Women Make Difference in Ministry

Faith (March 2007, p. 4, 5, 20)

Women make difference in ministry

By Roscoe Barnes III

This article takes a look at some of the challenges women face in leadership roles in the church. It highlights some of the most common issues confronted by female clergy. The article is based on interviews with several female ministers, some of whom are pastors, who serve congregations in South Central Pennsylvania.

The article shows that women entering the ministry must often deal with loneliness and the lack of acceptance by churches and denominations. They struggle with time management, questions and criticism, and they are sometimes unpopular because of their message. Research shows women in ministry encounter discrimination in many ways. Despite these challenges, however, the women in this article remain hopeful and steadfast in their faith and in their calling as ministers of the Gospel. They are striving to make a difference.