Already but Not Yet: The Status of Women Baptist Pastors

Abstract

Even though the percentage of Baptist churches with women pastors is low, it is an increase over the numbers in years past. In 2012, more churches called women as pastors than ever before. The status of Baptist women pastors and co-pastors, however, is about far more than statistics. Behind the numbers are stories of women who have been called by God to serve and stories of the churches who have called them. This article chronicles the different ways churches and their pastors experienced the call process, where they experienced resistance in their journeys, and where the women find support for their ministries. Nineteen women pastors and co-pastors were interviewed as well as members of five pastoral search committees. The pastors represented a wide spectrum of age and experience from just out of seminary and serving a first call to seasoned ministers with over thirty years of experience.