Women In Ministry
Since 1958, the Church of the Brethren has granted women "full and unrestricted rights in ministry." Currently, in the Church of the Brethren, we have a unique situation in which women are serving in the highest denominational positions. It is important to celebrate this fact, and recognize the genuine changes that have taken place.
However, the achievement of a few women in important positions does not remedy the fact that women continue to experience discrimination and resistance to their ministry because of their gender. There continues to be a climate that subtly hinders, challenges, questions and silences women in ministry. While women can find positions in churches, many churches are simply unavailable to women. As you can see in the Ministry Statistics box on the right, only 13% of working pastors in the church were ordained women. It is a sobering experience for many women to read through church "profiles" and find that certain churches explicitly state they will not hire a woman. In congregations with multiple ministerial staff, it is rare for the senior pastor to be female and even more rare for more than one to be female. Women seminary students often report their despair or fears about finding a place that will accept their ministry, and many opt for non-traditional ministry settings that are more accepting of women.
As you consider these facts, the following questions can be used to promote discussion and dialogue on this issue.
Since 1958, the Church of the Brethren has granted women "full and unrestricted rights in ministry." Currently, in the Church of the Brethren, we have a unique situation in which women are serving in the highest denominational positions. It is important to celebrate this fact, and recognize the genuine changes that have taken place.
However, the achievement of a few women in important positions does not remedy the fact that women continue to experience discrimination and resistance to their ministry because of their gender. There continues to be a climate that subtly hinders, challenges, questions and silences women in ministry. While women can find positions in churches, many churches are simply unavailable to women. As you can see in the Ministry Statistics box on the right, only 13% of working pastors in the church were ordained women. It is a sobering experience for many women to read through church "profiles" and find that certain churches explicitly state they will not hire a woman. In congregations with multiple ministerial staff, it is rare for the senior pastor to be female and even more rare for more than one to be female. Women seminary students often report their despair or fears about finding a place that will accept their ministry, and many opt for non-traditional ministry settings that are more accepting of women.
As you consider these facts, the following questions can be used to promote discussion and dialogue on this issue.
- Brainstorm reasons why female seminary students experience despair and fear about entering ministry. What are the subtle messages that hinder and silence women in ministry?
- According to Galatians 3:28, becoming part of the Christian community is to leave behind the hierarchies of inferior and superior roles. How does this scripture relate to women in ministry? How does this relate to your local church or the Church of the Brethren denomination?
- Talk about women you know who are in ministry. What skills, expertise and strengths does she bring? Have you ever had a female pastor at your church? Discuss your experience.
- If you prefer a male pastor or oppose women in ministry, discuss why you are uncomfortable with women ministers? Invite others to respond and offer other perspectives.
- Since the Church of the Brethren officially approves the ordination of women, do you feel responsible to create an atmosphere that is welcoming of women to participate fully in leadership? Why?
- If you support women in ministry, discuss various reasons why there is resistance to women in ministry? Brainstorm ways to respond to this resistance.
- Invite a female pastor or seminary student to talk with you about her experience of being a woman in ministry.
- Are there things that your church could do to increase a welcoming environment for women and girls who are interested in church leadership? What things do you do well? What could be improved?
Ministry Statistics
in the Church of
the Brethren
Last updated August 2001
2000
ordained men and women:
- 1700 men, 85%
- 300 women, 15%
1190 ordained men and women serving in pastoral roles:
- 1035 men, 87%
- 155 women, 13%
401 licensed ministers:
- 289 men, 72%
- 112 women, 28%
162 licensed ministers serving in pastoral roles:
- 137 men, 85%
- 25 women, 15%
Source: Church of the Brethren Ministry Office
From the Church of the Brethren Ministry
Office
- 2008 General Board Resolution on 50 Years of Women's Ordination in the Church of the Brethren (pdf)
- 1999 Resolution on Women in Ministry
- 1999 Ministerial Leadership Paper (official polity and procedural document for ordained and licensed ministry in the CoB)
- In Our Midst: Ministerial Leadership (session two of this excellent four-part study is about gender equality in set-apart ministry)
