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Who Would You Add to Christianity Today’s 50 Women to Watch List?

by | 126 comments

Christianity Today October 2012

The October issue of Christianity Today highlights and celebrates women who are making a difference throughout the body of Christ in various channels of influence.

Sarah Pulliam Bailey and the editors compiled a list (in no particular order) of 50 who are shaping the life of the church and culture in significant ways. (To order your copy, click here.)

I was thrilled to see friends and soon-to-be-friends on the list.

I couldn’t help by cheer with Sara Groves whose music I’ve long adored, Ann Voskamp (when are we having that sleepover?), Elisa Morgan who continues to lead leaders, Jo Ann Lyon who is a fearless leader among the Weslyans, Kara Powell whose research is changing the way teenagers are raised, and so many more.

But I also can’t help but notice that any list like this has its limits, as noted by the editors of Christianity Today. These kinds of lists raise the questions of who should be included and who would you nominate.

I know many more “Women to Watch” than any list like this could ever contain—I bet you do, too.

I know women like Heather Zempel who is changing the way community life and small groups are done at National Community Church in Washington D.C. Women like Amena Brown who are carving out a unique place in the church as a spoken word artist. Women like Tammy Dunahoo who help lead the Foursquare Denomination. Women like Selma Wilson and Faith Whatley who are providing guidance in their roles at Lifeway. Women like Sheila Frost who are using their gifts to serve faithfully at a church outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. Women like Christa Flannery who are raising suburban’s full of kids to know and love Christ.

Christianity Today’s list wasn’t meant to be complete—not without your name on it (if you’re a woman). But rather this list is an invitation to begin looking at the women all around who are passionately serving Jesus and using their gifts for His glory and be inspired to do the same.

Will you join me? Oh, and who would you love to add to this list?

  1. Jennifer Wiseman
  2. Nancy Sleeth
  3. Katharine Hayhoe
  4. Bonnie Wurzbacher
  5. Dorothy Chappell
  6. Tracey Bianchi
  7. Roberta Green Ahmanson
  8. Sara Groves
  9. Roma Downey
  10. Jordin Sparks
  11. Mavis Staples
  12. Bethany Hamilton
  13. Marilynne Robinson
  14. Elisabeth Elliot
  15. Lauren Winner
  16. Luci Shaw
  17. Ann Voskamp
  18. Margaret Feinberg
  19. Rachel Held Evans
  20. Brenda Salter McNeil
  21. Christine Caine
  22. Bethany Hoang
  23. Lynne Hybels
  24. Amy Sherman
  25. Jenny Yang
  26. Joni Eareckson Tada
  27. Kay Coles James
  28. Condoleezza Rice
  29. Sarah Palin
  30. Jean Bethke Elshtain
  31. Michele Bachmann
  32. Priscilla Shirer
  33. Carolyn Custis James
  34. Anne Graham Lotz
  35. Joyce Meyer
  36. Kay Warren
  37. Beth Moore
  38. Jo Anne Lyon
  39. Amy Julia Becker
  40. Elisa Morgan
  41. Juli Slattery
  42. Leslie Parrott
  43. Jen Hatmaker
  44. Katherine Leary Alsdorf
  45. Esther Fleece
  46. Elaine Howard Ecklund
  47. Nicole Baker Fulgham
  48. Kara Powell
  49. Kim Phipps
  50. Shirley Mullen

To order your copy of Christianity Today’s “50 Women to Watch” and read more about each of these remarkable women, click here.

126 Comments

  1. D. Buster Keaton
    D. Buster Keaton on October 2, 2012 at 11:28 am

    Linda Midgett (filmmaker)
    Kathleen Bolthouse Treat (philanthropist)
    Cathleen Falsani (journalist, author, influencer)

  2. Jane
    Jane on October 2, 2012 at 11:28 am

    WOW! What a collection of esteemed women with hearts for Christ! Celebrating with you! What an honor 🙂

  4. Margaret
    Margaret on October 2, 2012 at 11:31 am

    Humbled & grateful to be included in such great company. Thanks, Jane.

