Confronting Sacred Inequalities: Creating Christian Organizations Where Women Thrive - Paperback

by Leanne M. Dzubinski (Author)

Why do women often struggle to thrive in Christian workplaces?

Prominent male Christian leaders are often called to account for improper behavior with women in their organizations. There are certainly a few bad actors, but is something systemically amiss in Christian organizations?

In Confronting Sacred Inequalities, Leanne Dzubinski shows how secular inequalities have been imported into Christian spaces and treated as sacred. Beliefs about women that don't align with Scripture and God's view of women have too often been promoted as biblical. She identifies five pitfalls that often occur in Christian organizations that make it difficult for women to flourish:

● "Sex and the office" An undue focus on sexuality
● "Hey, guys!" Language that marginalizes women
● "I can't; I have to work" Assumptions about work culture that leave women feeling like they constantly fall short
● "Are you sure that's right?" Ambivalence toward women
● "There are no good women leaders" Cultural and Christian stereotypes that frame leadership as male

Dzubinski explains how organizational dysfunction is often caused by systems that prioritize men over women in ways that are detrimental to the organization as well as to the people in them--men and women alike. Each chapter offers scriptural perspectives and practical suggestions to help leaders create organizational cultures where everyone can flourish and work together as siblings in Christ.

Back Jacket

"A must-read for leaders who want to foster a more empowering and equitable workplace"

In Confronting Sacred Inequalities, Leanne Dzubinski shows how secular inequalities have been imported into Christian spaces and treated as sacred. Whether from ancient or modern culture, beliefs about women that don't align with Scripture and God's view of women have too often been promoted as biblical.

Dzubinski explains how organizational dysfunction is often caused by systems that prioritize men over women in ways that are detrimental to the organization as well as to the people in them. Identifying five pitfalls that make it difficult for women to flourish, this book offers practical strategies for creating Christian workplaces where women thrive and all people work together as siblings in Christ.

"Dzubinski paints a well-researched and heartbreaking picture of what women experience every day in the workplace. It's a rare quality to confront and provide hope. Dzubinski masterfully accomplishes both. This is an essential read for all people, and especially my fellow male leaders."
--Gregg Okesson, Asbury Theological Seminary

"An exceptional guide in navigating workplace expectations for women and men. Thoroughly researched and elegantly written, we have needed this wisdom for years!"
--Mimi Haddad, president, CBE International

"Dzubinski calls us to create more humane work environments for women and men, while giving us practical suggestions for how to do so. A must-read for leaders who want to foster a more empowering and equitable workplace."
--Kimberly Battle-Walters Denu, Westmont College

"Each of the five gender-related issues addressed by Dzubinski is framed within a context of a helpful synthesis of the relevant literature along with practical suggestions for making Christian organizations healthier workplaces for all. Leaders in Christian organizations will likely find fresh insights and have aha moments that can contribute to more effective leadership."
--Karen A. Longman, Azusa Pacific University (emerita)

"Dzubinski prophetically exposits five different narratives that plague the church and relegate women to the margins. Read this book if you're serious about helping women to thrive in the church."
--Rob Dixon, senior fellow, InterVarsity Institute

Author Biography

Leanne M. Dzubinski (PhD, University of Georgia) is dean of faculty development and global education at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. She previously taught at Asbury Theological Seminary and Biola University and served for more than 25 years in cross-cultural ministry. She is the author of Playing by the Rules and the coauthor of Glass Walls and Women in the Mission of the Church.