Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, a best-selling author and veteran pastor, directly addresses the role of women in ministry and theological leadership in his new book Never Lost. In a dedicated section titled "Womanist Theology and the Role of Women in Leadership," Richardson draws from decades of pastoral experience to challenge the Church to examine how exclusionary practices weaken its witness.
"For the Black Church to remain a sanctuary of hope and a catalyst for justice," Richardson writes, "it must also deepen its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. This involves intentionally creating spaces where all voices are valued, and all members feel seen and heard." The book frames women's leadership as essential to the spiritual health, moral credibility, and future viability of the Church, arguing that inclusive leadership is a faithful expression of the Gospel's call to justice.
Richardson's theological argument is grounded in his lived experience. For more than fifty years as pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, New York, he has intentionally elevated women into positions of authority. In his earlier memoir, Witness to Grace, Richardson reflects on dismantling gender barriers within church governance, including ordaining women fully. "Unfortunately, many Black churches perpetuate a legacy of female exclusion from ordained leadership in the church, reflective of the broader culture," he wrote previously.
The author draws a direct moral connection between racial and gender injustice, stating, "Sexism is the identical twin of racism. We must reject the many faces of the same demon." This perspective makes Never Lost particularly relevant for theological seminaries, faculty, and students engaged in forming future church leaders. The book offers a substantive resource that bridges academic theology and lived ministry, providing a timely opportunity to consider how leaders are shaped to serve with conviction in a changing cultural landscape.
Never Lost is set for release on February 3, 2026, from Wharton Curtis Press and is currently available for preorder at https://NeverLostBook.com. Rather than approaching women's leadership as a theoretical debate, Richardson presents it as fundamental to the Church's capacity to lead faithfully in complex times. His work challenges institutions to move beyond traditional limitations and embrace the full participation of all members in theological leadership and ministry.
