edited by Martha Spong
Skylight Paths Publishing, Woodstock, Vt. 215 pages
REVIEWED BY LISA LÓPEZ
What’s it like being a woman in ministry?” I hear this question often, phrased in many different ways by curious friends, surprised acquaintances and genuinely thoughtful people of faith. Though more and more women have joined the ranks of Christian clergy in recent years, their unique perspective into the challenges and blessings of professional ministry is only beginning to be heard. Enter “There’s a Woman in the Pulpit.” A vibrant showcase of genuine experience, the book offers a daringly honest and refreshingly gracious window into this world.
While never claiming or intending to be a comprehensive study, it would be difficult to overstate the richness of this volume. Spong curated 68 short reflections,in poetry and prose, from over 50 contributors brought together by the RevGalBlogPals online community. The authors are parish pastors, hospital chaplains, youth ministers, associates, heads of staff and council leaders, serving 15 denominations in four English-speaking countries. Straight and queer, they live in farms, cities and suburbs, navigating life as clergy who are also single women, mothers, wives, daughters, friends, pet owners and pursuers of various talents.
Spong presents these narrative and poetic gems thematically. The six sections highlight the understanding of the call; the sharing of the sacraments; ministry in light of death; unexpected lessons; juggling multiple roles; and ministry outside the confines of the church walls. Yet the importance of each contribution can hardly be defined by its thematic placement. From the very first pages, the volume invites readers into an intimate conversational space where wisdom is shared, meaning is abundant and questions are as likely to be answered as they are to be evoked anew. “What does it mean to be a leader?” these women ask themselves (and us). “What does it look like to follow God’s call authentically and effectively?” Their stories teach us about courage and creativity in the search for faithfulness. We hear of bold choices made as the realities of discrimination and prejudice color the backdrop of spiritual journeys. We hear confessions of theological and pastoral struggles against the edges of institutional practice while these servants seek to bear witness to God’s overwhelming love.
In sacred recollection we are privileged to enter places of deep pain, behold moments of deep joy, revisit reasonable assumptions, consider new ways of owning vocation and self, and laugh heartily at the unpredictable predicaments found at the intersection of the holy and mundane. Ever heard of the “popsicle of salvation”? Just wait until you read this book!
This book is highly recommended for transitioning seminarians. Readers who are clergywomen themselves can expect to feel known and mentored as they make their way through this collection. Those who share a profession with the authors, though not necessarily gender, will most likely learn a thing or two about the ways gender impacts the call and the ways it never will. As for the rest? Let’s just say the deep authority of the human heart is hard to resist, especially when sprinkled with a few surprises.
LISA LÓPEZ serves as the pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Hanover Park, Illinois.
