released in October from Lifeway Research<\/a> revealed that 83 percent of them were unpaid, and 86 percent lacked formal theological training of any kind. For churches with more than 500 in attendance, only 29 percent of women\u2019s ministry leaders were in paid, full-time positions and another 24 percent were paid part-time. Almost half (46%) received no pay.<\/p>\nThe findings track with my own experience and with what I hear from the women\u2019s ministry leaders I meet in churches all over the country.<\/p>\n
The Lifeway survey does not compare women\u2019s ministry leaders\u2019 pay to that of other staff members with similar responsibilities, but anecdotally I can tell you of women in these roles learning that their male counterparts were being paid as much as twice their compensation. And while male leaders may receive funds for theological training as part of their professional development, female leaders rarely see the same opportunities.<\/p>\n
As one seasoned but unpaid leader of a women\u2019s ministry at a large church told me recently, \u201cAlthough I had never been asked to consider [seminary], male leadership seemed very happy I was [taking classes] and agreed to pay for my books when I asked.\u201d<\/p>\n
Not by choice, these women often find themselves serving in a leadership vacuum, with no real reporting structure and with church staff who are either disinterested in or uninvolved with the vision and execution of the ministry. They often serve without recognition, without compensation, and without resources. They do so with joy and with little to no expectation of these earthly benefits.<\/p>\n
But churches value what they commit their wallets to. Lack of investment communicates that ministry to women is \u201cnice, but not necessary.\u201d I believe such ministry to be essential and indispensable.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s why: The work of women\u2019s ministry is the work of Titus 2, of older women shaping younger women in the faith. The worker is worth her wages. Women\u2019s ministry leaders are often the first to be trusted with confessions of victimization, the first line of defense for theologically sound Bible study, the first to ensure meals are taken to the bereaved. They are functional mothers in the family of God.<\/p>\n
As with our natural mothers, church mothers tend to serve willingly beyond what is asked, with no thought of equity or compensation. We intuitively honor church fathers, the men who lead us. But the fifth commandment compels us to honor both fathers and<\/em> mothers. We can and should dignify the labors of church mothers as well.<\/p>\nWhatever a church\u2019s size, these women are worthy of the honor and compensation that fall within its means. Let it not be said that our churches perpetuated a culture of maternal neglect. Let the family of God honor the work of its mothers by investing in them for the vital work of serving over half of those who pass through church doors.<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\tFran\u00e7ais<\/a>. \t]<\/p>\n<\/p>\nHave something to add about this? See something we missed? Share your feedback here<\/a>.<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n