Women in many Islamic contexts inhabit a private and therefore often hidden space. Within this space they are able to exert their agency and facilitate the development of extensive spiritual movements. Women lead, preach, teach, engage in spiritual and social activities, and develop disciples to extend their influence among other women. Christians working in Islamic contexts, in contrast, often assume that, in churches, men and women should meet together. This may inhibit the development of a Christian female space and women’s spiritual leadership. This article describes Muslim women’s spiritual activities and explores the possibility of a more gendered structure for churches in Muslim-background believer (MBB) contexts.
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