Still Here and Still Struggling to Serve

by Gena B. McCown

In 1976 Virginia Hearn published her book Our Struggle to Serve, exploring the difficulties facing emerging women leaders in the early church. Over forty years later, research and personal accounts illuminate that women are still struggling to serve faithfully and fully with their spiritual gifts in the modern local church. In Still and Still Struggling to Serve, Gena revisits Hearn's text to explore the common themes from her leaders to the leaders of today. Looking through history, examining Scripture, and tackling the hard topics head on, Gena unravels the roots of our struggles and points to hope.

288 pages, Paperback

Published April 18, 2023

Reviews

[Josie Siler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a book that everyone needs to read. Women in ministry will feel heard and men in ministry/leadership positions will get an inside look into what women have faced and are facing as they struggle to serve in the church. My own views have changed over the years and I especially enjoyed reading about the historical and contextual context of the verses that discuss women in ministry. The best part is the author doesn’t tell you what to believe, she shares information and experiences and challenges readers to come to their own conclusions.

(I would have given the book five stars, but there were a lot of typos that I found distracting. The content, however, is excellent.)

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a woman in ministry who feels frustrated by the roadblocks to serve in the ways you are called? Gena McCown knows how you feel and writes a smart, affirming, and thought-provoking book on the unique struggles women face while serving in the church. If you know you are called to do more than what is traditionally expected of women in the church, yet you still want to follow a biblical model, this book will empower you and help you think through your next steps. An important and necessary book to facilitate much-needed changes.

I received a preview copy of Still Here and Still Struggling to Serve from the publisher.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a solid read however I find that women who are Christian find their identity in wanting to be a leader of churches fail to see the beautiful design that God made us women to be as gentle and quiet submissive women! I think feminism gets lost in translation in the church allowing woman to seek for a mans God given role.