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

Preac H er Sunday (The first Sundays of March, June, September, and December) The Free Methodist Church ordains women. Sure, you know that. But does your congregation? The next PreacHer Sunday will be Sunday, December 6, 2026. PreacHer Sunday is the first Sunday of each quarter. PreacHer Sunday 2027 dates: March 7, June 6, September 5, and December 5. 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.

UPCOMING EVENTS We are working on our 2027 event schedule. Stay tuned for more information! PAST EVENTS To see recordings of recent AWL events, check out our YouTube page:

< 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

< 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

< Back Imagining Equity Daniel Williams Sep 21, 2022 The gifts of Christian feminist theology Summary:'Christian feminist theology challenges traditional theology and church practices that have restricted half of God's people from serving Go and the church as priests, pastors, teachers, and baptizers. this book offers a constructive argument and biblical examples to suggest a dynamic adaptation and revision of customs in narratives, prophecy, and wisdom, including especially the incarnation and in Jesus's life and teaching. After carefully defining "feminism" and examining the biblical text, the author emphasizes that outsiders and "othered" peoples are represented in the Bible as loved and used by God, even though the privileged have actively discriminated against them and continue to do so both in and out of ecclesial structure. Christian feminists seek to find, listen to, and raise the voices of women and others' experiences through diverse means, in order to contribute to the spread of the gospel, redemption, and justice for all.' Karen Strand Winslow (Author), United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry (U.S.) (Issuing body) Previous Next

Teaching Opportunities for FMCUSA As part of our work, we're providing the Center for Pastoral Formation with names of women who would like to be considered for teaching opportunities for FMCUSA at the national level. If you would be interested in being included in that list, please send your name, contact information, current appointment, educational credentials (minimum of master’s degree required), relevant experience, and topics of interest to advocatesforfmwomen@gmail.com We also need help vetting resources. The following books need review: Keeping the Faith by Marie Fortune Making Christianity Manly Again: Mark Driscoll, Mars Hill Church, and American Evangelicalism by Jennifer McKinney Email Us

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

How To's Whether you want to better recognize sexism or to put practices in place that promote balanced leadership, the articles below can help. Also check out our book recommendations . What does sexism look like? It's Time to Start Recognizing Sexism in the Church by Janel Apps Ramsey The Subtle Hazing of Women in Ministry by Jill M. Richardson Becoming a Champion of Women: One Pastor’s Journey by Larry Walkemeyer Why Hiring Women is Not Enough: Tokenism and the "Problem" Woman of Colour by Kira Page The Problem When Sexism Just Sounds So Darn Friendly... by Melanie Tannenbaum The Ambivalent Sexism Inventory : Can you recognize the different faces of sexism? We Are Feminine (But We Won’t Fit In Your Box) by Tara Beth Leach The "Feminization" of the Church by Kristen Rosser The abrasiveness trap: High-achieving men and women are described differently in reviews by Kieran Snyder A Jesus for Real Men: What the new masculinity movement gets right and wrong by Brandon O'Brien Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders? by Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic 3 Female Ghosts that Haunt the Church by Jen Wilkin Roundup of Concerns with the ESV Women Rising: The Unseen Barriers by Herminia Ibarra, Robin J. Ely, and Deborah M. Kolb Organizational Resistance to Women in Ministry by Edward C. Lehman. Email AWL for full article . How can we support women and build egalitarian environments? Local Church Assessment of Women's Full Inclusion Creating Discussion Spaces Where Women Are Heard by Jill M. Richardson Raising Up Allies: A Standardized Pathway for Developing Men into Allies to Women by Rob Dixon If you would rather listen to an audio version of this material, see Becoming an Ally: A Roadmap for Men Who Aspire to Advocate for Women . How to Find a Church that Empowers Women by Ruth Martin Would someone looking for such a church choose yours? The Billy Graham Rule, or Why Men in Ministry Need to Meet with Women Roundup Seventeen Resources on Women and Men in Mutual Leadership by Chris Morton How to Become a Church that Welcomes Women Pastors by Jill M. Richardson Learning from My Mistakes: Being Intentional about Practicing Egalitarianism by Charles M. Metcalf 9 Ridiculously Practical Ways for Male Leaders to Empower Female Leaders in the Church by J. R. Briggs Caring for the Mothers in Our Midst: The Church’s Responsibility 8 Reasons to Stop Saying ‘Men’ When We Mean Everyone by Karl Vaters Interrupting Sexism at Work: What Drives Men to Respond Directly or Do Nothing? (Report) by Negin Sattari, PhD , Emily Shaffer, PhD , Sarah DiMuccio, PhD , Dnika J. Travis, PhD Plus a couple of suggestions from AWL: Make your presenters list as diverse as you want your audience to be. Let Women Ask the First Question in Q & A and Discussion Meetings: How To's for Women in Ministry Six Tips for Taking Center Stage by Jill M. Richardson No Need to Downplay Your Leadership by Jill M. Richardson "Tiara Syndrome" Do you have a tendency to put your head down, work hard, and hope someone will eventually notice and reward you with promotion? Some of us do, too! Here's what that is, and how to do something different. See also videos on our video page , such as: Everyday Sexism Lead Stories and websites such as CBE International and The Junia Project will all have lots of help and support .

Hello On April 27, we met to talk about telling our stories. The stories of our journeys into ordination and into leadership in the church are important. Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes points out that we need to have places where we can tell those stories without having to worry about someone else’s feelings, where we can simply and honestly feel our own. So—think about your stories and the places you have and have not been able to tell them. What were the barriers? How is telling those stories important to you? Have other people tried to tell your story, and how has that gone? Have you tried to tell your story and what was the result? Who Tells Your Story? Jill Richardson's blog post on Telling Our Stories Laura Hunt's sermon on Telling Our Stories "Seriously?" Men try to tell women's stories Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's talk: "The Danger of a Single Story"--the rest of the story Holy Calling: Daily Wisdom from Women in Ministry Submit Story for AWL Blog Anonymous posts on our blog are ways to let the FMC know about some of the injustices in our midst without threatening people's positions, careers, or futures. Who Tells Your Story?

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.

Discouragement Sometimes, it’s hard to tell whether our discouragement is related to sexism or not. There’s no sign that clearly announces: You’re discouraged because of ongoing sexism! or instead You’re discouraged because it’s February! So we have included resources that address both. Resources to Face Discouragement Wh at To Say : CBE has a whole series of articles that will give you the tools to respond to discouragement that can come from the people around you. Grit: The power of passion and perseverance Leaving a high-flying job in consulting, Angela Lee Duckworth took a job teaching math to seventh graders in a New York public school. She quickly realized that IQ wasn't the only thing separating the successful students from those who struggled. Here, she explains her theory of "grit" as a predictor of success. AWL is aware that Angela has a book as well. Feel free to check it out! Contemplative Practices Contemplation has long been a part of Christianity. Here are two websites where you can access resources to learn Christian meditation or to find a spiritual director: Soul Formation Transforming Center Note that we have chosen two centers that have benefited by and provided help for many Free Methodists.