What happens when women are not only invited to the table but empowered to lead?
In May 2025, something extraordinary began stirring in East Asia—not in stadiums or headlines, but in sacred gatherings shaped by song, Scripture, and Spirit-led conversation. From the mountains of Korea to the tea rooms of Taiwan, women—and men—came together to dream, pray, and take action for a more united, Spirit-empowered future for the Church of the Nazarene. The message was clear: the time is now, and the story of women in leadership is one the global church must not only embrace, but help write.
A Grace-Filled Beginning in Korea
Held from May 4–5, 2025, near Mt. Gwangdeok in Cheonan, South Korea, the inaugural Korea Nazarene Women in Leadership (K-NWL) Executive Committee meeting gathered pastors, leaders, and visionaries around a shared call for restoration and renewal.
Powerful reflections from Elder Yeonhee Song, Dr. Mark Louw, and Rev. Lynne Bollinger framed NWL’s role through stories of reconciliation, including the inspiring testimony of the Nazarene Church in Rwanda. District Superintendent Rev. Choi Hyung-young shared a devotional on Deborah’s bold leadership (Judges 4), while Rev. Jeon Eun-kyung and her husband ministered through music. Rev. Jeremy Budd brought wisdom from across the East Asia Field, emphasizing the need for context-sensitive leadership development.
Open dialogue explored mentoring young leaders, generational collaboration, and shared ministry between husbands and wives. Participants left with renewed purpose and a sacred sense that this moment marked a new beginning in God’s unfolding work.
Taiwan’s Vision for Harmony and Hope
Just days later, on May 8, 2025, Shilin Church in Taipei hosted a tea fellowship on “Women in Leadership,” bringing together 40 participants from seven churches across the Taiwan District. Male and female pastors, church staff, and leaders from partner ministries gathered around a central theme of harmony in leadership.
Rev. Lynne Bollinger once again offered a Spirit-filled challenge, drawing from Psalm 133 to describe unity as holy and life-giving, like Aaron’s anointing oil and the nourishing rains from Mount Hermon. She urged the Taiwanese church to dismantle cultural strongholds of hierarchy and control, and instead nurture a community marked by mutual respect, humility, and transformation through the Holy Spirit. The Church of the Nazarene’s commitment to women in church leadership is a vision not only to be imagined but cultivated, like a garden: planted with faith, watered with daily obedience, and passed on to future generations.
Regional Impact and Shared Commitment
Both gatherings illuminated the vital needs of women leaders across East Asia, including theological training, discipleship, relational support, and mission engagement. Taiwan’s event highlighted practical steps forward, including women’s retreats, leadership courses, short-term missions, and cross-cultural learning.
Across borders and languages, one truth rang out: when women lead, the Church flourishes.
Rev. Bollinger’s words echoed like a prophetic challenge:
“We must ask not only if women can lead, but what we lose if they do not.”
A Call to Action
The stories from Korea and Taiwan are not just updates but invitations. They’re reminders that leadership isn’t just about titles; it’s about transformation. They call us not only to talk about women in leadership, but to champion it—by mentoring emerging voices, creating space at the table, funding opportunities for growth, and advocating in our communities and churches. We are thankful for the Spirit-led leadership of Rev. Shin Yu of the Korea National District and Mrs. Joyce Yu of the Taiwan District for championing the important role of women in leadership within the Church of the Nazarene and the Kingdom of God.
The future of the Church is not passive—it’s planted. Let us not merely admire these seeds of change; let us water them. Let us act.
Because the story ahead is still being written. And the pen is in our hands.
Author: Terence Lustaña, with Rev. Shin Yu and Mrs. Joyce Yu
