Embracing Your Calling: A Christian Woman's Journey to Spiritual Leadership

Understanding Self-Imposed Limitations

Hey, friends. This one is for the girls.

Listen below.

As Christian women aspiring to be spiritual leaders or pastors, we often encounter not just societal barriers but also self-imposed limitations. These may include doubts about our abilities, concerns about balancing responsibilities, or even misconceptions about our role in spiritual leadership.

For many years, I lived with self-limiting beliefs. I didn’t think I was smart, educated, ready, and experienced enough. My self-limiting beliefs were especially true as a woman in ministry. For a long time, I believed I wasn’t a pastor or spiritual leader unless I was pastoring in the local church. It turns out that I’ve had the best four years of ministry working in hospice, long-term and acute care with persons unable to grace the doors of any church. Not to mention the ministry to students in two different bible colleges.

The Bible is rich with stories of women leaders who overcame their fears and societal norms to fulfill God's purpose. Think of Esther, who bravely saved her people, or Mary Magdalene, a key figure in the early church. Their stories remind us that God calls women to leadership roles, and those roles can all look different!

Self-limiting beliefs often result from painful experiences, especially experiences of rejection or criticism or teaching that women are inferior to men.

What do self-limiting beliefs sound like?

Self-limiting beliefs for women often sound like this:

• I’m not qualified to lead.

• Others know better than I do.

• I must be perfect to be seen as competent.

• I shouldn’t be too assertive or ambitious. (Rooted in the stereotype that women are to be passive and accommodating. Girls, this often holds us back and keeps us from pursuing or applying for leadership roles we are actually well-suited for!)

How can I identify and break free from my self-limiting beliefs?

1. Self-Reflection: Identify personal doubts or fears. Ask yourself, "What holds me back?" and "How do these limitations align with God’s teaching?” Consider, “How and where can I use the gifts God’s entrusted to me?” and “What is the work God has put before me?”

2. Prayer and Meditation: Seek guidance and strength through prayer. Let your faith be the cornerstone of your journey.

3. Education and Knowledge: Equip yourself with theological knowledge and leadership skills. Understanding your faith deeply empowers your leadership. I have the privilege of teaching here; maybe you’re interested in a class?

4. Community Support: Engage with a supportive community. Share your aspirations and learn from those who have walked similar paths.

The Impact of Overcoming

1. Personal Growth: Overcoming these limitations leads to immense personal and spiritual growth, aligning you closer to God’s purpose for your life.

2. Empowering Others: Your journey can inspire other women in your community, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and spiritual growth.

Conclusion

As Christian women, breaking free from self-imposed limitations on our journey to spiritual leadership is a personal achievement and a testament to our faith. It is a path of empowerment, personal growth, and community upliftment, guided by the teachings and love of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Here is an image I had AI create for me of women breaking free.

Walking alongside you on the journey of faith and empowerment,

Carmen