Leading Women Who Wound: Strategies for an Effective Ministry [Paperback]

Sue G. Edwards (Author), Kelley M. Mathews (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2009

As more churches add women's ministry programs, there is a growing need to address the issues that naturally arise as women minister alongside one another and to one another. Given the fallen nature of the human heart as well as the complexities of personalities, conflict is an inevitable aspect of ministry. How do women deal with emotions when other women are insensitive, manipulative, or just plain mean' What does the Bible tell us' To be equpped for conflict, women must understand and master strategies specifically related to conflict with other women. Leading Women Who Wound shows women how to effectively deal with conflict within their ministries. Seasoned women's ministry leaders themselves, Sue Edwards and Kelley Mathews walk through several different aspects of conflict resolution including self examination, identification of potential sources of conflict, tools for conflict resolution, and insight on how to prevent and move beyond conflict to minister to those who have been sources of contention. Recognizing that not all conflict results in a happy ending, Leading Women Who Wound gives the tools necessary to minister effectively and move forward with integrity.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Conflict awaits those who want to influence other women for Jesus. It's best to prepare beforehand.Given the fallen nature of the heart and the complexities of personalities, conflict is an unavoidable aspect of ministry. How should we deal with our emotions when other women are insensitive, manipulative, or just plain mean' We must understand and practice strategies specifically related to conflict with other women.Leading Women Who Wound shows you how to effectively address conflict within your ministry. Drawing from biblical examples and their own extensive expertise, seasoned women's ministry leaders, Sue Edwards and Kelley Mathews walk through several different aspects of conflict resolution, teaching you to:¿ Explore personality traits and character issues that set women up for problems¿ Toughen up and snuff out people-pleasing¿ Practice peace-making in your everyday life and relationshipsThe transparency with which the authors write and the real life stories they share are genuine and authentic. That's because they desire for you to minister effectively and to love¿even the most difficult women¿without condition.

About the Author

SUE EDWARDS (M.A., Dallas Theological Seminary; D.Min., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) is assistant professor of Christian Education at Dallas Theological Seminary. She has 30 years of experience in various aspects of ministry including Christian education, Bible teaching, directing women's ministry, retreat and conference speaking, and writing curriculum. She is author of a number of books including Leading Women who Wound, Mixed Ministry, and the Sue Edwards Inductive Bible Study Series. She and her husband, David, have two daughters and four grandchildren.

KELLEY MATHEWS (B.A., Louisiana State University; Th.M., Dallas Theological Seminary) is a freelance writer and copy editor. She is co-author of Leading Women Who Wound with Sue Edwards. Kelley, her husband, John, and their two children reside in the Dallas area.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Moody Publishers; New Edition edition (February 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802481531
• ISBN-13: 978-0802481535
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #445,613 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely essential guide for churches, February 20, 2009

By 

Christina Lockstein "Christy's Book Blog" (Oconto Falls, WI USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Leading Women Who Wound: Strategies for an Effective Ministry (Paperback)

Leading Women Who Wound by Sue Edwards & Kelley Mathews is an essential tool for every church. The authors focus on a problem that causes harm to so many churches: women members fighting and attacking each other. As Christian women, we are not supposed to engage in gossip, rumors, or backbiting, but every church suffers from it at one time. I left the church my family had attended for over 80 years because of women who had wounded me, so I could relate to the stories the authors share about the damage women do to each other. They do a wonderful job of explaining the difference between women who are "dragons" and live to stir up trouble versus good women who are sincere about their beliefs and don't intend to cause a problem, but can't see anyone else's point of view. By giving specific examples of several different trouble-making behaviors, the authors help readers to see where problems may arise and how to deal with them. In my reading, I discovered that there have been some times where I have been guilty of not following the Matthew 18 rules about how to deal with discord within the church, and I will be far more careful in the future. Matthew 18 states that when someone has a problem with someone else in the church, they should speak together privately. If the problem is unresolved, two or three witnesses should be involved to help settle the dispute. If that is unsuccessful, the dispute should be taken to church leaders. The authors provide step by step instructions on how to make the system work as smoothly as possible. There's also a chapter specifically for male leaders within the church to help them settle disputes between female members while respecting the women's point of view. I think this book should be on every church bookshelf to encourage Christian women to work together rather than tear each other apart.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Help and Healing for Women, June 26, 2009

By 

Kathi Macias (Homeland, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Leading Women Who Wound: Strategies for an Effective Ministry (Paperback)

We've all been wounded--and we've all inflicted wounds on others. Why? What drives us to behave that way? Why do we set ourselves up to be hurt time and time again? And how do we not only heal from our wounds but see them coming and head them off at the pass?

All good questions, and all needing practical answers if we are to be whole, healthy, contributing women. Authors Sue Edwards and Kelley Mathews have addressed these very questions in their excellent book Leading Women Who Wound: Strategies for an Effective Ministry. Highly recommended for any woman who wants to move beyond the limitations of past hurts and offenses.