When Women Go to Seminary

Last month, one of our writers shared a photo of an all-male panel at the Evangelical Theological Society's annual meeting. They happened to be the experts discussing the nature of the Trinity, a topic of debate among female evangelical bloggers this summer.

Anyone concerned about women's representation could look at the photo and ask, "Why are there no female panelists?" But many know all too well the various theological, sociological, and practical factors that can keep women from having a place at the table.

This particular scenario follows a long line of barriers: A master's or doctorate in theology is required for full membership in ETS. As seminary student Marybeth Davis Baggett describes, fewer evangelical women pursue those degrees (men outnumber women about 4 to 1 for advanced theology degrees, and the gap is greater at evangelical schools), which limits the women eligible—much less interested or available—to speak on any particular topic. Beyond that, evangelical women face more limited job prospects in theological fields, and many must balance the financial and familial pressures that come with any rigorous course of study.

So yes, it's harder. And yes, many women become faithful leaders and teachers and writers without formal theological education. But being a woman in seminary is worth the work. It is so good for us as Christian women, and for the church as a whole, to see more women at such conferences … and everywhere from college classrooms to popular blogs.

Even where various opportunities for leadership, higher education, and entrepreneurship are technically open to women, "you cannot be what you cannot see," says Jo Saxton. Jo is one of our advisors at CT Women, and we love her commitment to some of the most crucial steps to developing female leaders of different backgrounds: mentorship, investment, and encouragement.

In an interview with my colleague Kelli Trujillo, Jo recounts how she came into leadership and justice work:

I didn't have a frame of reference for what my leadership could look like—but I did have a youth leader who really encouraged me. For someone to look at you and say, "I'm going to invest in you because I think God has placed something in you"—that sort of encouragement is so important.

I am proud to say that through CT Women have watched so many Christian women blaze paths with their books, scholarship, speaking, teaching, making, doing, dialoguing, and tweeting. (One example is Wendy Alsup, who I interviewed for CT Podcasts last month. If you enjoyed that, please be sure to also tune into my recent interview with Atlanta pastor John Onwuchekwa. We had a great conversation about community, calling, family, and Christian hip-hop.)

Lastly, if there's a special lady in your life whom you're still looking for a gift for, do not miss our Christmas book list, packed with our favorite reads. And speaking of Christmas, we got you something!

Have a wonderful week!

Kate Shellnutt Editor, CT Women