Becoming His Story

Author: Mary Elsie Wolfe
Genre: Devotional/Christian Living

We are participating in changes that will soon define this period in history!

As followers of Jesus, we want to immerse ourselves in this living story while learning from Jesus, living like Jesus and leading like Jesus so we may apply his principles and become transformational participants in the best story ever told. Gaining God’s full blessing in partnership with what he is doing in our world today needs everyone engaged—not just some! It becomes our duty to help instill a sense of identity and worth in both genders in a Biblical way that will lead us to the full uninhibited potential of Christ’s church as we carry out his mandate. With a view towards helping us understand these principles by first identifying our own worldview, and better understanding the culture in which Jesus lived, the author applies the values of Jesus to the model for leadership today. Mary-Elsie Wolfe offers us a vision for the future that is leading-edge yet moderate, traditional yet progressive. Drawing upon key Bible stories of women in Jesus’ day, our view of the future is enlarged as believers as she looks at the prominence of women in the early church and then applies key principles in an effective way for our day. If we want to lead like Jesus, as Jesus defines leadership for us, we must apply these foundational leadership principles to our times while still wrapping everything in the truth of the love of God for his people and his work.

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Reviewer: Hanna Olson

Becoming His Story: Inspiring Women to Leadership written by Mary-Elsie Wolfe is indeed inspiring. The author takes the reader into the past, present, and future discussing the roles of women leadership in the church. She reminds us of the examples set before us by the women mentioned in the Bible and in early church history. She then briefly writes of the woman's present day position before continuing on to the hope and encouragement​ of future generations. This book is not an exhaustive record of everything pertaining to women in the church but rather a glimpse of where we came from, where we are, and perhaps where we are going.

After a few paragraphs of being told to disregard what I've been taught and to keep an open mind, my skepticism kicked in. I read on in expectation of my own lingering questions being answered. While this work does expand on some scriptures that either seem to restrict or encourage the leadership of women, the blaring light of 1 Timothy 2 ( the part that says women should not have authority over a man) is completely ignored by the author. While Ms. Wolfe gives many examples of women disciples, evangelists, prophetesses, and deaconesses found in the Bible she gives no proof of women pastoring (having authority over) churches. Further, she disregards the scriptures where it is talked about, yet encourages women to fill that role. I was very dissatisfied with that as my questions about the matter are still unanswered.

I gave this book a high rating of 4 stars. Even though it left me disappointed, it is written well and does contain interesting historical accounts. Also, many parts of this book are inspiring and useful to women already in leadership roles or those being called to it. Lastly, most of this book caused me to smile in recognition of​ the Lord's gentle nudging into my own leadership roles.

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Reviewer: Nicole Wegscheider

Becoming His Story: Inspiring Women to Leadership is a fascinating book that broaden my perspective on leadership.

Author, Mary-Elsie is a humble and transparent writer. She addressed several types of leaderships — biblical women, Jesus, and modern day leadership. The theme, “Becoming His Story” was continuously woven throughout the book in a thought-provoking manner.  Learning about the roles of biblical women were fascinating. I enjoyed the discovery of Jesus’ leadership style with its unique characteristics.  This is must-read book.

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