Asbury Theological Seminary is affirming of women being called by God to lead in the Church and has been for quite some time. As a matter of fact, the two most recent classes coming in have broken multiple historical records in terms of the sheer number of women who are coming here for seminary educations. As a response to this clear trajectory, we have begun researching how we can help our women thrive and be fully supported in their ministry contexts.
In 2017, Asbury Theological Seminary was awarded a $1,000,000 grant from the Lilly Foundation to research how some of our graduates are thriving in ministry. A portion of this grant is being used to research the unique problems and needs facing women in ministry, specifically. The team (consisting of students, faculty and staff) wants to learn about women’s current experiences on Asbury’s Kentucky campus. The reflections and perspectives we gain through this study will contribute to an overall environment that advocates and empowers women for fruitful ministry leadership. If you are on the Kentucky Campus, you can find more information about participating in this study by going to asbury.to/womensfocusgroup.
We have held several gatherings, led by our powerful women, including Jessica LaGrone, Ellen Marmon, Sue Russell, and Tammy Cessna. These gatherings are video taped, and they serve to help us find more and better ways that we can continue to support and empower women well in their ministry vocations.
Thank you for your work in the area of women in ministry!
Thank you for the opportunity to share recently it would have been great if the meetings was video taped. The exchange of communication was excellent. Is it possible to continue doing research that could be underwritten through grant ?
If you want to help guide women graduates to lifelong career opportunities in ministry, include The Salvation Army! We’ve ordained more women than men every year since the 1890’s!