Made to Lead: Empowering Women for Ministry

by Nicole Massie Martin BOOK PREVIEW Women were made to lead. Even in church. Jesus affirmed women as leaders—many contend Mary Magdalene was the first female minister. Yet women in ministry face challenges and obstacles, both from churches and from their own self-doubts. Both men and women miss out when women don’t lead. Made to Lead empowers you to live out your calling boldly and confidently. Draw closer to God with relevant biblical examples and heartfelt prayers. Break down stereotypes of women in leadership. And create your own successful reality in which you are a key part of God’s holy community. Endorsements “Nicole Martin is a voice, a gift, a young sage, a positive force for the transforming of the church for creative ministry in the 21st century. This is a must read for women and men who care to see the church relevant again.” ―Frank A. Thomas, Professor of Preaching, Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, IN “This is the book I wish I'd had back when I was first called to ministry! Nicole Martin's clear and concise gem of a book leads anyone in the discernment process through the most important questions about a future in ministry. Tailored to assist women from varied Christian traditions, Martin leaves no stone unturned as she encourages women (so often discouraged from ministry) to honor that still small voice. This book will be helpful for women and men alike.” ―Rev. Jolin Wilks McElroy, Senior Pastor, First Christian Church, Charlotte, NC, and Founder, Dilworth Soup Kitchen "Fearless in its approach and representing diverse voices in ministry, Made to Lead is full of practical wisdom and relatable anecdotes, as well as a very helpful discussion guide, making this an ideal book for clergy groups or study. Firmly rooted and grounded in biblical scholarship and full of real life anecdotes and stories, it serves as a handbook for women leaders and the men who support them. I'll be sharing this book with ministry candidates, colleague groups and ministry leaders, both men and women. It's outstanding. ― Traci Smith, Pastor, Northwood Presbyterian Church, San Antonio and author of Seamless Faith: Simple Practices for Daily Family Life “Dr. Nicole Martin reminds us that the gifts God gives are not gender specific. The Scripture clearly states that the Spirit gives gifts to whomever He wills. (I Cor. 12:11) Made to Lead: Empowering Women for Ministry is a book not only for women in ministry but for men who work with, minister with or mentor women. Dr. Martin is not a theorist. She has ‘been through the fire’ and comes out refined and without the smell of smoke. She knows the struggles and the stresses of women in ministry and gives every woman a path on how to not just survive but thrive. Reading this book will not only help women in ministry to be unleashed but will unleash men to be partners in ministry and not competitors. I have known Nicole as a student and as her mentor. I am proud to call her now a colleague. Read this book if you are serious about fulfilling your call as a woman and setting women free as a man.” ―Rodney L. Cooper, Ph.D., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Charlotte, NC ”This is the book the church has been waiting for! Nicole Martin weaves an adept analysis of the patriarchal glass ceiling undermining women’s leadership in ministry with timely wisdom for those who dare not be constrained. Use of biblical examples, personal stories, practical tips, and devotional prayers inspires us to imagine new leadership possibilities and makes Made to Lead a practical must-read for those who want the Body of Christ to be blessed by the leadership gifts of all its parts.” ―Rev. Eustacia Moffett Marshall, Pastor, Faith Point Fellowship, Greensboro, NC “Nicole Martin has written a must read book! Made to Lead is exquisitely written with experience, sensitivity and passion. Any woman struggling with her call to the ministry, or, any man who rejects the Divine call of woman to be spokespersons for the Lord, needs to read this book. Dr. Martin is right in confessing that many ‘Women, burdened by the task of validating their calling, often miss out on the development of that call.’ Thank God that Nicole wasn’t one of them!”― Dr. Joan S. Parrott, Interim Pastor, First Baptist Church of Hampton