Faithful to the Call: Women in Ministry

by Carla D. Sunberg

Biblical and historical records show that women have been involved in ministerial leadership alongside men from the earliest days. In Faithful to the Call, Dr. Carla Sunberg brings together a group of scholars, pastors, and ministry leaders who expertly make the Wesleyan case for women in ministry. From the Old Testament to the New, from the days of John Wesley to the founding days of the Church of the Nazarene, and all the way up to today, women have been integral in carrying out the mission of God and discipling others to do the same. The authors and chapters in this book offer ample historical, biblical, theological, and practical evidence for why women, like men, should be Faithful to the Call when God gifts us and then invites us to participate in God’s grand story. Faithful to the Call contributors Rev. Dr. Nina Gunter, Rev. Dr. Carla D. Sunberg, Rev. Dr. Diane Leclerc, Rev. Dr. Jacob Lett, Rev. Dr. Svetlana Khobnya, Rev. Dr. C. Jeanne Orjala Serrão, Rev. Dr. Sarah Coleson Derck, Rev. Selena Freeman, Rev. Phumzile Phago, Rev. Cara Shonamon, Rev. Dr. Tammy Carter, and Rev. Dr. David Downs.

144 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2022

Reviews

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the concluding chapter of *Faithful to the Call* Rev. Dr. David Downes, a District Superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene says this about the historic reality of women in ministry and leadership; "Over the years, we’ve learned that the recounting of our heritage of female clergy from the early days of our denomination, as powerful and beautiful as that heritage is, is not a sufficient argument against those—whether from other traditions or our own—who see female clergy as anathema." (Faithful 125) As one of two male voices in a book rich with the testimony and teaching of women, this is an admonition to male clergy especially to be the champions we are in position to be. While many of us consider this an open and shut case, many in our pews (and sadly in our pulpits) may have differing views. As I read *Faithful to the Call* I felt a deep and disappointing failure of discipleship and teaching about our understanding of the call on women and men in ministry.

The meat of *Faithful* is found in the chapters preceding Rev. Dr. Downs'. The lineup of women who wrote each chapter shows the strength and depth of our female clergy. From the editor Rev. Dr. Carla Sunberg to every woman author, I can see the richness and experience of our female clergy. In true Wesleyan fashion, the book is a theological discussion of our firm commitment to women as leaders in the Church of the Nazarene which draws on scripture, tradition, experience, and reason to develop that theological depth. Even in the testimonies of God's calling and the Church affirming, there are instances of pain, hurt, and challenge caused by the very people who are being ministered to. These stories of our theology, doctrines, and the experiences of women clergy is both inspiring and discouraging. Inspiring because of the seemingly insurmountable attitudes by those who oppose the calling of God upon women is countered by the deep faithfulness of women clergy.

In the foreword of *Faithful* Rev. Dr. Nina Gunter, GS Emerita of the Church of the Nazarene makes the following statement; "Women, called by God to ministry, do not answer the call because a man refused or because God could not find someone else—but because God chose, gifted, and ordained creation of both male and female humans to this heavenly calling to proclaim the gospel." (*Faithful* p 7) This is the truth of ministry and the call, because God does not choose based upon gender whether someone is gifted in the graces of ministry. Knowing my struggle with a personal call, I cannot imagine the doubt and hurt encountered by my peers who are female. But we affirm and claim that women are called in equality with men to the ministry and the Church is only recognizing what God does in that call.

In her chapter on the historic place of women as leaders in the Holiness movement, of which the Church of the Nazarene is a part, Rev. Dr. Diane Leclerc illumines the fact of how deeply women have been a part of holiness preaching; "Nearly all of the denominations that arose from the Holiness Movement affirmed the full equality of women from their inception, including the Church of the Nazarene. Such views on equality came from holiness theology itself, arising out of the account of Pentecost as central to the movement’s identity." (*Faithful* p 15) She goes even further back to show historical instances of women in ministry such as Julian of Norwich whose theology, like that of John Wesley, centered in love. If you would like a more thorough treatment of the more ancient history and medieval period I recommend *The Making of Biblical Womanhood* by Dr. Beth Alison Barr. This opening chapter explains how women in ministry was a given from the beginning of most Holiness traditions. This is not a cultural choice based on a mid-twentieth century change, as is often the accusation against those of us who affirm women clergy.

From that launching point, the strength of this book is the multiplicity of experience and testimony of the women and men who wrote each chapter. I was confronted with the reality that even when we affirm we can be barriers as we attempt to soften our commitments for those who do not accept women in ministry. It seems that the statistics show how generic evangelicalism influenced the Church of the Nazarene in particular and led to a period of relative drought in the call's affirmation on women. Thankfully, our denomination is taking active steps to resolve this. At the risk of eye rolling, as he mentions, Rev. Dr. Downs gives some very practical advice on how those of us in ministry and leadership positions can affirm and champion women in ministry. This includes using gender inclusive language and finding opportunities to feature women in prominent ministry activities in our local, district, and world contexts.

While this book is dealing with women in ministry in the specific context of the Church of the Nazarene, it is appropriate for anyone seeking to understand how women are fully qualified and called to ministry. I highly recommend this to clergy and laity alike.

[Susan Cotten · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Faithful to the Call” is a collection of essays tackling the often controversial subject of women in ministry, and specifically women LEADING in the church. I appreciate the thorough examination of biblical examples (from both Testaments) as well as the personal stories of some of the authors.

God created us all, male and female, in His image, and we should not presume to question those He has called to preach the Gospel. I have long believed that, and this book helps reinforce that belief.

[Bethany Gillespie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very through view of women in ministry from the Nazarene perspective. From going through women in the Bible, verses and arguments about women in ministry, to modern real life examples and challenges, this book covered all of the questions I had and ones I didn't know I had.
Very empowering as a young reader trying to explore God's calling on my life.

[Jackson Longstreet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing compilation of some of the most accomplished women in the ministry field! Dr. Serrao was one of my professors my freshman year of college and was very influential on not only my own views but our campus views on the importance of women serving in ministry!