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Latest News Sep 21, 2022 Imagining Equity The gifts of Christian feminist theology Read More Sep 21, 2022 Meghan Markle is not holding back. Duchess of Sussex has opened up about her personal life. Read More Sep 21, 2022 ARCHETYPES on Spotify Meghan Markle has started a new podcast on Spotify that explores some of the language used to describe women. Read More

January 2026 Panel Event The following resources were shared by panelists at the AWL event "Bible Translations Matter: How the Ways We Read Scripture Shape Our Theology" (January 26, 2026). Event Panelists: Dr. Laura J. Hunt, Dr. Karen Strand Winslow, Dr. Josef Sykora See a video recording of the panel event on the AWL YouTube page HERE . Biblical Interpretation and Translation Presentation Powerpoint : Karen Strand Winslow Elements of Biblical Exegesis (3rd edition) , Michael J. Gorman How the Bible Became a Book: The Textualization of Ancient Israel , William Schniedewind The Word of God in Transition: From Prophet to Exegete in the 2nd Temple Period , William Schniedewind Who Really Wrote the Bible: The Story of the Scribes , William Schniedewind The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Origin of the Bible , Eugene Ulrich The Dead Sea Scrolls Today , James C. VanderKam From Revelation to Canon , James C. VanderKam Gender Equality & Scripture On Gen 3:16: “Parenting in Exile: The Pain-Love of Eve” by Karen Strand Winslow. Priscilla Papers, Vol 39 No 4, Autumn 2025. JuniaProject.com Imagining Equity: The Gifts of Christian Feminist Theology , Karen Strand Winslow Roundup of Resources on Women in Ministry , Laura J. Hunt “8 Reasons to Stop Saying ‘Men’ When We Mean Everyone,” Karl Vaters Critiques of the English Standard Version (ESV) Presentation PowerPoint : Laura J. Hunt Roundup of Concerns with the ESV , Laura J. Hunt ESV analyses , Marg Mowczko The Trinity and Marriage , Marg Mowczko Whitewashing Evangelical Scripture: The Case of Slavery and Antisemitism in the English Standard Version , Samuel L. Perry

Advocates for Women in Leadership (AWL) Free Methodist Church is a group of women leaders in the Free Methodist Church USA (FMCUSA) who are passionate about creating a culture of equality, opportunity, and safety for women in our churches. Advocates for Free Methodist Women in Leadership (AWL) is a group of women leaders in the Free Methodist Church USA (FMCUSA) who are passionate about creating a culture of equality, opportunity, and safety for women in our churches. We’re here to provide everyone in the FMCUSA with the resources to understand our theology and practice regarding the equality of women in the kingdom of God—in value, role, and function. We’re also here to offer a safe space for women to tell their stories of church experience. This site is curated to assure those stories can be told with authenticity and without fear. We hope all can learn from your experiences. You are welcome here whether you are well immersed in egalitarian ideas, desiring information on what the Free Methodist position regarding women is, or questioning what you think about that position. We pray you will find what you need in these pages. Join Our Next Event! PreacHer Sunday VISION The vision of Advocates for FM Women in Leadership is to help lead the Free Methodist Church USA toward an egalitarian culture in its entirety, including marriage and ordination, theory and practice. MISSION Our Mission is to be a healthy biblical community of Free Methodist leaders supporting one another and assisting the Free Methodist Church USA in understanding the societal distinctives of women in the US in order to fully recruit and empower women among our disciples, leaders, groups and churches. Highlighted Resource: On the Feminization of the Church The feminization of the church movement has argued that men in particular are leaving churches because churches and church practices have been feminized. For a response to these assumptions, two articles and a book may be helpful.

