Beyond Ordination: Hindrance and Support of Female Clergy in the PC (USA)

Inspired by some conversations at seminary last semester, and upon reading this blog of another female seminarian, I've decided to raise some of my own questions and use this blog as a means of gathering input on the issue.

Women in ministry.

So, it's no big news that women are in ministry. Most denominations recognize women as leaders within the church. Women are even preachers in some denominations. However, the growth of women clergy in the Presbyterian Church (USA), and other denominations, does not mean that the traditional view that men make better clergy has vanished. In my Research Methods class at Austin College, I addressed this issue by writing a proposal for a study I would do if I had the funding and resources. It addressed the concern of the treatment of women clergy throughout their journey towards becoming a minister, their years as ministers, and if they feel supported in their choice of vocation from their friends, family, and church body. I still feel like this is a valuable study and would pursue it if at all possible.

The study looks specifically for hindrances that women clergy have encountered. Do they experience hindrances in ministry beyond the common clerical hindrances, mainly in the area of gender prejudice/conflict stemming from the traditional roles of women, family issues in the area of home and career and the need to balance these or set priorities, and overcoming the tradition that religious leadership is reserved for males? Are there hindrances by the church to start the process of becoming a minister? Do they encounter problems in seminary, finding a church, life in the church? Do they feel like women are encouraged to take part in church leadership? I am interested in specific instances of hindrances and what kind of support the women received—how she was supported, if at all, by her family and congregation.

Other issues would be how men view women clergy and how women react in situations of conflict verses how men do and whether this is a gender issue or personality issue at the core. The list could go on. It's a large and involved issue--and controversial for some.

Basing the study in the Presbyterian Church (USA) many would think this study obsolete, but I would disagree. Yes, the numbers of women clergy are increasing and the numbers of females entering seminaries are increasing, but this does not eliminate past hesitance towards female clergy. Hidden prejudices may exist towards women in ministry even in those that would say they are for women’s ordination. This study would not only pertain to the PC (USA) because it is good for all to be educated on the stance of other denominations so that one can learn from the other.

So, if I’m not going to actually do the research to this project any time soon, in the original proposed form, I thought it would be a venture to see what feed back I received from the blogging world. I am interested to hear your stories and thoughts. Post a comment (you can do so anonymously if you like) or e-mail me.