What the Church Needs to Know About Christianity Today’s New Leader | Nicole Massie Martin
How is the new leader of Christianity Today bringing her full, authentic self to her new role? And how does her desire to lead with both confidence and humility challenge typical leadership scripts?
In this episode of Hear Women, Tara Beth Leach sits down with Nicole Massie Martin—president and CEO of Christianity Today—to talk honestly about what it means to lead as a woman and as a woman of color in both corporate and ministry contexts. Through their candid conversation, Martin reflects on formative moments when mentors affirmed her calling and when discernment wasn’t a linear process—revealing why her deepest leadership value is a constant dependence on Christ.
As Martin unpacks the realities of stepping into a high-profile Christian leadership role amid cultural tension, she shares why a “crucified” approach to leadership is exactly what the church needs right now. The discussion also highlights Martin’s vision for Christianity Today and her reflections on writing and releasing her book, Nailing It, amid a season of vocational discernment.
If you’re craving a fresh vision for leadership that is adaptive, authentic, and joyful, this episode will empower you to serve those around you with your whole self and from a posture of radical dependence on Jesus.
This episode highlights the following themes:
- How ethnicity and gender shape the leadership journey—and the gift of authenticity
- Developing a leadership ethic that is rooted in dependence, joy, and redemptive purpose
- Why apprenticeship, access, and inclusion are non-negotiable for women to flourish in the church
Links from this episode:
- Learn more about Nicole Massie Martin
- Read Nailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender by Nicole Massie Martin
- Learn more about Christianity Today
- Learn more about Hunter Guy
- Read the transcript here
- Learn more about Hear Women
- Learn more about your hosts, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, Nijay Gupta, and Tara Beth Leach
- Read Redeemer by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young
- Read Tell Her Story by Nijay Gupta
- Read Emboldened by Tara Beth Leach
SPECIAL OFFER | Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPHEAR40 for 40% off and free shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.
SPONSOR | Hear Women is sponsored by Northern Seminary, where thousands of women have been equipped to serve as pastors, practitioners, church planters, and ministry leaders across the globe. Explore your calling and visit seminary.edu to learn more.
Credits:
✅ Producers: Christine Pelliccio Melo, Helen Lee, and Travis Albritton
✅ Research Assistants: Abby Lee and Jazmin Rose
✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts
✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne
✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard
✅ Theme Song: "Organica" by Artax
Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
