Description: The story of women's ministry is longer and far more varied than most people imagine. This book tells the story of women's ministry in the Free Churches, and looks at its impact on the ways we worship and live out our Christian lives. Women have ministered in garrets and gutters, at home and on the mission field. Today, women are fully engaged in ministry within our multicultural society, bringing a diversity of voices to match the diversity of the world in which we live. Six well-known contributors who are themselves involved in the story of women's ministry explore issues of leadership and authority, preaching and worship, global perspectives, the relation to feminist theology and the ecumenical setting. Their contributions are complemented by the voice of experience. Women from varied backgrounds tell their own stories of being called to a ministry that sometimes doesn't fit, of wrestling with the traditions that have nurtured their faith and that can put obstacles in their way. Here we see something of the variety and of the rich texture of women's ministries in the contemporary church. Some of the women represented here have found their journey to ministry uncomplicated. Others have traveled long and painful roads, meeting opposition and hostility. Many have moved from trying to be ""one of the boys"" to the recognition that their gender can have an influence on their ministry. The stories interact with the articles, bringing many lively and dramatic voices to the telling of ""our story."" Endorsements: ""In Britain the question of women's ordination has been so focused on the Anglican dilemma that its much longer story in the so-called Free Churches has generally been overlooked. Here now is history, theology, and personal story, various voices from that other experience--a significant addition to the literature "" Frances Young, Methodist minister and formerly Professor of Theology in Birmingham University ""This book will inspire and humble in equal measure, for it tells out a tale of heroism and courage, relating from a theological and historical perspective how women have struggled--and continue to struggle--for acceptance as ordained ministers of Word and Sacrament in the Free Churches. An authoritative and uplifting account."" Lavinia Byrne, Chaplain to the Mayor of Wells, Somerset. 'The Free Churches have a story to tell about the ministry of women. In these essays and stories some of our women ministers begin to tell it. Those who have felt the call of God on their lives cannot fail to be moved by their stories and stimulated by their thinking. This book is a valuable contribution to the shaping of the church of the future.' David Cornick, General Secretary, the United Reformed Church. About the Contributor(s): Janet Wootton ministered in rural and inner-city churches for over twenty-five years before taking up the post of Director of Studies for the Congregational Federation. She is a writer, editor, and speaker in the fields of worship, mission, and feminist theology.
