Who are you inviting and who are you introducing?
October sees the launch of a brand new resource called “Allow me introduce you”. A key way to champion each other as leaders is to invite others to the table, introducing them to the conversation, which is why I ask: “Who are you inviting and who are introducing?”
We all know the encouragement of an invitation, feeling validated by a strong introduction from others. It does our soul good. Invitations and Introductions should be a vital component of our leadership character. We need it for ourselves, and others need it from us. It’s especially important as we continue to pave a pathway for women leaders, the invitation to open up our world to others matters. Our introductions of people, opportunities and networking is a key kingdom principle that we all benefit from.
Years of research have proven that when we hear something we like, a burst of dopamine (adrenaline) is released in our brains when we hear something we like. We know that dopamine is a neurotransmitter, and is associated with feelings of joy, pride, satisfaction, and well-being. Giving praise, commending and championing each other builds courage and confidence. As people feel appreciated, respected and recognised for their efforts, it has a powerful and positive effect.
Don’t we all want that feeling? Don’t we all want to be that for each other? At the heart of Kyria’s mission is a desire to champion each other. The Bible is full of counsel for us to encourage each other. Romans 16 is a brilliant example of that. The apostle Paul introduces us to three women (and in fact many others) he has invited into his leadership world. They made a difference in him and he made a difference in them.
Who are these women and what does Paul say about them? Read Romans 16 for yourself and, as you study, discover the rich stories of Phoebe, Pricilla and Junia. But imagine how validated and affirmed they would have felt by Paul’s words. He calls these women “servants of the church”, “worthy of the saints”, “a great help to me”, “fellow workers”, “outstanding”, saying they “risked their lives for me” and he is “grateful for them”.
Our language and affirmation of each other matters, so next time you have an opportunity to introduce someone, stop and think: “How can I honour them through these introductions?’
Today, be encouraged and be an encourager. Invite others to the table, introduce, and open a door for as many women leaders as you can. You’ll be surprised at how much difference it will make, to them, to those they’re introduced to, to the Body of Christ… and to you.
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Amy Summerfield
Amy Summerfield is CEO of Kyria, a leadership network to champion empower and release women into their spheres of influence (kyrianetwork.com), and Head of Development at Skylark International, a network of churches, charities and organisations. From 2015-2020 Amy was senior pastor of Connect Church, Paisley, Scotland. Amy is the co-founder of Pulse Children’s and Youth Ministries. She is a regular conference speaker for women's and leadership conferences. Recently married, Amy moved to live in Hitchin with her husband Matt who leads Zeo Church. She enjoys cooking, baking, dog walking and tea drinking! When not travelling for ministry, she loves spending time in Derbyshire where she grew up.
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