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There's a Woman in the Pulpit: Christian Clergywomen Share Their Hard Days, Holy Moments and the Healing Power of Humor
Be informed and inspired, delighted and supported, encouraged and entertained by stories and prayers from the unique perspectives of clergywomen. ''In ministry, we constantly balance the sacred and the ordinary, juggling the two as expertly as we manage a chalice and a [baby] bottle. Even as we do things as simple as light the candles, set the table, break the bread and pour the wine, we invite people into a holy moment ?�. The women [in this book] not only have a wellspring of deep wisdom, but they also have the ability to dish out their knowledge with side - aching humor ?�. I am thrilled that their great wisdom and intelligence will be bound into the pages that I can turn to, lend and appreciate for years to come.'' - from the Foreword by Rev. Carol Howard Merritt Learn - and laugh - with these women of the church, bound together by a deep commitment to ministry, as they reveal what it really means to be a woman in the pulpit. Over fifty clergywomen representing fourteen denominations share the details of their intimidating balancing act - juggling the isolating expectations of perfection from their congregations and the shared human realities of everyday life. Intended for laypeople, women hearing a call to ministry and clergy of all denominations, these stories and prayers will resonate with, challenge, encourage and amuse anyone who has a passion for their work and faith.
240 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2015
16 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 9, 2015
Full disclosure: I wrote one essay for this book, I am friends with well over half the writers, and I serve on the board of RevGalBlogPals.
I loved every page of this book. Not only because I hadn't read anyone else's essays (though I knew some of the people were writing them), and not only because I could hear the voices of people I know and love. This book is full of truth and beauty, love for God and for this calling, and hope.
Sometimes being a pastor is a much less hopeful experience than one might think. To see so much of it in these pages is a gift, a reminder of the wondrous privilege (and the hilariousness, and the trauma, and the presence of God in all of it) of this life and work.
This book is for everyone--church goers, leaders, pastors, seminarians, friends and family, etc. It's a window into faith and life; a very particular window that offers a most beautiful prospect.
Thank you, fellow RevGals and blogpals, for years of companionship, support, challenge...here's to many more beautiful feet joining the circle through this proclaiming of the good news.
PS: everyone must, upon receiving this book, immediately read the following essays. Don't worry that it's out of order. Just trust me, start here. "Balls"..."Queer"..."Preaching Ahead of Yourself"..."Through the Eyes of a Child".."Who I Am is not What I Did"..."For Some Reason"..."Life Disrupted"..."the Weight of Ash"..."What Are You Looking For?" Then don't stop because the other 43 are amazing too.
I loved every page of this book. Not only because I hadn't read anyone else's essays (though I knew some of the people were writing them), and not only because I could hear the voices of people I know and love. This book is full of truth and beauty, love for God and for this calling, and hope.
Sometimes being a pastor is a much less hopeful experience than one might think. To see so much of it in these pages is a gift, a reminder of the wondrous privilege (and the hilariousness, and the trauma, and the presence of God in all of it) of this life and work.
This book is for everyone--church goers, leaders, pastors, seminarians, friends and family, etc. It's a window into faith and life; a very particular window that offers a most beautiful prospect.
Thank you, fellow RevGals and blogpals, for years of companionship, support, challenge...here's to many more beautiful feet joining the circle through this proclaiming of the good news.
PS: everyone must, upon receiving this book, immediately read the following essays. Don't worry that it's out of order. Just trust me, start here. "Balls"..."Queer"..."Preaching Ahead of Yourself"..."Through the Eyes of a Child".."Who I Am is not What I Did"..."For Some Reason"..."Life Disrupted"..."the Weight of Ash"..."What Are You Looking For?" Then don't stop because the other 43 are amazing too.
April 28, 2015
so richly written and honest, with a variety of voices and experiences.
May 14, 2015
I love this book.
April 5, 2018
I’m a young female clergy person and in the post Holy Week fog I picked this book up at the local library on Easter Monday. It’s Easter Thursday and I’ve finished it - these stories were the resurrection I needed in this season of life and ministry. I’m going to purchase it to add to my personal library because there is no doubt that there will be another season of life and ministry that I will need these stories filled with holy truth.
November 27, 2019
This book offers insights into the lives ofChristian clergywomen and their commitment and Spiritual strength from within, others observations and possible too often criticism from both men and women. The cuts across 15 different denominations and and spreads humor and sadness of their call to the ministry. Enlightening and shows the reward of their fortitude to overcome and bring others to a closer faith in God.
July 5, 2015
Disclaimer (joyfully claimed): I wrote one of the essays in this book of essays by women clergy.
This is the the book I wish had been available when I went to seminary, back when I was very certain that I was not called to pastoral ministry. Even before that, I wish that women clergy had been this visible and open with their stories when, as a young child, I outright dismissed the voice in my head that whispered, "You could do what that (male) pastor is doing."
There's A Woman in the Pulpit was destined to be precious to me because many of the authors are friends, because they inspire me, and because I got add my voice to theirs. They are, in real life, as unique, authentic, and appealing as are their stories in this book. In these stories, they share what the pastor life looks like, and also the myriad ways that God nudges and calls and promises and holds. As such, this book is an invitation to awareness of the Holy in what looks like an ordinary day (or life).
There is good news in this book for clergy, for faithful church-goers and for those who would never (either one). There is good news here for those who are struggling to find God and for those who are celebrating God enthusiastically. "There's a woman in the pulpit" ready to walk with you.
This is the the book I wish had been available when I went to seminary, back when I was very certain that I was not called to pastoral ministry. Even before that, I wish that women clergy had been this visible and open with their stories when, as a young child, I outright dismissed the voice in my head that whispered, "You could do what that (male) pastor is doing."
