Women in Ministry: Questions and Answers in the Exploration of a Calling

Does Scripture exclude women from full participation in all forms of Christian ministry simply on the basis of gender? What insights can the churchs rule of faith theology Scripture Christian history and testimonies give women and men exploring this important issue today? In many Christian congregations and college classrooms debates over the ordination and ministry of women create hurtful and debilitating divisions among believers. This new book by Shannon Smythe leans into those inhospitable places by inviting readers into a process of discernment that intends to lead them and women especially into a fresh awareness of their sacred calling to a ministry of the gospel. In Women in Ministry Smythe presents a carefully curated collection of thoughtful answers to common questions asked by those investigating this topic inviting them to share in the communal practice of studying scripture together in dialogue with the churchs theological traditions and the testimonies of faithful women. Readers are asked to reflect in deeply personal ways upon the truth they have found in their study which then enables the Spirit to direct (or redirect) them forward in the ways of God. Shannons accessible practical and theologically astute writing on women in ministry has served as a vital conversation partner for many of our students over the years. This new version amplifies the dialogue and creates space to wrestle with this question in light of Scripture theology tradition and experience. Its catechetical format actively engages the reader its personal testimonies of faithful women bring theological abstractions to life and its questions prompt authentic reflection. What a gift! --Celeste M. Cranston Director Center for Biblical and Theological Education Seattle Pacific University Seattle WA In Women in Ministry Shannon Smythe gives us a comprehensive intelligent and thoughtful guide to the topic of women in church leadership. Biblical scholarship and commentary are interwoven with personal testimony and historical biography to give readers a broad base from which to understand this important topic. I will recommend this book to every seminarian I can--both men and women! --Traci Smith pastor Northwood Presbyterian Church San Antonio TX A must-read for Christians committed to digging down to the bedrock on the issue of women in ministry. Smythe asks the right questions and offers thoughtful and accessible answers. Perfect for church and classroom settings. --Priscilla Pope-Levison Professor of Theology Seattle Pacific University Seattle WA Shannon Nicole Smythe is an ordained ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and independent scholar in the field of systematic theology. She lives with her family in Bellingham Washington.