Why We're Publishing "Wired to Lead"

Suzanne Nadell grew up in small-town Illinois, the daughter of a pastor in the Independent Christian church movement, a theologically conservative tradition that shares its roots with Chalice’s denomination, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Despite hearing a call to leadership in her church, in her father’s congregation she was blocked from joining in the leadership by the congregation’s narrow vision for who could serve in leadership roles — which is to say, “men only.”

“It was clear that following in my dad’s footsteps was never an option because my church didn’t accept having women in leadership,” she writes. “I vividly remember hearing discussions between my dad and people in our congregation focused on whether it was right for women to work part time, let alone lead men in Sunday school. Fortunately, I did see such leadership as I grew up, but in our church, women were not deacons or elders and certainly not ministers. I quickly realized my church community believed my only options were to be a preacher’s wife or a children’s minister.”

Neither of those options appealed to her. What did appeal to her, though, was journalism. Friday nights included watching 20/20, the ABC news show starring Barbara Walters and Hugh Downs. Journalism became her career goal as a high-school freshman.

As fate would have it, a high-school summer church conference showed her how she could serve her faith while working in a profession other than ministry. James DeForest Murch, president of a college and seminary connected to the Independent Christan church, described Christian education as the “hope of the world,” suggesting that all Christians could contribute to ministry through their professional work. Nadell took that that lesson to heart and filed it away for later. At Milligan University, she pursed a career in journalism, leading her to television newsrooms in Tennessee, Florida, Oklahoma, and Georgia.

And what a career! She has led her broadcast teams to the top of the ratings and dozens of Emmy Awards, regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, and her own Gracie Award, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to electronic media. These are hard-earned and well-deserved honors.

Along the way, in those professional roles, she learned valuable lessons in leadership and ethics. Her journalist’s instincts to connect the dots helped her realize churches should be teaching women many of those same lessons. Years later, Nadell distilled those into the Chalice Press book Wired to Lead: Being the Leader the Church Didn’t Think You Could Be.

In her debut book, she shares her journey of leading in a high-pressure, secular environment. She has learned how to open the door for the next generation of female leaders, how to dismantle unconscious biases, and how to bridge the gender divide in churches and communities. She’s also learned personal care and growth strategies — including the all-too-overlooked need for boundaries and true revitalizing rest.

Nadell calls for churches to support and mentor young women as part of a broader approach to gender and racial justice. She also explores the intersection of faith and career, the weaving of leadership and mentorship, and the importance of just and ethical decision-making as a leader. She writes with an energizing encouragement that “we can get through this.” Need a pep talk? Follow Suzanne on social media, and you’ll find the hope and inspiration you need.

Chalice Press’ long connection with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) means we are accustomed to women in the pulpit. That hasn’t meant equal opportunity. As the Disciples of Christ Historical Society’s website shares, “Though women were ordained among Disciples as early as the late 1880s, they have struggled to achieve equality in ministry.”[1] Approximately 25 percent of Disciples congregations have women ministers. Women serve in key leadership roles throughout the denomination, including the top leadership position of General Minister and President.

As a publisher that seeks to lift up marginalized voices, Suzanne’s proposal caught our attention three years ago, and Chalice Press is eager to share her work on women’s empowerment. As Wired to Lead is published in 2025, decades of gains for diversity, equity, and inclusion are in jeopardy. It’s a timely and urgent reminder that the work must continue, now more than ever.

Gratefully,
Brad Lyons