Resources

Over the decades, the denomination has sought to make up for the failed 1976 resolution to devote educational resources to the cultural change necessary for broad acceptance of clergywomen. Several key resources have been produced, providing especially a biblical case for the equal leadership of men and women in pastoral ministry. These resources have been used both in Covenant congregations and far beyond, leading Christians for Biblical Equality to award the Evangelical Covenant Church its lifetime achievement award in 2015—the only time an organization rather than an individual has been awarded.  

Explore the Timeline for additional information regarding the historical context and impact of these resources.  

Major Denominational Resources

In 1987 the Board of Ordered Ministry approved an occasional paper demonstrating biblical support for women's ordination, with Klyne Snodgrass serving as primary author. Following the Consultation on Women in Ministry (2000) and the establishment of the Commission on Biblical Gender Equality (2002), the Covenant Church published a set of resources that included All God's People by John E. Phelan and the Called and Gifted curriculum by Sharon Cairns Mann.

  • Called & Gifted
    In sixteen pages, this pamphlet reaffirms the biblical basis for the full participation of women in the ministries of the church. It is presented in a question-and-answer format and designed specifically for use in Covenant churches. Four pages are devoted to an explanation of why the Evangelical Covenant Church has taken this stance as policy, instead of as a matter of choice. This is a quick read as an introduction to the issue of women in vocational ministry.
  • All God's People: An Exploration of the Call of Women to Pastoral Ministry
    This study approaches the issue of women in ministry with a wide-angle lens instead of with a laser focused on particular passages of scripture, though it is certainly biblically solid. Phelan challenges the presuppositions people often bring to the interpretation of scripture, from culture to translation to science. He hones in on the issue by looking first at history and the sweep of God’s work through his people, through Jesus’ boundary-breaking work, to a compelling vision of Christ’s kingdom. This study is written in six sessions with discussion questions following. It could be simply read by someone interested in the topic, or used as a group guide.
  • Called & Gifted: Study Guide for Facilitators
    This study takes people on a personal journey of learning where their own view of women in ministry came from, understanding principles of interpreting scripture, and then a careful examination of many relevant passages. The final two chapters are about application, including much of the material from the original Called & Gifted pamphlet. This is a very full nine-session study. The facilitator’s guide has the student material plus suggested activities and questions to help the group learn. This study would best be used by a committed group wanting to go deeper with the issue of women in ministry, and willing to read chapters between sessions.
  • Called & Gifted: Study Guide for Students
    This study takes people on a personal journey of learning where their own view of women in ministry came from, understanding principles of interpreting scripture, and then a careful examination of many relevant passages. The final two chapters are about application, including much of the material from the original Called & Gifted pamphlet. This is a very full nine-session study. The facilitator’s guide has the student material plus suggested activities and questions to help the group learn. This study would best be used by a committed group wanting to go deeper with the issue of women in ministry, and willing to read chapters between sessions.
  • Dotada y Llamada por Dios: Reafirmando la Base Bíblica de la Plena Participación de la Mujer en los Ministerios de la Iglesia
    Spanish translation of "Called & Gifted"
  • A Biblical and Theological Basis for Women in Ministry
    This occasional paper was written ten years after the Evangelical Covenant Church voted to ordain women (in 1976), to put the arguments on paper. It is a very quick tour of women in the Bible and the passages that affirm their ministry and value. The paper treats the “problem” texts briefly and discusses the issues of submission, authority, and doctrine. All in all, this paper serves as a quick review reminder for those who have studied this issue more deeply. For those unfamiliar with the Bible, the many references without much explanation may be difficult to fully appreciate.

Covenant Quarterly Decadal Studies

In 1988 Mary Miller published a study on the experience and placemen of MDiv graduates across the previous decade, shedding light on major resistances to ordained women at the congregational level. Each decade since, tThe Covenant Quarterly has published a study replicating and expanding Miller's work. These studies have been instrumental in prompting assessment and response. 

Covenant Companion Articles

As the denominational magazine of the Evangelical Covenant Church, the Covenant Companion has played a major role in shaping dialogue. Several important articles related to the ordination of women are reprinted here.

Additional Covenant Quarterly Articles

Beyond the decadal studies, several other Covenant Quarterly articles are relevant to the history of women's ordination, and the stories of specific clergywomen, within the Covenant.