Insights From Respected Women In God’s Mission
Presenter: Mary Lederleitner, Executive Director Missional Intelligence
Description: There are a lot of books written about leadership generally, and leading in God’s mission specifically. Women’s voices and perspectives rarely shape or inform these texts; yet, they try to find their place within them. Many books also argue for following a complementarian or egalitarian theological perspective, but those discussions often lead to greater polarization rather than greater unity and collaboration within the Body of Christ. In an effort to create a different type of conversation and bring a broader perspective to leadership in God’s mission, Mary Lederleitner conducted qualitative research with women from approximately thirty nations. They are from different parts of the Body of Christ, different generations, and their leadership and service is in different types of ministries shaped by a variety of faith traditions. However, an important thread holds the diverse sample together. Each woman is deeply respected by others who know her well. This webinar will share some of the fascinating surprises that arose when these godly and gifted women were asked to share their thoughts and perspectives about serving and leading in God’s mission. Both men and women will be inspired, encouraged and challenged by their responses.
Presenter Bio: Mary Lederleitner is the Executive Director of a new ministry called “Missional Intelligence” that serves under the auspices of Faith & Learning International. Prior to this role for twenty years Mary served with the Wycliffe Global Alliance, most recently as a consultant on their executive leadership team in areas related to culture and educational strategy. Mary has a M.A. in Intercultural Studies from Wheaton College and a Ph.D. in Educational Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and she serves as an adjunct professor in the graduate programs of both institutions. She is the author of Cross-Cultural Partnerships: Navigating the Complexities of Money and Mission and Women in God’s Mission: Accepting the Invitation to Serve and Lead. Both are InterVarsity Press publications. Mary also serves on the Wheaton College Board of Visitors, the Board Nominating Committee for the Wycliffe Global Alliance, and the boards of Catalyst Services and OM Global.