< Back ARCHETYPES on Spotify ALW Sep 21, 2022 Meghan Markle has started a new podcast on Spotify that explores some of the language used to describe women. Meghan Markle has started a new podcast on Spotify that explores some of the language used to describe women. The first three are out and available here . Previous Next

Male Advocacy Event In the fall of 2023, AWL invited 4 male FMC elders that we had seen practicing advocacy to speak at our event. More than 50 people came, and this is what happened. For FMC women: If you want to add your thoughts to those of the women at the end: · What is one thing you wish male advocates knew? · How have you seen male advocates effectively making space for you and other women? comments debug "I wish.." "I've seen.." If you're a Free Methodist Woman, add your own response If you're a Free Methodist Woman, add your own response Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

< Back Meghan Markle is not holding back. Sep 21, 2022 Duchess of Sussex has opened up about her personal life. Archetypes , the Duchess of Sussex has opened up about her personal life during intimate conversations centered around gender-specific stereotypes and labels. Read the full article in People: https://people.com/royals/meghan-markle-biggest-revelations-in-archetypes-podcast/ By Skyler Caruso Previous Next

The Month's Events January 2026 Today Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 8:00 PM Bible Translations Matter: How the Ways We Read Scripture Shape Our Theology +1 more 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Upcoming Events No events at the moment

Acerca de Forgiveness and Repair The Full Story In the experience of many women in ministry, when relationships with superiors break down, demands for forgiveness often precede or replace any work towards repair. The resources on this page will clarify and carefully distinguish between the work of apology, the work of forgiveness, and the work of repair and reconciliation. In our experience, if these steps are not carefully distinguished, victims are re-victimized and perpetrators are robbed of the opportunity to repent, grow, and change into more holy people. Power imbalances factor into this conversation as well. We have seen those with power behave in sexist or even abusive ways, stumble their way through a difficult situation without coming to terms with the harm they have caused, and then move on, putting the event out of their minds and evidently hoping and trusting that those they have harmed will do the same. For those without power, however, especially for those who were harmed, those events become flashpoints, clear evidence that those with power are not trustworthy, and those stories continue to circulate as warnings to those navigating the power dynamics in institutions in which we know we are not safe. We have posted information on ways to move forward on some of our other pages. Here we focus first on making amends, and then on forgiveness. We trust that perpetrators who are focused on making amends will do the self-work necessary to center the needs of those who were previously hurt. We trust that those working on forgiving those who have harmed them will come to their own conclusions about whether moving forward means repairing or ending the relationship. We pray that God's Spirit would empower each person to recognize the image of God in themself and in the other/s throughout this difficult process. REPAIR HOW TO BEGIN TO ATONE FOR THE HARM DONE Learn More FORGIVENESS HOW TO BEGIN TO MOVE PAST THE HARM DONE TO YOU Learn More R EPAIR On Repentance and Repair: Making Amends in an Unapologetic World by Danya Ruttenberg Sorry Watch The 5 Apology Languages: The Secret to Healthy Relationships by Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomas Although each of these resources offer a slightly different model, they all include a victim-centered approach that includes: Clarity about the wrong done and its consequences U nderstanding that leads to change Restitution if possible Apologizing without excuses Making different choices Repair FORGIVENESS Forgiveness video by Laur a J. Hunt Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown The Art of Forgiving: When You Need to Forgive and Don't Know How by Lewis B. Smedes We recommend Dr. Smede's work with some hesitation, so trust your own process more than his book. Still, he suggests three useful steps for forgiveness: We rediscover the humanity of the person who hurt us We surrender our right to get even. We begin to wish the person well. Please note that reconciliation is a completely different step, and depends on the commitment of the perpetrator to the work of change. Forgiveness

