the free methodist church in canada

Women in Leadership

Introduction

The Free Methodist Church in Canada (FMCiC) position on women in leadership (a fully egalitarian posture), whilst not new, is a counter-cultural position within western evangelical Christianity. Many congregants in our community churches come from different backgrounds and, in the age of the internet, are accustomed to learning and growing in their faith from sources outside our egalitarian teaching, in particular online teaching and social media.

When working counter-culturally in any arena, it is vital that one’s position be constantly and consistently given voice in as many ways as possible. This task force believes that if we, as a denomination, do not engage in proactive and intentional efforts to support and promote this doctrine, we are likely to continue to see a widening gap between our stated belief and the reality in our denomination.

Going into this project, the task force assumed nothing regarding barriers to women in leadership. This was important so that we could honestly hear the perspectives and stories of women leaders in our surveys and interviews. Even when barriers were articulated, it was often with the clarification that, on balance, their experiences have been positive.

In examining our findings and considering recommendations, we thought it helpful to have a high-level understanding of what is needed to ensure the success of this endeavour. We offer the following principles as key to the preservation and full expression of our Free Methodist doctrine.

  1. Proclaiming our Free Methodist ethos as it pertains to Women in Leadership.

  2. Modelling our Free Methodist character and beliefs allowing for better pathways and opportunities for Women in Leadership.

  3. Sustaining our unique Free Methodist culture as it relates to Women in Leadership to truly live out our doctrine.

Mandate

The Canadian Study Commission on Doctrine wholeheartedly affirms the denomination’s position on women in ministry. The Commission further recommends that leaders across the denomination explore the barriers that continue to hinder women and find ways of removing those barriers to release women for more effective leadership and ministry through the Free Methodist Churc

Resources


The WIL Team is inviting Jay Mowchenko and Ellen Duffield to facilitate a conversation about how men and women can work alongside one another as image bearers instead of yielding to the cautionary practise of pushing one gender to the side, unintentionally communicating inferiority or danger.

WIL Zoom Recording- Ellen Duffield and Jay Mowchenko on Vimeo

Women in Leadership Task Force final report – April 2021

BOOK RESOURCES

Women & Christianity by Dr. Mary T. Malone
https://www.goodreads.com/series/128133-women-christianity
Volume I – The First Thousand Years
Volume II – The Medieval Period AD 1000 – 1500
Volume III – From the Reformation to the 21st Century

How I Changed My Mind About Women in Leadership (various contributing authors)
https://www.amazon.ca/Changed-Mind-about-Women-Leadership/dp/0310293154

Witnesses of Perfect Love by Amy Caswell Bratton
https://www.amazon.ca/Witnesses-Perfect-Love-Narratives-Perfection/dp/1926798309



BOOK REVIEW

How I changed my mind about Women in Leadership by Alan Johnson, General Editor

As a “lifer” in my denomination, I didn’t need to have my mind changed about Women in Leadership. The ordination of women has been part of our polity from its inception; therefore, I had no uphill battles to fight, except perhaps for a few minor skirmishes along the way. 
Each account in this collection of stories describes a process of change based on personal experience, a thorough examination of the Scriptures, and sensitivity to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
This read significantly affirmed me as a woman in ministry, raised the value and appreciation I hold for my denomination, and inspired me to confidently live out my spiritual heritage.
Review by Rev. Dr. Joan Stonehouse

 

Team Members

The authors of the report are listed in the report on page 1.

Once the report was received, the BOA formed a temporary sub-committee that began to respond to the recommendations.  One of the recommendations that this sub-committee put forward was that a standing Women in Leadership team be formed as part of the Leadership Team.  The members of this new standing team is listed below. The Women in Leadership team will continue to respond to the recommendations as well as work with other areas of the movement on all issues pertaining to Women in Leadership.  Please use the form below to connect with the team.

Tamera Goller, AB

Rev. Kim Henderson, ON

Jody Pfeifer, SK

Beth Rawn, ON

Rev. Jessica Isaak, SK

Have a question or want to engage with the Team? Please send us a message: