Date

11-11-2026

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Leadership (PhD)

Chair

Leonard Momeny

Keywords

women in leadership, women in ministry, leadership challenges, role congruity theory, stained glass ceiling, Christian leadership, phenomenology, gender-based challenges, women leaders, women pastors, gender and leadership, spiritual gifts, God's purpose, honor, respect, resilience, calling, lived experiences, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, female ministry leaders, female ministers

Disciplines

Leadership Studies | Religion

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to gain understanding by identifying challenges distinctive to women in high-level leadership positions in Christian ministry, the lived experiences of those challenges, and how those challenges have affected or are currently affecting them. The study was undertaken to address a gap in the literature regarding the experiences of women serving in high-level Christian ministry leadership roles and to provide greater understanding of their leadership experiences. Role congruity theory of prejudice toward female leaders (Eagly & Karau, 2002) provided the theoretical framework for understanding challenges women encounter in Christian ministry leadership. Four research questions explored participants' calling, spiritual gifts, experiences of honor and leadership development, and challenges encountered in Christian ministry leadership. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 women in Christian ministry leadership across the United States. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyze the data, resulting in nine themes and 38 subthemes. Findings revealed a strong confidence in God's calling, awareness of spiritual gifts, and varied experiences of honor, value, and leadership development. Participants also described gender-based resistance, gender stereotypes, challenges to leadership legitimacy, exclusion, and emotional effects including loneliness, self-doubt, and emotional exhaustion. Despite challenges, participants demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and dependence on God. Findings were generally consistent with role congruity theory of prejudice toward female leaders and contributed to a richer understanding of women serving in Christian ministry leadership.

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