There are Christians who believe that being a leader is a man’s role, and that it is unfeminine for women to be in leadership. These Christians[1] dismiss female leaders mentioned in the Bible[2] as rare exceptions and anomalies; and they maintain that God does not generally allow women to be leaders in society, in the church or even in their own homes. Does the Bible teach that leadership is masculine? Or that leadership is unfeminine?
The Apostle Paul was an impressive and influential church leader. Interestingly, in 1 Thessalonians 2:7, Paul describes his apostolic ministry (and that of his colleagues’) using the metaphor of a woman breastfeeding her infant children.
As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle [3] among you, as a nurse [i.e. a breast-feeding woman] cherishes [4] her own children. 1 Thessalonians 2:7
Few images could be more womanly than a mother breastfeeding her baby; yet Paul used this imagery to describe the way he carried out his apostolic ministry among the Thessalonian churches. Paul clearly states here that he ministered in ways that he himself identified with womanhood.
Later in the same chapter Paul speaks about his ministry using the metaphor of a father.
For you know that we dealt with you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging[5], comforting[6] and urging you to live lives worthy of God . . . 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12a
If Paul, as a man, can lead and minister in both a motherly and fatherly manner, does it seem unreasonable to suggest that some women can lead and minister in both a motherly and fatherly manner? Is it only men who can encourage and comfort believers and urge them to live lives worthy of God? (1 Thess 2:11)
Generally speaking, men and women are different, and they have different leadership styles. Women tend to be more relational, collaborative and flexible in their leadership than many male leaders. They also tend to be more sensitive, intuitive and nurturing in their dealings with people. These qualities are actually seen as advantageous in leaders within post-modern society, especially when they are leading and mentoring people belonging to Generation Y.
Despite general differences in leadership styles, many women leaders have demonstrated that they can be assertive and goal-oriented, qualities often associated with male leaders. Moreover women have shown that they can make successful, effective leaders without necessarily compromising or losing their femininity.[7]
In the Bible, leadership is not limited to men and masculine expressions. Several women are mentioned by name in the Bible who were excellent, godly leaders.[8] The church needs spiritual fathers and mothers in leadership. Just as families benefit when they are led by both a father and mother, churches benefit when they are led by gifted and called men and women. Male and female church leaders should not be constrained by traditional gender roles, but work together, combining their God-given gifts, skills and strengths.
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Endnotes
[1] Complementarians are Christians who believe that the Bible teaches that only men can be leaders. They have very narrow and rigid ideas of leadership which do not allow for feminine expressions. Leading Complementarian, John Piper (2006), believes that all men are designed by God to be leaders; and that all women are designed by God to be submissive followers to all “worthy” men. (Yet paradoxically, Complementarians do allow women to lead and teach other women and/or children.)
[2] Deborah is just one of several notable women leaders mentioned in the Bible. At some point in Israel’s history, Deborah was their leader. Judges chapters 4 and 5 records Deborah’s leadership and does not mention that there was anything peculiar about her being a leader and a woman. In fact, her gender does not seem to have been an issue at all. Deborah was an excellent leader. She was a prophetess, a judge and a military leader. In comparison with other leaders/judges mentioned in Judges, there are no negative words about Deborah; yet Complementarians still assert that leadership is for men only. (There is no hint in Judges that Deborah became a leader because there were no men capable of the task.)
[3] There are some Greek manuscripts which state that in 1 Thess 2:7 the apostles became “infant children” nepioi, rather than “gentle” epioi; however it is highly unlikely that Paul was saying that he and the other apostles became like children. Epioi may be translated as gentle, mild or kind, etc. (Strong’s number: 2261)
[4] According to Perschbacher (1990:198) the Greek word thalpo literally means “to impart warmth”; metaphorically it can mean “to cherish, nurse or foster”. BAGD (442) defines thalpo as “cherish” or “comfort”. This word is used only twice in the New Testament. While it is a action that Paul associates with nursing mothers in 1 Thessalonians 2:7, Paul also uses this word in Ephesians 5:29 where he urges husbands to cherish their wives. (Strong’s number: 2282)
[5] Encourage-parakaleo: “to exhort, admonish, persuade, encourage, comfort, console, etc.” (Strong’s number: 3870)
[6] Comfort-paramutheomai: “to exercise a gentle influence by words; to soothe, comfort, console . . . to cheer, to exhort . . .” (Strong’s number: 3888)
[7] Because Complementarians regard leadership as a masculine domain, they are concerned that women leaders will lose their femininity. However women frequently engage in activities that do not enhance their femininity. What is so feminine about vacuuming carpets or cleaning toilets, or the numerous other domestic chores which the Complementarians have no issue with?

[8] See my article on New Testament Women Church Leaders.