Why does an enthusiastic, passionate, gifted teenage Christian leader lose confidence and stop being able to lead? In what ways have churches drifted a long way from the teaching and practice of Jesus and Scripture, whilst justifying this drift theologically? What has that done to women in our churches?
The research, conversation, reading and personal experience that lie behind this book provide some answers – and, if we have ears to hear, helpful suggestions about ways of addressing the needs and opportunities.
Dawson puts it like this: "In this book, I want to set about exposing what it feels like for many women in the Church. I want to ask questions about where our theology and our practice are misaligned."
Mark Meynell’s foreword: "I’m sad that this book had to be written. But I am equally sure that it did. For too long our blind spots have perpetuated an unhealthy status quo. But nobody likes having their blind spots exposed. So I fear we will make excuses. Perhaps some will blame those raising awkward but legitimate questions ……that would be incredibly sad. If only we just stopped to listen…"
Dawson comes from a branch of evangelical Christianity that has (ironically, given that its self-designation is "conservative") perpetuated harmful pastoral practice, by reading Scripture through one particular theological prism.
My only concern is that this excellent book will not be widely read in the circles that need it most. Please God that it will be!
Dawson speaks to casual (inadvertent?) sexism, compartmentalisation, inconsistency, blindness, pastoral hurt, knocked confidence, ‘leaky’ churches (read the book!), career paths, shifting work patterns, unheard voices and massively unfulfilled potential.
As Dawson writes: "I mattered to Jesus, but did I matter to his bride?"
We can’t turn the clock back. But we can change. This book can help us to do so. The format encourages conversation: I hope that men and women will have the courage to re-examine Scripture in small groups, so that everyone in our churches might flourish.
Informed by research in business, sports and academia, Dawson dives into the Bible – and offers practical advice to help improve church life.
Even in the one section that felt to this reviewer as if it included some gender stereotyping, Dawson’s practical pastoral theology (to failing) is wonderfully helpful, not least because it can be applied to men as well. Actually, her primary biblical illustration at this point is (the Apostle) Peter’s abject failures "Jesus chooses and uses failures such as you and me, but let’s do all we can to help women in their failure to flourish in our church."
Dawson finishes with suggestions for further reading which are going to keep me busy for a while.
I strongly commend this short (in one sense) easy read – especially to male Christian leaders, but also to women struggling with their roles in Churches. Though it may be a painful read for some, I suspect that it will be genuinely liberating for many.
She Needs: Women Flourishing in the Church by Nay Dawson, Inter-Varsity Press, SPCK Group, Studio 101, The Record Hall, 16–16A Baldwin’s Gardens, London EC1N 7RJ, England, 2024. ISBN: 978-1-78974-452-1. eBook ISBN: 978-1-78974-453-8.
