When the Minister is a Woman

Two experienced women pastors share their ministry experiences and those of many female colleagues in order to encourage fledgling women ministers and seminary students on their pathways to local church ministry. Debra Harmon and Barbara Rhodes describe the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful in ministry to help women develop realistic expectations as they enter their first church assignments. With humor and energy, the authors look back through their experiences of seeking a position, accepting a call, negotiating equitable salary and benefit packages, accepting the lack of acceptance of some parishioners, finding their particular strengths in ministry, and working within the local church and the local community to extend God's kingdom. Despite all the barriers met and opposition faced, Harmon and Rhodes come out with a tone of joy and enthusiasm for ministry. They show how following God's call has brought difficult times for family and friends, but in the end has proved joyful and rewarding for all. Thus they conclude by welcoming all their sisters to follow God's call no matter the obstacles and find the same joy and fulfillment they have found.