A Woman Called: Piecing Together the Ministry Puzzle

by Sara Gaston Barton

The call to ministry is profound and life-changing, one that women are often forbidden to answer. In this sensitive and moving memoir Sara Barton speaks openly and vulnerably about how the conflict has played out in her life.

In many churches today, Christians assume that women are excluded from the public role of preaching--yet women like Sara Barton experience a call to preach, forcing congregations and individuals to confront a complicated rethinking of tradition and theology. For many, the issues that surface are faught with hopes and fears--hope of what could be in a church that embraces women's voices in the pulpit and throughtout leadership; and fear of violating God-ordained order and losing a scared commitment to Scripture. Other books have addressed the theological arguments in this important debate, and while those works are significant, they tend to be removed from the day-to-day realities involved.
Feeling an inner call to preach as a young girl, Sara found herself perplexed because of her community's strong teachings about the role of women in the church. She has been seeking her way ever since--still convinced she is supposed to preach, still confused by the censure that brings in her religious community, and unwilling to reject that community in return. Sara's story is one of being pulled apart and yet deeply committed. Anyone touched by this issue should take her voice seriously.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Theology, Religion, Memoir

225 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 13, 2012

Reviews

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book from Goodreads First Reads program.

Barton tells the story of her call to be a minister of God's Word and the resistence she has faced from her church, the Church of Christ, as a result. Her church doesn't let woman be ministers. There are many other religious denominations that limit what woman can do. Barton disagress with her churches stance but she won't leave the denomination.

Barton does a good job of setting out both sides of the arguement. I agree with her view but I do think her voice and influence is being stiffled with the Church of Christ. If this isn't her calling to fight the fight with her church then her abilities are being squandered not ministering God's Word to those who would love to hear her preach.

I was most interested in her chapter covering determining what her calling is. I think many Christians struggle with knowing what God wants them to do. I know I do.

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Barton has written an eloquent, elegant, thoughtful, powering and empowering book, one that wrestles with scripture, shares her own story, and calls for the church to recognize the gifts of all God's children. If you have any questions about women in ministry, read this book. If you already welcome women in ministry read this with empathy for one who remains in a community that is largely closed to her voice and yet is willing to be that voice, not only for herself, but for all women.

This isn't a liberal book. It's written from within a conservative context, but is done so in a way that should be received as simply biblical and experiential.

Thanks Sara!!

For a longer fuller review check my blog -- http://www.bobcornwall.com/2012/07/a-...

[Alana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having grown up in a church background, albeit not in a particular denomination, I have never settled for myself what the church as a whole believes or promotes (or should) about women in leadership and in particular as preachers. I was skeptical picking this one up, knowing Mrs. Barton comes from a different theological background than I (she has always been involved in the Churches of Christ) and that many "progressive" groups of today promote an idea simply because it is socially acceptable, not necessarily because it is biblical. However, through the pages of this book, Mrs. Barton slowly breaks down the mental barriers to herself and her perspective and in the end I was amazed at her thoughtfulness, courage and the overall respect she shows toward ALL persons of the body of Christ.

Sara Barton takes her reader through her struggles to find her true calling and her place within a church that often does not value women in any kind of leadership position whatsoever, even passing the offering plate. Some churches follow different extremes when it comes to women and Mrs. Barton does an excellent job of navigating the potential hot spots and divisive issues in her topic as it relates to all church backgrounds in so disarming a fashion that one hardly notices she is doing so. She does not try to argue everyone into her position but merely states her own observations, often through clear, real-life examples that perfectly illustrate her point. She does not claim all the answers or state a doctrine that all churches should follow. She does not demand her rights. Over and over again, she directs Christians back to the gospel: that of unity. Above her desires and beliefs, she pushes for unity within the church body, willing to sacrifice personal comfort and freedoms to further the unity of the church and respect for all people. Above all, she leaves the reader free to do further research on their own and come to their own conclusions. I went from thinking three to four to eventually five of out five stars. Arguably one of the best theological presentations on church unity I have read in the last decade. Well done.

*This book provided free of charge by Goodreads First Reads program.

[Molly Speight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Barton is a humble and intelligent disciple of Christ who is helping her reader navigate the world of women in ministry! I was appreciative of her own story and the section on puzzle pieces, as well as the ending chapter on Westminster chapel (will not add spoilers, I just want to remember this part of the book).

[Tima · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a memoir about Sara Barton. A lady who felt called to preach in a church that doesn't allow the women to do any public speaking. It chronicles her frustrations, her thoughts and her insights into the "minefield" of female ministers and public ministry.

Sara Barton is a good writer. Her style of writing and presentation make for an enjoyable read. She peppered the book with stories and antidotes that softened the message that she was presenting.
I enjoyed reading the book, but finished with a feeling of incompleteness. I know it's a memoir, but I didn't feel like any issues were resolved. The author is from the Church of Christ and uses quite a bit of her memoir to discuss the issues and experiences that she has with her church. I don't have a problem with this, but it might make it harder to relate to some of the things that she talks about if one is unfamiliar with this denomination. All in all, I felt it was a well written book, but just not something I could relate to.

I received this book free of charge from Goodreads in exchange for my honest review.

[Anna Mari · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate the nature of this book - it is difficult when you are called to a ministry position that is not one that women have held in your faith tradition. I even like the tone of the book. But more than half of it is spent on Sara's story/journey and it often feels repetitive. When we move toward then end though, she hits her stride writing about how changes within the church are often slow and encouraging women of today to stay within the faith traditions/denominations they are a part of instead of moving to a more woman-friendly one to help be the change.

Overall, the book has good intentions. And again, I liked how she ended the book.

[Gil Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best work on women in the ministry of preaching and teaching I have come across. Sara does not rely on the winds of culture or political correctness to present her case for women.
My personal convictions on the call of my sisters to preach the work underwent a complete turnaround about 3 years ago. Although our theological reasons on the basis of scripture are different I can fully embrace her work as though been the same as my own.

[Tana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I understand her points and don't disagree with her biblical stance. Her desire to stay true to who she is is very honorable. But I feel like she lacked in the concept of what calling really is. Maybe my idea of calling is the same but what I think is that the pulpit position has been glorified too much this day and age. The good thing about his book is she is not arguing just expressing her life. Good read and I wound recommend it even though its not my usual style

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book as Good reads First read. I honestly thought it would be completely different. This is not my style of book and I just wasn't able to get into it. I understand it is a true self story. This is just my own personal opinion. It is not a reflection of any kind toward the Author in anyway.

[Lauren Horst · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. In this book, Sara Gaston Barton graciously tackles the topic of gender issues in the church. While this can be a touchy subject, she offers her personal experience, as well as scripture, to point out the bigger story of the gospel message, and what that means for women today.

FTC: I received this book free of charge from Goodreads First Reads.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book free through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. Very well written. You can tell she is very passionate about the book and her whole heart went into writing the book. Thank you for sharing the book. A story which shows no matter how difficult you should never give up on you dreams.

[Fabienne Bogle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sara writes a compelling book. Her writing style is engaging and interesting, prompting the reader to stretch their minds and hearts. The overarching message is of love, unity, and movement. Good job of delivering your message Sara!

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is lovely and clearly-written. As a woman who is about to attend seminary and trying to understand how to navigate so many different viewpoints about women in ministry, this book is important. It's a great book for any Christian wondering how to better live in the body of Christ.

[Jo Lillis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful spirit

Insightful spirit

My spiritual sister focused my vision and showed great insight into the roles that women have traditionally filled and broadened my perspection when considering my role in Christ's church today.

[Karen Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well thought out and well written.