This week, I’m giving away three copies of Just Lead! by my friends, Jenni Catron and Sherry Surratt. Jenni serves as the Executive Director of Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN. Sherry is the CEO of MOPS International. I recently had the chance to chat with Jenni and ask her a few questions about their new book, Just Lead!: A No Whining, No Complaining, No Nonsense Practical Guide for Women Leaders in the Church.
Q: With all the Christian books on the market today, what motivated you to write Just Lead!?
Sherry and I frequently find ourselves in conversations with other women who are eager to grow in their leadership and influence. As we’ve chatted with hundreds of women in small groups or one-on-one conversations we realized we were lacking a resource to suggest to them.
There are many books available that speak to Christian leadership and several books for women leaders in the marketplace, but there are very few that speak to the challenges that Christian women in leadership face. We hope we’ve created a resource to inspire and equip them.
Q: What sparked the cover design for Just Lead! and what is it trying to convey?
We wanted the cover to reinforce the title. No nonsense. Straightforward with a business feel. Not flowery but not masculine either. We hope that it conveys a sense of wisdom and strength.
Q: Who should read Just Lead! and why?
Just Lead! was written with everyone in mind.
For women, Just Lead! is a reminder that, “wherever you lead, lead well”. We all have a sphere of influence, whether it’s our families, volunteers, co-workers or employees. Our goal is to equip you with the courage and the confidence to lead well.
For men, Just Lead! is a great resource to help you understand the unique challenges, fears and uncertainties the women leaders around you are facing. We know we can be a complicated gender so consider this an insider’s tip.
Q: What is the biggest compliment and worst criticism of your book so far?
The biggest compliment has been the women who have read the book and expressed how encouraged and understood they felt. If the book inspires a few more leaders to use their God-given gifts to just lead, we feel like we’ve accomplished what we set out to do.
The biggest criticism has come more indirectly from those who have chosen not to support the release because they don’t affirm women in leadership.
To enter to win one of THREE copies of Just Lead! simply leave a comment on this blog post at MargaretFeinberg.com. [TWEET THIS] The winners will be selected on Friday.
Congratulations to the winners: Soozi Whitte Ford, Tobi, Lauren Foy
What leadership advice do you have for men and women on this topic?
As a leader of women of different ages and personalities it can be frustrating and overwhelming. Would love some guidance.
My heart and passion from The Lord is encouraging women in their relationship to The Lord and to each other in authentic relationships. It sounds like I would love this book!
I would love to win the book. I would very much like to read it. Sincerely, Margaret
I always love reading Jenni’s blog. At times, leading can be so perplexing. I would very much like to read it & learn. Thanks for the chance!
I would like to win a copy of Just lead!, God Bless your family, your home and your work.
This looks wonderful! There are so many women in leadership in the church and many of them have very little support. I’d love to win this and then share it with some other wonderful women.
This is a need for me, as our community needs a mom’s Bible study group, and God has placed it on my heart to do it.
Jennie, praying for you as you consider stepping up to fill this need for a mom’s Bible study. God will equip you!
I met Jennie about a year ago when I was photographing a luncheon where she was speaking. A short conversation with her spurred me on to begin leadership growth for myself and small company. What God has done since then has been amazing. I cannot wait to see what other advice and wisdom is communicated in this book. Great work Jennie!
Yay, JJ! Hope you are doing well!
This sure would come in handy right about now, as I’ve been asked to lead a Community Bible Study group. Ugh, I feel so inept, I know as much about leading a group as I do translating Hebrew. Thanks for putting this out there, Margaret!
Praying for you, Pam as you step into this new responsibility! God equips who he calls. Lead confidently from his strength!
I so appreciate the women I know in leadership and grateful for pastors who support women in leadership. I’ve been on staff at a church for over five years and would love to read this book. Thank you for writing it!
Would love a copy of the book.
This book is a must read…to honor the Lord by using His gifts and serving Him well!
Good morning,
I am leading for the first time in a woman’s life group and this book would be a blessing to have.
Thank you, blessings
Tina
I’m in a new spot with new opportunities for leadership in ministry, so I can’t wait to read Jenni’s book & also hear Jenni share at Leading and Loving It retreat in November! Thanks Margaret, Jenni & Sherry for being real & open examples of women ministering effectively.
Amy, can’t wait to meet you in November!
As the director of the women’s ministry at my church, I’m always looking for guidance of how to lead the women.
I would love to read this book! I am a pastors wife in a small church in he country. I also lead the women’s ministries in my church.
This book will definitely be on my list of “must reads.” A question I’ve been pondering much lately… “What does women’s leadership look like in the church?” I’m looking forward to attending a YOU Lead workshop at a LPL event next month and would love to read this book!
I’m so excited about this. Our women’s group at church became somewhat nonexistent over the past couple of years. 5 ladies (including myself) decided something needed to be done and have taken it over as of this past fall. This book sounds like something all 5 of us should read.
Great idea, Jennifer!
This book sounds marvelous! Having just begun the new position as Director of Missions at Centreville Presbyterian, this is perfect timing to glean wisdom and guidance from Just Lead! The no nonsense approach with it’s practical tips will be hugely valuable. Many blessings in your continued ministry, Margaret!