There's A Woman in the Pulpit was destined to be precious to me because many of the authors are friends, because they inspire me, and because I got add my voice to theirs. They are, in real life, as unique, authentic, and appealing as are their stories in this book. In these stories, they share what the pastor life looks like, and also the myriad ways that God nudges and calls and promises and holds. As such, this book is an invitation to awareness of the Holy in what looks like an ordinary day (or life).
There is good news in this book for clergy, for faithful church-goers and for those who would never (either one). There is good news here for those who are struggling to find God and for those who are celebrating God enthusiastically. "There's a woman in the pulpit" ready to walk with you.
June 25, 2015
This is one of my new favorite books and I will be buying it for every clergy woman I have the opportunity to give a gift to. I love 95% of the essays, and liked the other 5%. I do not actively re-read books because there are so many new books in the world to get to, but I guarantee that this one will become well-worn. I want to know each of these women, because I believe that we become like those we surround ourselves with. I'm gushing, but this book is great!
May 6, 2015
Whether I knew the essayist or not, I recognized the same essence in them as myself - a woman following a call to be fully human in the world. These just happened to be pastors. Genuine and honest.
April 23, 2015
Read this book! Here's my full review: http://theblueroomblog.org/they-wrote...
June 19, 2021
An eye-opening look at life for women with varied backgrounds and interests who serve as clergy in Christian churches, this collection of essays, narratives, poetry and prayers brings their experiences to life. It was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
April 21, 2021
This book should be required reading for every woman seminarian!
February 20, 2022
3.75 stars
Mom
Mom
October 6, 2022
Uplifting, insightful, thoughtful, funny and surprising.
March 3, 2017
This is a book of short essays written by clergywomen from different denominations in a few countries. As a clergywoman I could relate and a few times I had, "glad I'm not the only one" moments. I would read one or two before going to bed. Great read for those whom are clergy or want to know what our world is like.
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May 17, 2015When I started blogging three years ago, I went looking for community, and the RevGalBlogPals were the first group to take me in. At that time, the original group of about a dozen clergywomen had grown to a ring of 450 blogs, now the Facebook group is 2500+ members, and some of the RevGals have just published There’s a Woman in the Pulpit: Christian Clergywomen Share Their Hard Days, Holy Moments and the Healing Power of Humor (Skylight Paths Publishing, 2015). Each story or prayer is just two or three pages, perfect for dipping into here and there, and I'm glad to say that the book definitely lives up to its subtitle. See my full review of There's a Woman in the Pulpit.
May 5, 2015
I am not a pastor; I am a lay person, and have been active in a local UCC church. I appreciated reading this collection of stories about the pastoring life from a female perspective. For almost 2/3 of the 40 years I've been a member of my present church, we've been led by female pastors. I appreciated the candid sharing of these stories. In my years as a deacon, trustee, or moderator, I have been privy to some of the more private struggles a pastor has faced, so several of these experiences were familiar. In addition to being a good gift to new pastors, I think that this would be good reading for deacons and leadership groups, especially in small churches.
July 22, 2016
It's All Good!
This is an extraordinary book! As a Presbyterian clergy woman, I identify with all of the writers. Being a clergy person is not easy, but even in 2016, there are serious challenges facing all of us. We are still near the bottom of salary scales; what we wear and how we style our hair is everybody's business. I will have been ordained for 28 years on October 8, 2016. Despite the challenges, I have never regretted my decision to go to seminary, seek ordination in the PC(USA), and love and serve my Lord and her people!
This is an extraordinary book! As a Presbyterian clergy woman, I identify with all of the writers. Being a clergy person is not easy, but even in 2016, there are serious challenges facing all of us. We are still near the bottom of salary scales; what we wear and how we style our hair is everybody's business. I will have been ordained for 28 years on October 8, 2016. Despite the challenges, I have never regretted my decision to go to seminary, seek ordination in the PC(USA), and love and serve my Lord and her people!
December 21, 2015
Coming from a friend of one of the contributor's, I think my opinion is a bit biased, but I think that is nullified when I also share that I'm Catholic :) I don't think most folks would think I would enjoy this book, or get anything out of it, and to that I say HA! Fooled ya. There's a ton of good lessons in here on how to be a wonderful person, Christian or not, woman or not. There's humor, sadness, and beauty. Very glad I read it and very proud to have a personal connection.
May 14, 2015
Fabulous, exceptional and totally enjoyable ~ what else can I say? Appreciated the personal anecdotes and stories because they resonated with my experienced and add a much need dimension of 'reality' in the life of a clergywoman.
June 23, 2015
Many of these brief essays reflect my own experience as a clergywoman or that shared by friends and colleagues. It's a quick,easy read and reassuring for those who see ourselves reflected in its pages. I'm just wondering why we didn't write it ourselves.
May 2, 2015
An incredibly beautiful and honest book that should be read by anyone involved in a church.
May 8, 2015
Nice collection of short memoirs (or should I say sermon illustrations). Interesting, and imformative.
April 25, 2015
I am proud to have contributed an essay to this book! Here's my review!
http://unfinishedsymphony.org/2015/04...
http://unfinishedsymphony.org/2015/04...
June 15, 2015
This was a delightful read, and it both touched my heart and made me laugh out loud at some of the stories about "what they did not learn in seminary."
July 27, 2015
Great book for all and especially recommended for women seminarians and newly-ordained women clergy.
December 31, 2016
I blogged about the experience of being part of this community of clergywomen. http://www.rutheverhart.com/blog/?p=6710
April 9, 2016
Great book. A must read for all clergywomen!
April 7, 2017
A great book for all to read!
See my full review here-
http://teaandtheology.com/book-review...
See my full review here-
http://teaandtheology.com/book-review...
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews