Even in 2024, the glass ceiling still exists for women — perhaps lower and stronger in some places than others, but it’s still in force no matter your context. It takes time and effort to interrogate our own situations and look for areas which need further probing. In an illuminating example of this kind of exploration, author Liuan Huska delves into recent research on the unique challenges facing women leaders in Asian American churches. Huska shares her insights in conversation with several women in a Q&A format, offering a model for us all as we seek to shine a light on those barriers which hinder women from living fully into their God-given callings.

“At one church where I served, the pastor was supportive of women in ministry, but not sure about women lead pastoring or pulpit teaching. I was turning 40, had my MDiv, and years of experience. Other men on staff much more my junior kept getting more chances in preaching, networking, and ordination. I’m thinking, ‘I’ve been in the trenches for over 10 years, yet I'm being passed over.’”

It’s true what they say: representation matters. The more we see women in leadership roles in our churches, communities, and institutions, the more we can embody the fullness of God’s plan for the redemption of our broken world. We’re reminded of this piece by Nancy Pedulla about the significance of those “firsts,” when we see women in roles we hadn’t imagined. Let’s support our dear sisters as we pursue the good work God has invited us into.

Why does it matter so much? We are women and men in body, mind, and spirit. Seeing and hearing a leader wrapped in a female body, speaking with a female voice, and acting with authority makes a difference.

You’re Invited!

Pray with us. Join us online for 30-minute guided prayer meetings on Fridays at 8 am, 9 am, and 12 pm (Eastern). Can’t come? Send your prayer requests anyway by emailing us at wsap@intervarsity.org.

IVP Faculty exam copies. Professors can request a free exam or desk copy for InterVarsity Press titles adopted for classroom use up to three times a year. Your free exam or desk copy will be sent to you within four weeks. Register for a professional account to access this benefit!

Are you an InterVarsity alum? Use promo code IVCFALUMNI to get a 25% discount at ivpress.com.

Downloadable Pocket Prayer Card from Graduate Healthcare Ministries. Medical students at Brown asked for a small resource that would prompt them to pray throughout the day. Colleague Renee Nicholas created this card with psalms and short prayers to support them — and you’re invited to use it too! Thanks, Renee!

Save the Date: February 21-22, 2025 for Believers in Business. As the largest Christian MBA gathering in the country, the 2025 Believers in Business Conference is a key intersection of the Christian MBA and Christian professional communities. Mark your calendars to join them in New York this February!

Are you a new graduate student? We invite you to subscribe to a unique newsletter from InterVarsity’s Graduate and Faculty Ministries designed to support and encourage first-year grad students as they embark on the next step of their academic journey. If you’re a first-year graduate student, click here to subscribe.

Four More Things We Loved This Week

1. 50 Questions You Can Ask Friends and Relatives in Political Arguments

2. Have you used the daily audio prayer service Pray As You Go? Did you know that there are versions in several different languages?

3. Author and historian Kristen du Mez joined a diverse team of scholars and religious leaders to develop a statement on Christian Faith and Democracy. Read her thoughts and her invitation to sign in this article.

4. Need to simplify your mornings? We love the idea of establishing “uniforms” for different activities or types of days.