I just happened upon a tweet about the book giveaway, and though I dont normally make comments on random sites but thought I’d check it out. I’m a volunteer leader at a church which is quickly becoming nationally influential in the area of transformation & evangelism. As a volunteer leader, there’s never an end to what to say yes to, and yet, I know I need to be careful to listen to Jesus about what and how much I do. I am still learning to not underestimate the ripple effect of my impact as I am a leader in our middle/high school ministry and have also led a couple of women’s recovery groups. It’s easy for me to get overwhelmed and focused on my circumstances instead of what God can do, which in turn can replicate into my students and others I lead. I just wonder if this book you’re giving away can speak to anything I’ve been struggling with or insight to what I may face in the future. Thanks for this opportunity!!
I’ve recently found myself in several leadership positions. I could sure use someone to take me by the hand and show me how to lead well.
Your writing is so inspirational I am pray that I will if it is the Lord’s will if it is not then I pray someone else who greatly needs the words in this book will win! Have a blessed day all!!
I look forward to reading this book by two women I admire. Just had my performance review and the conversation about my development plan includes being more bold. Hmmm.
Sounds like an interesting read!
Would love to read this book
It’s hard being the only female leader on a church staff team. I don’t know how many times I’ve been asked by people, “…and whose assistant are you?” Interesting how automatic assumptions are made about women in the church. This book looks really interesting–a good resource for both my fellow, male leaders, as well as women. Looking forward to reading it!
I would love some guidance and encouragement . Just 1 year ago I started serving as Women’ministry leader at my church. This book sounds like it would be very helpful!
I am just beginning to dip my toes into women’s leadership and this sounds like a book that would be both practical and confidence boosting. I am looking forward to reading it!
I would love a copy of this book. For years I have been arguing “I will ‘facilitate’ but I am not a ‘LEADER’!!! HAH, I have recently resigned myself to the fact that I can call it anything I want. But God put me there I had better learn to be the best Leader I can be!
This is a much needed resource! Many times women don’t even realize how much of a leadership role they have within their own community. We have a tendency to just jump in a get things done, asking friends to help, and moving on to the next task or project. We don’t realize we recruit, we motivate, we delegate and set examples. We just “do”. Would love a fresh perspective!
I lead our women’s bible study ministry at church out of sheer obedience to Christ and admit to feeling not up to the task. This looks like a great resource. Thanks for writing it!
Our church is in an amazing transition, and I’d love to grow in my leadership from these ladies!
I’d love to read this book!
This sounds great! And I will always support anything that comes from MOPS!
I am so excited about this book!
The Lord is leading me into women’s ministry which makes me laugh because I swore I would never get involved in women’s ministry after truly accepting the Lord 6 years ago. He called me into counseling and during my studies at Liberty University I reluctantly enrolled in a Counseling women’s class. Since then the Lord has placed women’s ministry on my heart even though I sometimes whine and complain about why women have to be so complicated! (Yes, I am a woman as well, but I’m not complicated…just don’t ask my husband to confirm that statement!) I think this book would be a great resource for me. Even if I do not win, I will be purchasing it! Blessing!
Sounds like a terrific book!
I would love to read this and share it with other leaders! Blessings and Aloha from Hawaii Nei!!
“Let your light shine, so that others may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven.” “Don’t put it under a basket but put it on a stand so that it gives light to everyone in the house.”
want to be an example of knowing and living the truth which gives light to everyone in the house=Leading well!
I am eager to read this book!
I think, the advice I would have for men & women regarding the topic of women in leadership in the church world is: Talk to each other. Make it a conversation. Don’t be reluctant to be in relationship as you discuss this often difficult dynamic. Learn what other peoples strengths are, without regard to gender – use those strengths to build a team – one that is dynamic and impacting. Work together. This topic reminds me of the recent blog post “In the Wake of Rob Bell Coming Out for Marriage Equality, I Found Wisdom and Encouragement in the Story of Dan Cathy”. I resonated with Margaret as I read the post, but especially from the link to the article about Dan Cathy. Our conversations on difficult topics need to be had in the context of relationship, rather than from a place of fear, anger, avoidance or isolation….
Hi Margaret, Have been purchasing all of your books along with the workbooks to do Bible study’s on my own. You have such a way with words in all of your writing. I am finding complete solace in reading and much peace as well. I read the book that you recommended from Jud and that was another amazing journey…as each book I read is. I’m sure this new one that you are speaking about is just as good! Look forward to reading it. Thank you for being such an inspiration in my life at this point.
Lorin
What a great resource to have out there for women! Can’t wait to read it.
I’m interested in reading Just Lead! because as Jenni said, “there are very few that speak to the challenges that Christian women in leadership face.” And I have faced, and still face challenges as a Christian woman in leadership roles. Some challenges are just bumps in the road, but others are more like walking through a minefield. Just Lead! sounds like a great book for Christian women in any leadership role, at home, church, work, or Christian organizations.
As my husband is graduating from Bible school this May and will be a Pastor, this book will be so much help to me as a Pastors wife and leader within the church. I need this book!!
