New Book Examines Women in Ministry

Warner Press, Inc., has published a second edition of the book, Called to Minister, Empowered to Serve, which examines the role of women ministers in the Church of God. First compiled for the 1989 National Consultation on Women in Ministry and Mission, the book has been thoroughly updated with current statistics and chapters by several of today’s leading ministers.

“There has long been a precedent for clergywomen in the Church of God,” general editor MaryAnn Hawkins writes. “It is a vital part of our DNA as a reformation movement. This affirmation of gift-based leadership, rather than gender-based leadership, is rooted deeply in our heritage and our theology.”

However, some Church of God congregations now exclude women from pastoral leadership. A study conducted by Dr. Hawkins in 2000–2003 revealed that many women who had applied for pastoral openings were not considered, simply because they were women. “Even more alarming,” she writes, “several local Church of God congregations have, since 2005, moved to change their bylaws to forbid women from serving on pastoral staff or as congregational elders” (p. 159).

Called to Minister, Empowered to Serve includes chapters by Cheryl Sanders, Kimberly Majeski, Arnetta McNease Bailey, Kathi Sellers, and other leading women ministers of the Church of God. They reflect on the history of women evangelists and pastors in the movement, explore scriptures concerning women in church leadership, and consider how women ministers are vital to the future direction of the movement.

The book may be ordered online at http://alturl.com/yfmx2, or by calling Warner Press toll-free: 800-741-7721.