Clearly there had been some mistake. Mark was thirty-four-years old and healthy. He had never even spent a night in the hospital. We had a two-year-old son. We had plans for a vacation and our careers and our family. How…
How do we change history?
By Nora O. Lozano On Feb. 28, many CBF Baptists rejoiced for Dr. Pam Durso’s ordination to Christian ministry. Since the initial announcement, I followed the news with great interest because Pam and I share some similar experiences. We both…
Texas Baptist Women in Ministry group organized
By Ken Camp With the formation of Texas Baptist Women in Ministry, Texas joins nine other states in creating an organization to encourage women who serve in Baptist churches and advocate for expanded ministry opportunities for women. More than two…
Scholastica: A saint for women called to ministry
Women breaking new ground in ministry need a network of peer support. February 10 is the Feast Day of Saint Scholastica, the twin sister of Saint Benedict and founder of the first Benedictine convent for women. These “holy twins” were born…
Calling a woman as pastor
From time to time, I receive a call from a member of a pastor search committee that is considering a woman as their senior pastor (which is a term that I don’t find anywhere in scripture, but I understand the…
What happened on the way to my funeral
Facing a new year, many of us reflect on our lives. You may be shocked that I would suggest that we talk about death, but after years of training in pastoral care in seminary and Clinical Pastoral Education, and more…
There’s something about Mary
Women have had a long, rich, and complex relationship with Mary the mother of Jesus since the beginning of Christianity. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, this collection of reflections invites us to pause and ponder the young woman at…
Struggles prepared her for ministry, says pastor of Hispanic congregation
By Jeff Brumley By all accounts, nothing rattles Alina Carbonell. She has survived communism in Cuba, the leukemia death of a beloved sister, an abusive marriage and a nasty divorce. Throw in a near-bankruptcy while raising two boys on her…
Female minister cited by association for dismissing S.C. church
By Jeff Brumley A South Carolina church affiliated with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship has been booted from its Southern Baptist association over women in leadership roles. The Independent-Mail in Anderson, S.C., reported that First Baptist Church of Pendleton has been…