Book Recommendations The books below are linked to Worldcat which will tell you the closest library that owns a copy. You will find links there to purchase the book from various booksellers. You can also recommend that we add a book to this list using the button below. Recommend a book Empowering Women for Service in the Church These books offer support and practical steps for removing barriers to women's empowerment for God-ordained service at home and in the church. Creating Cultures of Belonging Creating Cultures of Belonging: Cultivating Organizations Where Women and Men Thrive Authors: Beth Birmingham and Eeva Sallinen Simard Starting with both the theological and the statistical reasons to create organizations where women, too, can thrive, these authors write from their experiences in missionary organizations to explain the practical steps required to change organizational culture. They recognize the ways that racial disparities are intertwined with gender disparities, as well. Although written specifically with missionary organizations in mind, the book is eminently applicable to any church or denomination. Beyond the Stained Glass Ceiling Beyond the Stained Glass Ceiling: Equipping and Encouraging Female Pastors Author: Christine A. Smith This book emerged out of the studies conducted by Pastor Smith (initially along with Rev. Kasey Jones). Through surveys, interviews and small groups, women from 9 different free will or autonomous denominations were able to share their stories. From this and widespread further research, Pastor Smith gives women encouragement and advice, as well as warnings, about the path ahead. When Women Lead When Women Lead: Embrace Your Authority, Move Beyond Barriers, and Find Joy in Leading Others Author: Carolyn Moore Rev. Dr. Moore adds something to the conversation of women in church (or any) leadership by positing that we unfairly position women for failure when we fail to notice that they lead differently and in different situations than men. If we force molds written only for men, we fail these women in empowering them to the best extent possible. With much scholarship and data to back her up, she offers a better way. Together in Ministry Together in Ministry: Women and Men in Flourishing Partnerships Author: Rob Dixon One of the best resources we have found so far, this book offers practical steps for developing mixed gender ministries. Not Without a Struggle Not Without a Struggle: Leadership Development for African American Women in Ministry Author: Vashti M. McKenzie After summarizing the background of women in ministry in the first century, Rev. Dr. McKenzie looks at the tradition of women's leadership in Africa and African American culture, describes leadership approaches both in the Bible and today, and ends with practical suggestions as well as inspiring letters from Black women in leadership today to the next generation. Buried Talents Buried Talents: Overcoming Gendered Socialization to Answer God's Call Author: Susan Harris Howell After describing the messages girls absorb from our culture that hinder them from pursuing their call as adult women, the book provides direction for overcoming these barriers. An important book for both men and women. Redeeming Power Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church Author: Diane Langberg A biblical examination of the use and misuse of power in the church On Repentance and Repair On Repentance and Repair: Making Amends in an Unapologetic World Author: Danya Ruttenberg A rabbinical process for repentance with much to teach us today. Helpful for deciding how to make repairs for past sinful behaviors marginalizing women. God's Protection of Women God's Protection of Women: When Abuse is worse Than Divorce Author: Herb Vander Lugt A biblical argument in favor of divorce in cases of abuse. The link allows you to download a free copy. Athena Rising Athena Rising: How and Why Men Should Mentor Women Authors: W. Brad Johnson, David Smith Tools, techniques and reminders for how and why men should mentor women . Note that the military language and some assumptions of men’s (weaponized) incompetence are off-putting, but this book offers many sound principles. You can get a list of the book's principles here . Developing Female Leaders Developing Female Leaders: Navigate the Minefields and Release the Potential of Women in Your Church Author: