Women in Leadership

United in Vision: A New Chapter for Nazarene Women in Leadership in Korea and Taiwan
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....
Theology of Women in Ministry
SOURCE: Church of the Nazarene Manual, 2017-2021 [para. 501, pp. 192] The Church of the Nazarene supports the right of women to use their God-given spiritual gifts within the church and affirms the historic right of women to be elected and appointed to places of leadership within the Church of the Nazarene, including the offices of both elder and deacon. The purpose of Christ’s redemptive work is to set God’s creation free from the curse of the Fall. Those who are “in Christ” are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). In this redemptive community, no human being is to be regarded as inferior on the basis of social status, race, or gender (Galatians 3:26-28). Acknowledging the apparent paradox created by Paul’s instruction to Timothy (1 Timothy 2:11-12) and to the church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 14:33-34), we believe interpreting these passages as limiting the role of women in ministry presents serious conflicts with specific passages of scripture that commend female participation in spiritual leadership roles (Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:17-18; 21:8-9; Romans 16:1, 3, 7; Philippians 4:2-3), and violates the spirit and practice of the Wesleyan-holiness tradition. Finally, it is incompatible with the character of God presented throughout Scripture, especially as revealed in the person of Jesus Christ.
Women In Leadership Counsil

Lynne Bollinger

Aggie Muaror

Inocencia Piliin

Jenna Stout

Tha Zin Hlaing

Asnath Mangi
THRIVING TOGETHER
Stories of Women Serving in Ministries Across the Asia-Pacific Region
Nazarene Women in Leadership Ministries is excited to share 12 unique stories of women serving in various roles around the region. Be inspired by their stories of calling, obedience, and how they are thriving in the place where God put them to serve.
More Resources
Cultivating The Call
women clergy conference
Contact:
Lynne Bollinger (Coordinator)
Email: nwlc@apnaz.org