Pioneering While Female

Pioneering is hard work, and when you are doing it as a woman in fields of men, it can be nearly unbearable.

Oops, I forgot.

I forgot that when you mess with people’s paradigms, they don’t like it very much.

Or you for that matter.

I forgot that challenging paradigms and the status quo can tick off the people who like their status quo just the way it is, thank you very much!

And if we are going to forge ahead with these conversations and pioneer new paradigms, we need to toughen up.

I’m talking to myself, here. But hey, if the boot fits.

And I would be doing a grave disservice to my readers if we didn’t look long and hard at the major gaps women contend with on a daily basis. Just because your paradigm seems to be working FOR YOU, does not mean it works for ALL women nor does it mean it is a Christ-like or healthy one.

Oops, well here we go again!

I know, by now, you may wonder if I have some kind of radical feminist agenda. You may be hoping your husband doesn’t accidentally see this open on your phone…and assume you’ve drifted far from center. 

I felt that way with many books I’ve read.

But I’ve pushed through with my salvation and my marriage intact and you will too. 

The reality is gaps exist in the world, the church, the office, even in the bedroom; and we need to be aware of them if we are to push past the limits and lead bravely in every area of life. 

Often we dismiss, deny or excuse away the limitations women have to overcome…just to arrive at a level playing field. In fact, we are told that these injustices are for our own growth and strength and sanctification.

But friends, 2024 is a new era of leadership, influence and authority for women in the faith community. In 2024, we can’t ignore the obstacles or pretend it’s not more difficult for us.

Especially those of us wired to be pioneers. Leaders. Apostles. Shepherds.

And that includes many of you reading these words. Pioneers are those with all the leadership and influencing qualities, that dig up dead things, and carry the seeds of a living, breathing new way of doing things.

Which reminds me of something I wrote recently…

I know what it takes to walk away from family, friends and even positions in order to follow the call of God on my life. To refuse to settle for what the church or Evangelical Christian culture expect of women.

I know the loneliness, the judgment, the feeling of not fitting in, of being rejected, misunderstood and seen as a threat simply by being myself. 

I know how it feels to see things so drastically differently from others, to be systemically dismissed and belittled by the men (and some women) I’ve worked with in Christian organizations, the Church, my family, and the world. 

Pioneering is hard work, and when you are doing it as a woman in fields of men, it can be nearly unbearable. 

The temptation to stay in the shadows of others and remain hidden is great for many women, even those who know they are called to lead. Often, women working in the church or ministry find themselves stuck and relegated to roles well below their ability, calling and giftings. 

This. Should. Not. Be. 

Recognizing the gaps that exist and the barriers they present is actually quite empowering—and liberating at the same time!

When we realize that it will be more difficult, unfair, and frustrating as hell at times, we can drop all our Pollyanna expectations and get busy.

You see, being a brave woman leader is not an easy road. Being an authentic, audacious, authoritative female voice in the Church can seem like an uphill–and LONELY–climb.

At times, you will really feel like a “voice crying out in the wilderness.” That is the reality for those called to lead in the church, to challenge the status quo and help usher in a new era of freedom!

It is hard work, and it hurts sometimes. Pioneering while female will require you to go to all kinds of new levels of vulnerability, authority, strength and compassion. We can do it, but we can’t do it alone.

I believe in you!

Sue