Can Women Lead in Missions? With Michelle Atwell

Women make up the majority of the global missionary workforce, yet their voices and leadership experiences are often overlooked in conversations about missions.

In this episode of The Mission Matters Podcast (with hosts Ted Esler and Matthew Ellison), SEND U.S. CEO Michelle Atwell shares her personal journey into missions leadership, the unique challenges women face in mobilization and church-planting organizations, and the vital contributions women bring to advancing the Great Commission. From cross-cultural ministry among unreached peoples to leadership development, collaboration, and discipleship, Michelle offers practical wisdom for aspiring missionaries and leaders while reminding listeners that God has always used women to help build His Church and expand His Kingdom.

The Mission Matters Podcast is a place to talk about the importance of our Mission as Christians. The Mission Matters is a partnership of Missio Nexus and Sixteen:Fifteen, who have a shared passion to mobilize God’s people to be a part of His mission.

Links:

https://send.org

00:00 Video Introduction
00:39 Introduction: Michelle Atwell and SEND International
03:00 What SEND International Does and Why It Exists
04:43 Women in Missions: Unique Leadership Challenges
06:03 Why Many Women Hesitate to Step Into Leadership
10:40 Navigating Theology, Leadership, and Gender Expectations
13:03 The Unique Strengths Women Bring to Global Missions
16:43 How Missions Organizations Are Supporting Women Better
18:27 Vulnerability and Trust in Leadership
22:04 Building Your Personal Leadership Board
25:32 How Men Can Champion Women in Missions
26:40 Advice for Young Women Exploring a Missionary Calling
29:55 Why God Continues to Use Women in Missions
30:44 Final Thoughts