Throw Another Pebble on the Pile: One Woman's Leadership Journey in the Church

by Michelle Felice

Should a woman be allowed to lead a church? From hushed conversations to national board rooms, this question is hotly debated in churches across North America.
Michelle Felice left her profession in the medical field, returned to school to attain a master’s degree, and started a new career as a pastor. This fifteen-year journey took her from director of children’s ministry to associate pastor and interim lead pastor. Then an unexpected series of events put her in a position that she had not anticipated—the opportunity to apply for the role of lead pastor.
Experienced. Personable. Trusted. Pastor Michelle possessed everything she needed to do the job, including twenty-three years of relationships built with the church members. It seemed natural to many people that her application would be encouraged, and she be considered a strong candidate . . . until someone read the fine print.
Throw Another Pebble on the One Woman’s Leadership Journey in the Church is an empowering and thought-provoking book that will further the dialogue about this important question. It is a story that will create conversation concerning female leadership in the church, prompt critical thinking, and explore the roadblocks on the path to egalitarianism in the Christian church.

177 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2024

Reviews

[Kim Cheladyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an emotional read and brought me so much healing. I enjoyed the way Michelle shared her story and did not let bitterness become the underlying theme of a hurtful and difficult time. It encourages me to let go and move away from bitterness with my own experiences of inequality within church leadership.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a healing read. I cried when Michelle’s daughter called her on International Women’s Day and acknowledged her work for women. So much in this story was relatable, making me feel less alone in my own church-related pain. This quote specifically, on page 71, “The pile doesn’t go away, but it is tolerable when friends carry the weight of it with you, even if it’s only for a moment”, is how reading this book felt for me.

[Jolie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remembered again that disagreement, criticism or conflict does not have to equal bitterness, or even division. This story was a surprise to me, unveiling the places I’ve avoided conflict because I wrongly equated it with ‘bad’, pushing me into a deeper confidence of faith. I related to so much of this book and I’m proud to call Michelle a friend. Thanks for sharing your story and persisting into goodness and strength.