THEOLOGIAN, speaker, and author of many books, Amy Orr-Ewing offers a series of letters addressed to Jo, an imaginary young female church leader, passing on not merely wisdom and sound advice, but also original theological and biblical ideas.

She speaks from extensive experience in leadership in the (mainly Evangelical) Church, academia, and other institutions, offering words of warning as well as encouragement. Her aim is to help female leaders to grow and, perhaps most especially, not to suffer some of the hardships that she has faced in her long, varied, and impressive career so far.

A fine storyteller, Orr-Ewing also shares her experiences and sobering secrets too. She does not refrain from telling hard truths and rejects naïvety, movingly describing ways in which she fell foul of it in earlier leadership positions. Some of them involve the abuse of (male) power in churches. Her honesty is bracing, her insights are sharp, and, given the depth of reflection, some letters feel like lamentations.

Other letters are rooted in the everyday stresses and strains of balancing the personal, physical, and professional. Reflections on the importance of friendship and loyalty, as well the need to nurture other interests, are creative and powerful.

It is saddening, though not entirely surprising, to find one letter on speaking in public highlighting the importance of wearing comfortable but appropriate clothing; and another reminding Jo to eat at times of pressure. I cannot imagine such advice being given to male church leaders. Crucially, here, however, the author by no means domesticates God.

I was left wondering whether male leaders might equally learn from Orr-Ewing’s letters, not least to gain further insight into the ways in which leadership for female colleagues can be distinctive. She charmingly states that her letters of encouragement have been written in the hope of cheering on Jo and all burgeoning young female church leaders.

Newly ordained female clergy and those moving posts or gaining higher office would do well to imagine themselves as Jo and, indeed, grow in confidence and wisdom.

The Revd Jennie Hogan is a psychotherapist.

Lead Like the Real You: Wisdom for women on finding your voice, pursuing God’s calling, and leading with courage
Amy Orr-Ewing
Brazos Press £14.99
(978-1-58743-606-2)
Church Times Bookshop £13.49