Developing Male Leaders in a Church of Willing Women

1. Don’t discount women.

Godly women are valuable assets in a church, and they understand the importance of having godly men leading alongside them. Rather than sidelining women, give them opportunities, and encourage them to pray regularly for the men in the church. These women can be your greatest allies in praying for male leaders to step up.

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised” (Proverbs 31:30).

2. Pray for men to step up.

Create a list of men in your church and pray regularly, even daily, for them. Pray for their spiritual growth, their roles in their families, their influence among coworkers. Your persistent prayers can pave the way for a transformation in their lives and inspire them to take on leadership roles in the church.

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2).

3. Identify men whom you can challenge toward leadership.

While you’re praying for the men in your church, certain men will come to the forefront of your mind—those who are earnestly striving to love God and others. Focus on those individuals.

Challenge them to take meaningful steps toward leadership, but make sure your challenges are specific and tailored to their spiritual growth. For example, encourage these men to live out the “one another” passages of Scripture, to deepen their commitment to a spiritual discipline, or even to assume a leadership role in their families.

“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17).

4. Equip men to lead.

Once you’ve identified the men you want to challenge toward leadership, equip them.

If one is struggling in his personal walk with God, provide support through Bible studies, an accountability partnership, or a training program to help him grow spiritually. If family leadership is a stumbling block, offer resources and guidance on relationships, marriage, or parenting. If church leadership is a goal, point him toward books, conferences, and podcasts that can aid in his growth.

A man can’t lead in his church unless he’s leading at home, and he can’t lead at home unless he’s leading himself spiritually.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

5. Provide coaching or guidance.

Men need more than challenges and resources; they need a supportive community. Encourage men to join a group of like-minded individuals—a band of brothers who seek to honor Christ in their lives. These gatherings provide the encouragement, support, and accountability that men need in leadership. Weekly discussions and reflections can be instrumental in their spiritual growth and leadership development.

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another” (Hebrews 10:25).

6. Turn men loose on mission and vision.

When a supportive community has prayed for, challenged, equipped, and encouraged men, they will be eager to take the lead. Share your church’s mission and vision with them, and they will enthusiastically embrace both.

Once men are empowered and motivated, simply step back, pray for them, and watch them take action. Their obedience to God’s calling will bring great joy to them and your congregation.

“Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established” (Proverbs 16:3).