Women Leaders In Ghanaian Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches

ABSTRACT

There seem, in the 21st century, to be a new generation of women leaders who are

playing major leadership roles, such as becoming pastors and establishing their own

churches. Previous women’s leadership was confined to leading women, children and

groups within their churches. This research seeks to investigate the factors influencing

the changing status of women in the Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches. It also

examines the leadership roles of Pentecostalist women.

The research is founded on the intersectionality theory which holds that a number of

factors interact to influence the place and position of women. The work is also set

within Max Weber’s (1864-1920) concept of charismatic leadership which is based on

divine origin and a form of heroism. Data was collected through interviews,

participant observation, as well as messages of these women leaders, where available.

The work focuses on the life and ministry of three women leaders in three selected

Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches. Two of these women have founded and led a

church and prayer centre while the third, a wife of a head pastor, is also recognised as

the co-founder of the church.

The research revealed that some women do not go through any formal theological

training before assuming church leadership. Some of such women may use claims to

the Holy Spirit’s empowerment to legitimise their call to leadership, mainly against

the backdrop of society’s hesitation to accept women’s leadership. Indeed, in addition

to the challenge of society’s reluctance in certain cases to accept their leadership,

women who wish to take up leadership position have to contend with the wider

society’s affirmation of their position. This means, as leaders, these women have had

to prove their capabilities to their communities of faith to gain acceptance. Besides

that, women leaders also negotiate their social and religious spaces in order to

perform their roles as leaders. In the process, they sometimes endorse religious and

socially accepted norms which contradict women’s empowerment.

In spite of these challenges, women have unique roles and contributions as leaders in

the Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches. These include counselling, service to the

community especially the needy and special focus on mentoring fellow women. Thus,

it is important for women to continue to play significant leadership roles in the church

to enhance its growth. The reason is that women in leadership as the research further

shows can go a long way to complement the role of their male counterparts.

Ultimately, not only the Pentecostal and Charismatic society but the society as a

whole benefits from such leadership. It is hoped that the example of these women

would create greater opportunities for future female leadership in the church. This

study contributes to the historical study of women in Pentecostal movement in Ghana.