I hear the phrases “women’s ministry” and “women in ministry” used interchangeably. Do these phrases mean the same thing?
“Women’s ministry” and “women in ministry” are similar in that both involve avenues through which women are involved in work of God’s kingdom. But the two are distinctly different.
The term “women’s ministry” most often is a reference to missional and discipleship programs that may be connected to a local church, a denominational body or a charismatic leader.
In some Baptist churches, women’s ministry programs have evolved from the long-established Woman’s Missionary Union circles. In those churches, women’s ministry generally involves the study of missions and hands-on involvement in mission activities. In other churches, the women’s ministry program consists of presentations, fellowships and retreats that focus on a wide range of topics that interest the women of that congregation. In addition, some denominations have established fully resourced women’s ministry programs that focus on the spiritual, emotional and relational needs of 21st century women. And finally, other women’s ministry programs are centered on the leadership of strong teachers, such as Beth Moore and Kay Arthur, both of whom have produced highly successful Bible study materials and sponsored numerous conferences attended or viewed by women throughout the nation and across denominational lines.
“Women’s ministry” certainly is not a monolithic term but rather a broad one that embraces the many ways in which churches and leaders seek to meet felt needs of Christian women.
On the other hand, “women in ministry” refers specifically to women serving in ministry roles. Women ministers serve on church staffs in a variety of roles, from pastor to children’s minister to minister of spiritual formation. Women ministers serve as chaplains in hospitals, prisons and the military. They are religion professors in colleges and seminaries. They work as denominational leaders and serve within nonprofit organizations. Women ministers are missionaries, serving both here in the United States and abroad, and women ministers sometimes are the leaders of women’s ministry programs.
But in most of their various places of service, women ministers walk alongside both women and men. Thus, “women in ministry” includes a wide spectrum of ministry opportunities. And finally, a good many, although not all, women ministers in Baptist life are ordained clergy and have some theological education and training.
So, while a women’s minister is a woman in ministry, not all women in ministry are women’s ministers. The aim of women’s ministry is to serve, disciple and equip women, but the charge of women ministers differs depending on what kind of role each woman in ministry fills. Some serve children or youth; some serve inmates or patients; some serve people in other countries; and some serve adult men and women. But even though the shape of their work differs, women’s ministry and women in ministry always will share the same goal—seeking after God, doing the work of God and joining with others in an attempt to share the hope of Christ with the world.
Pam Durso, executive director
Sign up for our weekly edition and get all our headlines in your inbox on Thursdays
Baptist Women in Ministry
Atlanta, Ga.
Right or Wrong? is co-sponsored by the Texas Baptist theological education office and Christian Life Commission. Send your questions about how to apply your faith to [email protected].
We seek to connect God’s story and God’s people around the world. To learn more about God’s story, click here.
Send comments and feedback to Eric Black, our editor. For comments to be published, please specify “letter to the editor.” Maximum length for publication is 300 words.