The Leadership Role of Nigerian Women in Churches: Deborah's Example

The role of a good leader cannot be divorced from the growth, progress and development of a society. It is a concept that serves as an offshoot of peace and unity in a given area. Besides, a leader's leadership style, whether secular or religious, dictates how a society will look. However, a look at Nigerian society revealed that leadership roles are accorded to any person with the trait and charisma to lead, irrespective of gender. Thus, the leadership role is not to be restricted to any gender in any secular organization, and the same is true for the work of God. However, in the Old Testament, the position of women was restricted to certain areas; they were not allowed to lead in any congregational worship or serve as the head of families; hence, women were seen as subordinate to their husbands. As a corollary in contemporary society, some women are faced with the problem of discrimination to the extent that some churches do not allow them to lead, preach the words of God or hold important positions. But with the coming and teaching of Christ, there were lots of changes and improvements concerning the position of women in the society in which this study intends to sensitize Nigerians and how significant women are towards the growth and development of the work of God and the society at large. To this end, this work examined the life of Deborah in the Book of Judges as an epitome of leadership. The work adopted the historical method. The findings of the work revealed that the leadership role is significant towards the progress of society. It was also noted that women were restricted in contributing their role to the growth of the Church in the Old Testament. Finding also stated that there is no person God cannot use for his work. The work recommended that gender issues should not be a barrier in the work of God, prejudice should be shunned in the work of God, and individuals are admonished to live their lives in such a way that it will serve as a model for others in society.