Not Without a Struggle: Leadership Development for Africian American Women in Ministry

Had to read this book for a Women's Leadership session. Vashti MacKenzie is herself a "Woman of Excellence" not without a struggle. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in or in need of leadership development and enlightenment especially as it pertains to the Black church.

I think this book tried to cover alot from a variety of vantage points. It uses scripture, gives historical biographies, contains survey and interview data, discusses leadership theory and lists African American women pastors. I skimmed it once and then read it. It is a book that you could go to many times and still go back to again. I think it is a good reference tool because it has a very rich bibliography. The comparisons and contrasts of men and women's leadership styles in general, feminist and womanish theory as well as the cultural setting for African American women to exercise leadership in Black churches are described very well.The need for the 21st Century church to recognize the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the daugthers as well as the sons to speak for God is expressed clearly. The writer is also forthright in stating the fact that African American women who lead as ministers in the contemporary churches are the exceptions. Sister McKenzie shows in her book that the Biblical women leaders of the Old and New Testaments were also the exceptions and uses them as role models for women pastoral leaders today.

The book breaks down many barriers and provides insight that must be recognize in this day. Read it, Study it, and share it!

Dr. McKenzie puts forth a wealth of information on the historical and present struggle of Women in Ministry. It keeps the reader interested and provides depth and insight to the hinderances placed upon women by the ingnorace of our male dominated society. As a Pastor of a local Church, this reading has caused me to remove the walls and replace them with a guide rail and steps that lead women in the Body of Christ towards the true liberty of heaven. A suggested reading for the "Traditional Pulpiteer!"