  5. Falsani
    Falsani on October 2, 2012 at 12:03 pm

    Did someone say my name? (Love Google alerts for that sometimes.) I’m honored to be mentioned, D and sweet homeslice Margaret – and delighted to be mentioned in the same breath as Linda and Kathy, both of whom are longtime friends of mine and fellow Wheaton grads.

    (CT is decidedly NOT a fan of mine, so I was less than shocked not to be mentioned among the *mostly* august company of women.) proud of you, margaret, and so many others on that list.

    but since you asked … who did they miss?
    * my colleague Lisa Sharon Harper, who is the director of mobilizing at Sojourners and a force to be reckoned with/watched in the church and social justice movements.
    * the writer/activist Jennifer Grant (Love You More, MomUmental, Redbud Writers Guild, Hermeneutics, etc.)
    * Wendy Grisham
    * The Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber
    * Kristin Chenoweth (I’m so not kidding about this one. She’s amazing and just hitting her stride in Hollywood and as a voice for the voiceless…)
    * Kathryn Compton of World Vision
    * Rachel Stone
    * Ellen Painter Dollar
    * and a young woman you’ve likely never heard of but i guarantee you – you will soon – named Sarah Johnston who is an exec at Amazon. WORLD-CHANGER.

  6. Jenna
    Jenna on October 2, 2012 at 12:03 pm

    For sure thought Sarah Bessey would be on the list. Would also add Melissa Fitzpatrick (Beth Moore’s brilliant researcher and daughter) and Kelly Minter for uniting study of the Word with social justice.

  7. Jessica
    Jessica on October 2, 2012 at 12:18 pm

    I would add Angela Thomas and Jenni Catron– two incredible women doing big things for the Kingdom.

  8. Margaret
    Margaret on October 2, 2012 at 1:08 pm

    I adore Angela and Jenni. Angela Thomas has been such a voice of encouragement to me and I am cheering Jenni Catron on in her work, church, and family. These are some amazing ladies!

  9. megan
    megan on October 2, 2012 at 2:05 pm

    what an awesome list, and congratulations to you, to be included!

    thanks for sharing it, i added some more books to my ever-growing wishlist!!

  10. Brenda Branson
    Brenda Branson on October 2, 2012 at 2:19 pm

    I’d like to add to your list:

    Liz Curtis Higgs
    Jan Silvious
    Lisa Harper

  11. Brenda Branson
    Brenda Branson on October 2, 2012 at 2:20 pm

    and (how could I forget?) Angela Thomas!

  12. Margaret
    Margaret on October 2, 2012 at 2:42 pm

    Brenda,
    Those are great names to add. Huge fan of all of them and adore, adore, adore Angela Thomas!

  13. Ashleigh
    Ashleigh on October 2, 2012 at 11:40 pm

    One blog that I’ve been loving lately is Good Women Project started by Lauren Dubinsky (http://goodwomenproject.com/). Communities like this are definitely shaping our culture through open discussion on difficult topics.

    I love seeing the variety of backgrounds and fields of experience of all the women on the list, plus the other ones mentioned here!

  15. Margaret
    Margaret on October 3, 2012 at 6:33 am

    Ashley,

    Thanks for the great suggestion and link! I love learning about sites like this. And agreed–looking at the variety of backgrounds and fields of experience really demonstrate God’s vastness and goodness.

  16. Gretchen Goldsmith
    Gretchen Goldsmith on October 3, 2012 at 8:33 am

    Margaret,

    Great list.

    Be sure to put Michelle Borquez Thornton on your “Women to Watch” list. She’s a fresh GenX woman’s voice that is evangelical and offers authentic Christian solutions to a hurting world.

    She’s leading a team of women doing God Crazy conferences around the country starting this Spring. She’s also producing and hosting a divorce recovery DVD for women for Summer 2013. She’ll release several books in the next year from at least three different publishers. Keep an eye on her.

    This is the bio from her website:
    “In 2005 Michelle Hosted and Co-Produced I-Life Television’s ‘SHINE With Michelle Borquez” and was the national spokesperson for Beth Moore’s “Loving Well” Television Ministry Special. She has authored several books to include “God Crazy – An Adventurous Road Trip to Joyful Surrender” released by Harvest House, 07 and “Overcoming the Seven Deadly Emotions” a guide to Emotional Healing released in 08. Michelle has hosted and been a featured guest on hundreds of television and radio programs, including The 700 Club, Midday Connection, Life Today with James and Betty Robinson, Postively Texas, TBN, just to name a few.

