Women in Leadership Biblical and Contemporary Perspectives

This book offers a biblically-based and research-centered exploration of the unique and important role of women in leadership across multiple domains. Divided into two sections, the chapters begin by examining biblical examples of women in leadership, such as Esther and the woman of Proverbs 31, and passages focused on women, such as 1 Timothy 2 and Romans 16, before presenting contemporary perspectives with discussions on topics such as submission, DEI, and work-life balance. Taking a neutral position not siding with feminist or patriarchal extremes, this book will contribute to debates on leadership and gender in the fields of organizational behaviour, HRM, I/O psychology, and gender studies.

Chapter 1: Introduction.- Chapter 2: Women in Leadership: Examining the Biblical Text and the Context.- Chapter 3: Women as Central to the Collective Mission of God.- Chapter 4: Beyond Riches and Rubies: A Study of Proverbs 31:10-31 and Servant Leadership.- Chapter 5: Positive Gender Identity for Women in Leadership: Examining and Embracing Experiential Learning Through Deborah as a Mother in Israel.- Chapter 6: Sensitivity and Courage: A Social and Cultural Analysis of Esther 4:13 – 5:8.- Chapter 7: Esther and Mordecai: Leadership Lessons from an Unnamed God.- Chapter 8: The Impact of Women in Leadership: Headship vs. Lordship; Position vs. Power; Honor vs. Submission; A Cultural Analysis of 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 and 1 Peter 3:1-6.- Chapter 9: Women and Servant Leadership: Truths and Misconceptions about Submission.- Chapter 10: Great Women in Early Kingdom Work: A Cultural Contextual Analysis of Romans 16:1-16 and the Applicability of Women in Leadership in the Twenty-First Century.- Chapter 11: Where are Women Today in Leadership.- Chapter 12: Female Leadership in Intercultural Contexts.- Chapter 13: Women Leaders Across the Nation: A Study in a Leadership Movement.- Chapter 14: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Biblical Perspective and Framework for Christian Women in Leadership.- Chapter 15: Career, Life, and Family: Do Christian Women Have to Choose.- Chapter 16: Beliefs and Action Steps.

Stefanie Ertel is the Dean of Distance Education, a Program Director, Professor, and Brand Director at Manna University.

Doris Gomez, PhD, is Dean of the School of Business & Leadership at Regent University. 

Kathleen Patterson, PhD, is Professor and Director of the Doctor of the Strategic Leadership program at Regent University.