Formal Education's Impact on Ministry

In this episode of the Expositors Collective Podcast, we are joined by Brenda Leavenworth for a thoughtful and encouraging conversation about theology, leadership, and faithful service in the local church. Brenda is the founder and Director of When She Leads, a global ministry devoted to equipping women who lead and serve through conferences, leadership cohorts, and a podcast focused on Scripture-shaped ministry.

Brenda shares about her own journey of growing in theological confidence and teaching clarity, emphasising that strong theology is not reserved for specialists but is essential for anyone serving God’s people. She reflects on the formative role of careful study, patience, and faithful practice over time, and explains why editing and restraint are acts of love in ministry communication.

The conversation also explores the state of women’s ministry today, including the need for biblically grounded leadership and the danger of treating women’s discipleship as an afterthought. Brenda speaks candidly about leadership transitions, age, and the wisdom of building multigenerational teams that strengthen the church rather than centre it on personalities.

Throughout the episode, Brenda’s heart for Scripture is clear. Her commitment to verse-by-verse teaching, doctrinal depth, and practical application shapes everything from her writing to the vision behind When She Leads. The result is a conversation that challenges listeners to pursue theological depth, steward influence wisely, and serve Christ’s church with humility and faithfulness.

About Brenda Leavenworth

Brenda Leavenworth is a Bible teacher, author, and speaker who has written more than thirty Bible studies, including Far Above Rubies and her most recent collaboration, The Ologies. She holds a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies with an emphasis in Christian Leadership and serves as Department Head of Women’s Ministry and Strategic Leadership at Reliance Church in Temecula, California.

She is also a devoted pastor’s wife, mother of three, and grandmother of ten. Brenda’s life and ministry reflect a steady passion to see women rooted in the Word of God, strengthened by sound doctrine, and equipped to lead and serve faithfully in the context God has placed them.

Resources Mentioned

When She Leads

https://whensheleads.org

WSL: Spiritual Gifts 
https://goodlion.io/podcast/when-she-leads/episode/spiritual-gifts-part-1 

WSL : Rachel Neglia 
https://goodlion.io/podcast/when-she-leads/episode/wsl-ireland-conference-2023-rachel-neglia-insecurity-in-ministry

Haddon Robinson, Biblical Preaching

https://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Preaching-Haddon-Robinson/dp/0310244173

Tim Keller, Preaching: Communicating Faith in an Age of Scepticism

https://www.amazon.com/Preaching-Communicating-Skepticism-Timothy-Keller/dp/1596385537

Connect

For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com 

Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective