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Ruth Everhart

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There’s a Woman in the Pulpit, a biased book review

I contributed an essay to this anthology written by clergywomen, about our lives in and out of the pulpit.

May 14, 2015 By Ruth Everhart 4 Comments

RevGals coverI’m a woman who’s spent a good portion of my career occupying pulpits. In some circles a preaching woman is seen as a problem. Now comes a book that normalizes my life: “There’s a Woman in the Pulpit.” What a gift! I’ve always wanted to feel normal. That’s why I was so happy to contribute to this anthology —

There’s a Woman in the Pulpit: Christian Clergywomen Share Their Hard Days, Holy Moments & the Healing Power of Humor (SkyLight Paths Publishing).

My guess is that you know someone who would love to receive this book as a gift.

More than 50 clergywomen have written this anthology. I contributed an essay, which ended up first in the book. It leads off a section called “Fierce & Fabulous for Jesus.”

Reading the book, what strikes me is not only how diverse we clergywomen are, but also how classy! Whether choosing a high heel, parenting an autistic son who acts up while we preach, blessing one of the ships in Her Majesty’s fleet, bringing support to people under curfew in a conflict-ridden area, or belly dancing for a bit of exercise and relaxation, clergywomen know how to bring it on with grace and style.

It’s a privilege to live this clergy life and a sense of gratitude permeates the essays. Find out what it’s like to baptize an infant who has mere hours to live, or to impose ashes on a forehead. Answer the burning question: Do single clergywomen go on hot dates? Discover what it’s like to come out as a lesbian while serving a congregation.

Sometimes lighthearted and sometimes devastatingly close to the bone, the essays in this book will educate, inspire, and entertain you. But beware! The 68 essays are bite-sized. You may find yourself snacking on more than you meant to in a sitting.

There's a woman in the pulpit with "There's a Woman in the Pulpit." Only it's not her pulpit, she's only filling in for another clergywoman!
There’s a woman in the pulpit with “There’s a Woman in the Pulpit.”

The contributors are all RevGals. We come from 14 denominations, 4 continents, and are held together without a hierarchy or funding structure. We are simply stitched together the way woman know how to do, with love and connection and a heartfelt response to each other’s stories.

Disclosure: Along with the other contributors, I was given one copy as payment for my essay. This book project is a love offering for the RevGals and all proceeds go to support that ministry.

PS: I invite you to join our photo roundup. If you’re a woman in a pulpit, take a photo with the book and tweet it!  #RevGals #WomanInThePulpit.

Book Reviews,  Ordained as a Clergywoman book review,  Ordained women speak out,  RevGalBlogPals

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Martha Spong says

    May 16, 2015 at 10:04 pm

    Ruth, thank you so much for your beautiful essay in the book. It really sets the tone!

    Reply
  2. Wendy says

    May 15, 2015 at 12:04 pm

    Your essay, first in the book, made me cry. Seriously. It was so well written and hit home deeply for me.

    Reply
    • Ruth Everhart says

      May 15, 2015 at 1:29 pm

      Thanks for letting me know that the essay spoke to you! It’s why we write, isn’t it?

      Reply

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