Kadi Cole Great help particularly for men who want to develop women leaders. However, the wonderful material is mixed in with some problematic opinions or advice. Biblical and Practical Support for Women in the Church These books analyze both the Bible and US culture around the topic of empowering women in the church. I'm Still Here I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness Author: Austin Channing Brown A first-person description of the white evangelical church's ongoing barriers to the beloved community. Liberating Tradition Liberating Tradition: Women's Identity and Vocation in Christian Perspective Author: Kristina LaCelle-Peterson This book provides biblical support and discussion for a liberating place for women in ministry and marriage. Required reading for any pastor who works in a denomination that ordains women. See a detailed review here . Imagining Equity Imagining Equity: The Gifts of Christian Feminist Theology Author: Karen Strand Winslow A deft reclamation of the word "feminist" and an analysis of the place of the marginalized in the Bible that undergirds the empowerment of women today. This Holy Calling This Holy Calling: Daily Wisdom from Women in Ministry Authors: Wesleyan Holiness Women Clergy Six months of daily reflections by and for women in ministry. Past and Present These books offer histories, both recent and from early Christianity, to help us understand the roles women took in the past and how our current church culture was shaped. The Making of Biblical Womanhood The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth Author: Beth Allison Barr The fairly recent history of the marginalization of women in the church I Bring the Voices of My People I Bring the Voices of My People: A Womanist Vision for Racial Reconciliation Author: Chanequa Walker-Barnes A clear-eyed look at the history of racism in the evangelical movement, its effects on African-American women in particular, and their importance in the journey towards reconciliation. Stained Glass Ceilings: How Evangelicals Do Gender and Practice Power Stained Glass Ceilings: How Evangelicals Do Gender and Practice Power Author: Lisa Weaver Swartz For Free Methodists in particular, this comparison of the practices of gender and power at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with those at Asbury Theological Seminary reveals some of the less overt patterns that continue to bar women from flourishing in the FMC. Jesus and John Wayne Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation Author: Kristin Kobes Du Mez The history of the worship of power and masculinity in white evangelical churches. Daughters of the Church Daughters of the Church: Women and Ministry from New Testament Times to the Present Authors: Ruth Tucker, Walter L. Liefeld Setting the record straight on the vitality of women's leadership from the early church to today. Nobody's Mother Nobody’s Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament Author: Sandra L. Glahn Dr Glahn has made much sense out of Paul’s inexplicable statement in Timothy about women being saved through childbirth. She also explores the reasons Paul probably included the verses on women learning in silence. Drawing on evidence regarding the Artemis cult and its effects in Ephesians, she presents an excellent case. Biblical Interpretation and Theology Particularly important for those who preach, these resources raise awareness of the importance and pitfalls of certain texts and theologies for women's Shalom. Womanist Midrash Womanist Midrash: A Reintroduction to the Women of the Torah and the Throne Author: Wilda Gafney Using her sanctified imagination, the author gives us stories, prayers and laments for each women of the Hebrew Bible, named and unnamed. She Who Is She Who Is: The Mystery of God in Feminist Theological Discourse Author: Elizabeth A. Johnson A biblical theology of God from a woman's perspective. Women's Bible Commentary Women's Bible Commentary, 3rd edition Authors: Carol A. Newsom, Sharon H. Ringe, Jacqueline E. Lapsley Written by women scholars, this commentary offers the same interpretation of the Bible as any other, but does not omit to discuss aspects of the text of relevance to women. Also Recommended: Maelstrom - Carolyn Custis James The Cross and Gendercide - Elizabeth Gerhardt Women, Abuse and the Bible - Catherine Clark Kroeger and James R. Beck