    A woman of vision, Michelle is also a business entrepreneur, ministry leader, international speaker, television and radio personality, and mother of four. She has worked as a leading business consultant for George Barna, John Maxwell’s INJOY, Bee Alive, American Association of Christian Counselors, Extraordinary Women, Family Restoration, and has assisted to achieve long term goals and objectives for major ministry leaders and church organizations.

    In 1999 Michelle founded Shine Magazine, a general interest women’s publication highlighting articles on fashion, travel and health. Her role as Editor-in-Chief allowed for wonderful interviews with well known personalities and leaders, such as First Lady Laura Bush, Anne Graham Lotz, Michael W. Smith, Kurt Warner, Chuck and Gena Norris, Beth Moore, and many more.”

    We were really impressed with her message and heart for God. That’s why we at Rose Publishing wanted to pick her up as one of the first authors in our new Aspire Press imprint.

  18. Sarah Flashing
    Sarah Flashing on October 3, 2012 at 10:38 am

    Nancy Pearcey doesn’t seem to be on the list. Huge miss.

  19. Margaret
    Margaret on October 3, 2012 at 11:10 am

    Love Nancy Pearcey–brilliant thinker! And what about Barbara Brown Taylor!

  20. Margaret
    Margaret on October 3, 2012 at 11:11 am

    Shyla, Ooohh–counselors make such a difference and we need them more than ever today. I have been blessed by counselors and seen my own life as well as many others transformed as a result. Thanks for highlighting her.

  21. Margaret
    Margaret on October 3, 2012 at 11:12 am

    Grethen,

    That’s a great shout out! Thank you!

  22. Margaret
    Margaret on October 3, 2012 at 11:13 am

    Travis,

    Great women….how could we forget Crystal Lewis~!!!!

  23. Jessica
    Jessica on October 3, 2012 at 12:14 pm

    I once sat on a plane next to a friend of Jan Silvious– looked her up afterwards and fully admire her work. Good addition, Brenda.

  24. Jessica
    Jessica on October 3, 2012 at 12:16 pm

    Kristin Chenoweth fully deserves her name on here. Totally agree.

  26. Jessica
    Jessica on October 3, 2012 at 2:50 pm

    I love reading Katie’s blog. Great person to add. I think Glennon Melton from http://momastery.com/blog/ is incredibly awesome.

  27. Travis Mamone
    Travis Mamone on October 3, 2012 at 6:54 pm

    It’s not the singer, if that’s what you’re thinking. This is a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT Crystal Lewis. For starters, the one I’m talking about is African-American.

  28. Theresa Mazza
    Theresa Mazza on October 4, 2012 at 9:46 am

    You should know about Lindsay Giambattista founder of Taylors Closet. Learn about her here http://taylorscloset.org/ She makes my top 50 for sure!

  29. Jennifer
    Jennifer on October 4, 2012 at 9:49 am

    I would add Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Kay Arthur and Janet Parshall, for sure!

  30. Margaret
    Margaret on October 4, 2012 at 8:39 pm

    Theresa, Great lead–thank you!

  31. Margaret
    Margaret on October 4, 2012 at 8:42 pm

    Jennifer,
    Those women have been doing amazing things for so many years. What inspirations!

  32. rich
    rich on October 4, 2012 at 9:18 pm

    I heard you speak in Columbus, Ohio a few weeks ago and was powerfully moved by the message. In fact, you spoke on 1 John and the love of God…a sermon series I’ve been in for a few weeks at my church. I’ve got a ton of books on my reading list, but would love to get to one of yours. Which one do you recommend I read first?

    Congrats on the being in the top 50!

  33. AJReed
    AJReed on October 5, 2012 at 4:57 pm

    I second Liz Curtis Higgs, if she doesn’t get you laughing coming AND going, I don’t know who else will!

