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

I’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.

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.