Preac H er Sunday Sunday, March 1st, 2026 The Free Methodist Church ordains women. Sure, you know that. But does your congregation? The next PreacHer Sunday will be Sunday, March 1st, 2026. PreacHer Sunday is the first Sunday of each quarter. Other PreacHer Sunday dates for 2026 will be: June 7, September 6, and December 6. FMC women have difficulty getting appointed to senior positions, and when they do, large segments of the church often leave. One reason is that they never see a woman in leadership—or in the pulpit. We need to change that. You can’t accept what you’ve never imagined. You can’t imagine what’s never been. You can’t be what you don’t see. PreacHer Sunday is a joint initiative of the FM network Advocates for Women in Leadership and the Strategic Catalyst for Love Driven Justice. The goal is for every church in the FMC USA to have a woman deliver the main service message at least four times a year. AWL is ready to assist your church in accomplishing this goal in several ways: Suggestions for different ways this goal can be accomplished Suggestions of women who can preach/teach in your church A list of qualities you might look for in women in your congregation who can teach and preach Support for women in your congregation who have gifts of preaching but might be hesitant to speak on a Sunday morning Resources to teach your congregation about the importance and biblical welcome of women in ministry Contact us here to get started.

Video Corner Watch these videos to learn more about women in ministry, egalitarian marriages, the history of women in Christianity, or anti-sexism. To see more resources organized by topic, go to this page . Humility We often expect humility to look like stepping aside, away from the spotlight, and giving authority, credit, or an assignment to someone else. In this video, Dr. Christena Clevalend explains what humility looks like from a marginalized position. Does God say, "I hate divorce"? Malachi 2:15 is sometimes cited out of context, used to prolong marriages that have long ceased to be places of Shalom. In this video, Gretchen Baskerville takes us through this passage and gives us its context. Why do women preach? When so many churches oppose women preachers, why do some of us insist on preaching anyway? In this compilation, a series of women pastors explain. The Pushback What happens when women preach? Sometimes there is pushback. Here are examples from the NC Synod of the ELCA. If you ever wondered what microaggressions are, these are examples. Headship in Ephesians Laura J. Hunt goes through the meaning of the word for "head" in the ancient world and its uses throughout Ephesians to explain the meaning of headship in Eph 5:23 (CEB): "A husband is the head of his wife like Christ is head of the church, that is, the savior of the body." Adventures in Sexist Hermeneutics 1 Timothy 2:12 is often used to prohibit women's preaching. In this video, Jamin Hübner takes us through the principles of good hermeneutics (interpretation) and shows us the problems with this understanding. The powerpoint for this talk is here . The Theology of Gender In this series of 11 videos, Ron Pierce teaches a course on the Theology of Gender at Biola University. Each video is approximately 90 minutes long. The first video starts here; click here for the whole playlist. Theology of Suffering Because Christians follow a suffering Messiah, suffering itself is sometimes held up as virtuous. Such a theology has historically failed to motivate Christians to alleviate suffering, for abused women among others. Much has been written on different models of suffering. In her book, Race & Rhyme , Love Sechrest writes, "Paul emphasizes suffering that is endured--not embraced--as part of the cost of following the way of Jesus in ministering life and liberation to others in this life." Raquel A. St. Clair writes about suffering in Call and Consequences: A Womanist Reading of Mark , summarized here . This video, by Laura J. Hunt, offers a few thoughts. The Danger of Civility Church leaders sometimes dismiss critics, labeling them "angry," "bitter," or "too demanding." In this video Christena Cleveland explains the importance of listening to those who do not always make us comfortable in the way they present their information. Intersectionality In recent years, the term "intersectionality" has come under attack. Watch in this video how Kimberlé Crenshaw, the author of the term, explains why we need a term that allows us to address the way sexism and racism are not just overlayed on top of each other but manifest differently in various women's lives. What Were You Wearing? To help our culture move away from victim blaming, this display demonstrates that sexual assault is not about uncontrolled lust but about expressing power. Therefore, women's clothing is irrelevant to this particular discussion. Everyday Sexism A quick 2-minute video with examples of small changes you can make that will have a big impact. Listening to Michal Rev. Dr. Kristina LaCelle-Peterson takes us through the story of Michal in a way that values her contribution and reminds us to listen well. Forgiveness An overview of helpful ways to define forgiveness. For more, see the resources listed here . Lived Experience Using volunteer actors to protect the identity of the women involved, this movie allows Free Methodist women to tell their stories in their own words. Rev. Dr. Roberta Mosier-Peterson explains and narrates.

Abuse and #MeToo See the resources below for understanding, preventing, and responding to abuse in the church. To begin with, the following phrases should be avoided at all cost! Practices to Avoid Cycle of Abuse: When an Abuser Uses the Church by Center for Family Violence Prevention; church version by Kaitlin Shetler How the Misuse of Matthew 18 Bullies Abuse Survivors Into Silence by Russell Meek Why Adult Victims of Clergy Sexual Abuse Are Not to Blame by Mark Scheffers What Were You Wearing? Exhibit at DSU dispels myths on sexual assault (video) 4 Problems with Andy Savage’s Apology by Ashley Easter She's Not That into You : how men overrate women's interest How Clergy Sexual Misconduct Happens: A Qualitative Study of First-Hand Accounts by Diana R. Garland & Christen Argueta Resources for Addressing Abuse Resources from GRACE: Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment The Mend Project . Many resources, but particularly check out their "Tools for Pastors" on their Tools + Resources page. History of Violence Checklist : an eye-opening list of behaviors that constitute abuse Abuse Prevention Healthy Boundaries videos (English only) and workbooks (English and Spanish). Many other resources are also available through this database of resources on gender-based violence . What You in the Congregation Need to Know about Clergy Misconduct (English and Spanish). How To Raise Strong Girls (and Boys!) in an Age of #MeToo by Jill M. Richardson A Tale of Two Rapes: What Tamar and Bathsheba Teach Us About Power, Consent, and Sexual Violence by Erin Moniz Understanding Sexual Abuse By a Church Leader or Caregiver by the Mennonite Central Committee See also videos on our video page , such as: Theology of Suffering The Danger of Civility Intersectionality Some of our book recommendations will also provide best practices to recognize and avoid abuse.