Overcoming Limitations to The Development of Women Leaders in The Churches of The Northwest District of The Assemblies of God

Of the more than 32, 000 ministers in the United States credentialed with the Assemblies of God, only about 5,000 are women in spite of the fact that this Pentecostal fellowship officially agrees that God calls women to serve in ministry and leadership capacities. In the Northwest District, a geographical region comprised of Northern Idaho and Washington State, the number of women ministers is 2.1 percent lower than then national average. This project seeks to discover some reasons for this disparate ration and to offer recommendations for removing limitations for women in ministry.

While not the primary focus of this project, the biblical and theological basis which is presented in support of the concept of women in ministry does form a necessary foundation. This survey includes a look at what Scripture says about the position of women at Creation or in the time of innocence, in the time of Christ, and after Pentecost. Included is a discussion of women and spiritual gifts, leaders and their priorities, innate differences between males and females, and the value or role models.

Surveys asking questions on these subjects were sent to women in ministry who serve primarily within the Northwest District of the Assemblies of God. Specific questions were asked concerning the women's call, encouragement, training, opportunities, understanding of uniqueness, mentoring and role models, isolation and loneliness, and the balance between home and ministry.

A report of the results and findings of the completed surveys and also the women's comments are presented. Recommendations for the removal of the limitations women experience are also given with the hope that this effort will contribute in some small way to a new level of freedom for all of God's laborers in the Harvest.