Opened Doors and Rejection: Giving Voice to Black Women's Experience in the Itineracy Open Access

Abstract

Vast are the characteristics attributed to being an effective leader. In the context of itinerant ministry, the disciple who travels from one congregation to another is expected to lead well while displaying evidence of God’s call. God’s call is inclusive of males and females who encounter experiences that are different. In some instances, disciples are rejected solely based on gender. This research will consider how churches in the Sixth Episcopal District (S.E.D.) of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) church can better understand the impact of gender on the itineracy and be more receptive to qualified leadership. Although wide doors of opportunity have been opened for black women in ministry, there is an accepted cultural norm of silent oppression that exists on the other side. The elimination of gender bias is believed to be attainable through dialogue among members of the denominational hierarchical structure that encourage relationships with instead of over one another.

 

This new relationship model will be introduced through a series of roundtable discussions with consideration given to power dynamics. By naming the characteristics of an effective pastor, the leader is identified according to the criteria of being qualified for a position, not the historical patterns of tradition or personal preference. The absence of such discussion presents a threat of returning to the oppressive and dehumanizing sins of the past that are of particular concern for women. The overarching objective of this study is to eliminate future experiences of sexism encountered by qualified clergy, by naming the existing opposition and giving a voice to the unique experiences of black women.

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School	Candler School of Theology
Department	Ministry
Degree	DMin
Submission	Dissertation
Language	English
Research Field	Women's Studies
Keyword	Leadership
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Teresa Fry Brown, Emory University Roger Nam, Emory University

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