Living in Theology of Co-Gender Ministry
By Stephanie L. Nance and Ava Kate Oleson
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Dr. Ava Oleson
The presence of females holding ministry credentials and leadership positions has flourished significantly in recent decades. Between 1951 and 1978, female clergy increased by 178 percent, compared to a 62 percent increase among male clergy; a portion of those women served in Pentecostal groups. According to research by the Barna Group, the number of female senior pastors in Protestant churches in America doubled between 1999 and 2009. The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) statistics reflect a similar trend.
With this increase of female credential holders, issues related to the praxis of healthy co-gender ministry continue to present new challenges for both genders, since men have traditionally held the primary leadership roles in the church. However, the balance of male and female ministers is shifting, as an increase in knowledge and awareness pertaining to gender equality is perpetuated.
Chapter in Women in Pentecostal and Charismatic Ministry
Volume #: 21
Pages: 349 - 367
Publisher: Brill
Year: 2017
ISBN/ISSN: 9789004332546