  34. Cynthia Teter
    Cynthia Teter on October 7, 2012 at 10:52 am

    Lysa TerKeurst. I enjoyed your article.

  35. Johanna
    Johanna on October 8, 2012 at 11:30 am

    Amazing list-

    I would have to include Holly Wagner (OasisLA.org) and Bobbie Houston (Hillsong.com)

  36. Julie Fidler
    Julie Fidler on October 8, 2012 at 1:46 pm

    Shaunti Feldhahn should be on this list, for sure. I’m surprised Beth Moore is so far down on the list, too.

  37. Margaret
    Margaret on October 8, 2012 at 1:48 pm

    Shaunti is a great person to add, Julie!

    The list isn’t in an particular order (other than grouped by what field each woman is in respectively–business, politics, writing, etc…).

  38. Karen Ehman
    Karen Ehman on October 8, 2012 at 4:48 pm

    Two-time New York Times best-selling author & president of Proverbs 31 Ministries Lysa TerKeurst whose online ministry reaches over 600,000 women. SHOCKED she isn’t included!

  39. Margaret
    Margaret on October 9, 2012 at 10:09 am

    Karen– You’re so right! Lysa is an incredible woman of God and is doing HUGE things for his kingdom. Thanks for adding her.

  41. Bo
    Bo on October 12, 2012 at 9:56 pm

    while I am concerned that some of this perpetuates a ‘celebrity’ mindset, let me add a few names as well:

    1. Jena Nardella (blood:water mission)….
    2. Sandra McCracken (singer/songwriter)
    3. JJ Heller (singer/songwriter)
    4. Marilynne Robinson author of Gilead and Home

    as a categorical addition: single moms living in major urban areas…..

  42. Margaret
    Margaret on October 18, 2012 at 12:40 pm

    Sarah Bessey definitely deserves a spot on this list—awesome woman. Thanks for adding, Jenna.

  43. Margaret
    Margaret on October 18, 2012 at 12:40 pm

    My to-read list continues to grow, too! Thanks for your kind words, Megan.

  44. Margaret
    Margaret on October 18, 2012 at 12:42 pm

    I heard Katie speak at a recent Catalyst conference. Incredible story! Thanks, Catherine.

  45. Margaret
    Margaret on October 18, 2012 at 12:42 pm

    Most definitely, Lysa should be included. What a bold woman of God! Thanks, Cynthia.

  46. Margaret
    Margaret on October 18, 2012 at 12:43 pm

    Johanna, couldn’t agree more!

  47. Margaret
    Margaret on October 18, 2012 at 12:44 pm

    Love the women you added– huge fan of JJ Heller’s music.

  49. Rebecca
    Rebecca on November 13, 2012 at 1:21 pm

    I would add

    Lauren Dubinsky
    Ruthie Dean
    Allison Vesterfelt

    all Amazing women who have helped me grow in my relationship with Christ and in my lofe for myself through their blogs!

  50. Margaret
    Margaret on November 13, 2012 at 1:26 pm

    Rebecca, how could we forget Lauren, Ruthie, or Allison?? Thanks for adding them!

  51. Suzanne
    Suzanne on November 13, 2012 at 3:08 pm

    I am surprised to not see Barbara Brown Taylor on the list. She’s one of the best preachers in the country. Also, Lillian Daniels deserves to be on the list as well, as she is a fabulous preacher. For authors, Anne Lamott deserves to be on the list! I second the votes for Nadia Boltz Weber, Lisa Sharon Harper, and Liz Curtis Higgs!

  52. Margaret
    Margaret on November 13, 2012 at 3:33 pm

    Suzanne, one of the girls in our office wanted Liz Curtis Higgs on there, too. She would also vote for Lamont, I’m sure!

  54. Root
    Root on August 17, 2016 at 3:32 am

    Woah! That’s a massive list. Cheers!

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  56. Millo
    Millo on November 6, 2017 at 12:14 am

    Lillian Daniels deserves to be on the list as well, as she is a fabulous preacher. For authors, Anne Lamott deserves to be on the list! I second the votes for Nadia Boltz Weber, Lisa Sharon Harper, and Liz Curtis Higgs!

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