Born to serve: Christian attitudes towards women pastors

Abstract

This research attempted to develop a resource for women desiring to move pass negative Christian attitudes toward women pastors and preachers. The two main ideas considered in this research was the Christian church and society's role in the development of the attitudes and the church's actions taken to support them. These two concepts have the ability to either promote or hinder women in ministry to pursue what they believe they were born and called to do. However, too often, it is latter that has occurred. The hinderance is expressed different ways, which were explored as part of this project. It was concluded that the Christian attitudes toward women pastors have varied throughout the existence of the faith. It is the negative attitudes that have had a significant impact. Faced with these opposing views, women have turned from their calling or making the choice to pursue it difficult. In some instances, women have even considered leaving the church. These negative attitudes promote gender inequality, which affects not only adult women but also young girls as they see and experience.