Description
Available on Kindle!
Insight, empowerment, and inspiration for women in the pastorate.
KEY FEATURES:
• Provides data and insight from results of a national survey of female clergy
• Shares lessons learned and best practices from women in solo or senior pastorates
• Offers guidance for overcoming the challenges of breaking through the stained glass ceiling
The reality of a stained glass ceiling is familiar to most women called to the pastorate. Despite being more likely to be seminary educated, female clergy constitutes less than 10 percent of Protestant leading pastorates—and those who do hold such pastorates are generally paid less than their male counterparts. In light of such statistics, Pastor Chris Smith explores how to overcome the challenges in breaking through the stained glass ceiling—and she goes a step further. She shares the lessons learned and best practices of the success stories—those women who are currently serving in solo or senior pastorates. Based on a national survey of female clergy, this volume is rich in insights based on data as well as personal anecdotes—insights that will empower not only women called to the pastorate but also their male colleagues and denominational leaders who want to support them.
Author Bio
Christine A. Smith, PhD, MDiv, is senior pastor of Restoration Ministries of Greater Cleveland and author of Beyond the Stained Glass Ceiling: Equipping and Encouraging Female Pastors (Judson Press). In 2024, Dr. Smith became director of the Rudd Empowerment Center at American Baptist Women's Ministries (ABWM)-a hub to advance leadership, empowerment, and educational opportunities for women and their families. In 2025, Dr. Smith was called as associate executive director of ABWM.