, or organization-wide training. DVD and study guide are available.
Studies on Biblical Equality: 12 Lesson Outlines
by Berkeley and Alvera Mickelsen
Studies on Biblical Equality includes outlines for 12 lessons designed to aid readers in understanding the biblical passages regarding men and women. Lessons address women in the Old and New Testaments, the meaning of “head,” Jesus’ attitude toward women and men and more.
What the Bible Really Says About Women
by Sheri Adams
Seeking to set the question of what the Bible (really) says about women in the largest context possible, Adams deals with the Bible’s development and need for interpretation, its history and culture, its theology and ethics, and the concerns of the God who inspired it. Also included are study questions after each chapter.
Women in Culture
Beautiful Already: Reclaiming God’s Perspective on Beauty
by Barbara L. Roose
This six-week Bible study is designed to help liberate women from the ugly struggle with beauty. Participants will also learn how to encourage and support other women who are overcome with unrealistic expectations.
Kit includes a participant book, leader guide, and DVD.
Unsqueezed: Springing Free from Skinny Jeans, Nose Jobs, Highlights and Stilettos
by Margot Starbuck
In twenty-seven brief, funny and reflective chapters Starbuck helps us discover why God really gave us bodies and what we can do with them to serve him and others. Includes group discussion questions.
Too Heavy a Yoke: Black Women and the Burden of Strength
by Chanequa Walker-Barnes
The author, a psychologist and pastoral theologian, examines the burdensome yoke that the ideology of the Strong Black Woman places upon African American women. Drawing upon womanist pastoral theology and twelve-step philosophy, she calls upon pastoral caregivers to aid in the healing of African American women’s identities.
Preaching
Preaching the Women of the Old Testament: Who They Were and Why They Matter by Lynn Japinga
Take an in-depth look at over forty fierce, faithful, and strong women featured in the Old Testament. Japinga demonstrates how the character’s story has been read in Christian tradition and offers sermon ideas that connect contemporary issues to each story.
Those Preaching Women: A Multicultural Collection edited by Ella Pearson Mitchell and Valerie Bridgeman Davis
Brought together by the “dean of black women preachers” Rev. Dr. Ella P. Mitchell, this treasure trove includes the unfettered, creative exchange of sacred rhetoric by God’s women from every tribe, nation, and language group.
She Offered Them Christ: The Legacy of Women Preachers in Early Methodism
by Paul W. Chilcote
She Offered Them Christ is a piece of United Methodist family history that serves as a link between today’s women in The United Methodist Church and their predecessors in the early history of The Methodist Church.