Date
5-20-2026
Department
Rawlings School of Divinity
Degree
Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership (EdD)
Chair
Michael Grayston
Keywords
Women in ministry leadership, women leaders, family responsibilities, servant leadership, transformational leadership, work-life balance, role integration
Disciplines
Education | Religion
Recommended Citation
Siler, Coretta Shawn Thompson, "Women in Ministry Leadership: Balancing Work, Personal Life, and Family Responsibilities" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8388.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8388
Abstract
Women in ministry leadership experience specific difficulties managing professional ministry, personal health, and family obligations (Frederick, T. V., Dunbar, S. B., & Hargrove, D. S., 2023). This paper focused on the specific struggles of women in ministry leadership, despite the numerous challenges women face across various fields. Its purpose was to examine the obstacles, interactions, and repercussions of these issues in faith-based groups and church leadership. The Dissertation-in-Praxis addressed these difficulties and offered a one-day workshop as a real-world solution. It aimed to educate women in leadership on biblical concepts, leadership styles, and methods for juggling their obligations. With servant and transformational leadership as its base, the project combined theological ideas and practical tools to help women in ministry overcome role conflict, stress, and support limitations. To assess the workshop’s success, the researcher utilized both quantitative and qualitative data. Surveys before and after using Likert scales measured leadership confidence, stress, and support changes. Participant experiences were further understood through open reflection and family covenant activities. This operational plan prioritized accessibility by offering childcare, encouraging family involvement, and keeping costs low, creating a professional yet family-oriented setting. This project demonstrated how intentional training, mentorship, and family-inclusive support can help women in ministry leadership balance their callings with personal and family life. The study was significant for both scholarship and practical application, offering a valuable model for churches and organizations to better support women leaders.