I would love to read this book. Thanks for the chance to win a free copy.
Oh, I would love to read this book. I know several women who would also benefit from this one – thank you!
I am a newly called women’s ministy warrior, lover of all things Margaret Feinberg, and always in need of Divine inspiration! I love Jesus and I want everybody I encounter to know iy and want what I have!
Recently my supervisor let me know that I needed to improve my leadership skills. Not a lot of advice on exactly how to do that. This book would be a good help on that.
This is exactly the kind of perspective I feel women in the Church are starving for today; I am always hungry for input from women in leadership, addressing these challenges.
Looks like a great resource!
This sounds like an excellent book. Women need a resource that understands us but doesn’t tiptoe around the difficulties of leadership. When things get hard it doesn’t mean stop so I like this title “Just Lead.”
I would love to win this book. I am beginning a women’s group at church and think this would give me some great ideas. Thank you for the opportunity to win. Mollie
Thank you for promoting this book-would love to win a copy! Sounds like an incredible resource for the women in ministry today!
Margaret, I have tried leading a ladies’ group in the churches where we have pastored, and it seems that I needed some guidance in my approach and method. I tried to lead, but no one followed. I need some help here! Love working with ladies, and helping them become what Christ wants them to be.
I would love to win one of the books, but if I don’t, I will try to purchase it!
Sue
Our female leaders can use encouragement!
As a Christian, I believe we are always in leadership in our everyday lives – to other Christians, to those we serve with, to those we serve, to non-Christians in our lives everyday; to learn from the more mature in their walks and to help lead those who are early on in their relationship with Christ.
I would be WONDERSTRUCK if I won a copy of this book!!! SMILE!
Love letting the Lord lead, love being led, love leading, love leading others into leadership… 😉
Can’t wait to read this.
I find myself wondering if female leaders in church roles wrestle with the same issues as Christian women in secular leadership roles. I guess if I get a chance to read this book I will find out.
This sounds like an inspirational resource I would really benefit from. At 60 I’m in a bit of transition in my work and personal life, wanting to be useful as the Lord leads. I would love to read this book.
I’m so encouraged to learn there are books out there to give women leaders encouragement. I helped lead a recovery group in my church and didn’t feel like I had the support from church leadership. Maybe this book will help me go in the right direction.
This books sounds like what I’ve been looking for. I’ve read many books on women’s ministry, but none of them tell you HOW to lead it! I’ve been in ministry for over 10 years and feel like things have stalled. Praying this helps keep me moving forward.
I am a big fan of both Jenni and Sherry, and look forward to gleaning wisdom from these two women who are committed to impacting others with the love of Christ! Would love a copy of their book!
I would love this book.
So excited for Jenni and this “Just Lead!” book. So needed. So timely. So thankful 🙂
I lead weekly women’s bible studies and would love to have this book. Thank you for allowing us to participate in this giveaway 🙂
I am new to leadership I would love this book.I also enjoyed reading the advice other readers have
I love what these ladies are doing. Would love a copy of this book for my wife and I!
Serving as a woman in church leadership now for 30+ years, I always welcome new and encouraging words for women facing leadership challenges. Can’t wait to read what these women have to say.
I would love to have this book in my possession because I believe it’s time for women to DO IT! Step up and be the powerful women that God created us to be! It’s time to come out of the shadows and exude a Godly confidence in the world! I belive this book would be such an inspiration and motivator for women not to fear, but to go ahead, take the reigns, boldy submitted to God, and LEAD!
Any tool that equips us to be a better leader has got to be on the to-buy list. I love that you are able to provide resources for people and do it so readily!!
I’ve been in our local MOPS group for 8 years and in leadership for 7 1/2. I love the new leadership of Sherry in our organization and would love to read the book!!
Excited to read Just Lead!
I asked one of my favorite pastor’s once, when meeting with him for sermon prep, what his denomination did with women like me (I was a member of another church). He said when confronted with women with leadership/teaching gifts they still send us to the mission field abroad. I just smiled. From launching small groups to facilitating them, and any conversation in between, my heart gets pumping and excited about ministry. I would love to read this book!!
I have been looking for a leadership book and was thrilled to see a perspective of women and church leadership.
I’ve just begun Seminary work in Global Leadership. In speaking with my advisers, and women professors/teachers, we’ve talked about the lack of courses for Women in Leadership. In fact there is only one course specifically for women at the seminary I attend – everything else we need to infer through study. I would LOVE to add this book to my study and am an advocate for teaching women to lead. I’d love to read this book for use in my studies!
Would love this book to help guide me in women’s leadership at our church and in our community. I long to see vast ages within the Body to come together in a unified way but I struggle to help facilitate that. Busy chicks on the run and older saints seem to be going in two different directions. In a broader scale though I just want to keep learning and growing in leadership. I need all the help I can get!
I would love to win this book!
After much nonsense at our church…. I would like the opportunity to lead again. However, the road to do this is taking its toll on so many members. Perhaps this book, along with His guidance, would help me become the leader I long to be. JJ
I’m grateful and so excited to receive this book! Thanks so much, Margaret!