In celebration of Women’s History Month, here are five titles that trace women’s contributions to the church from the time of Jesus down to the early Church Mothers, to medieval women theologians, and finally to female pastors of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. We wrap it up with a cogent explanation of why women’s history matters—and some book recommendations to learn more about some of God’s female children who have been largely overlooked by the world but who did great things in the Kingdom of God.
Photo by Key Galery.
1. Behold! A Great Cloud of Women Witnesses in the Early Church
As an intern with CBE International, I have had the delightful opportunity of creating a radio series called Women in Scripture and Mission. Women are highlighted in short radio spots, and then listeners are directed to more detailed information about these women who are an important part of. . . READ.
By Kimberly Dickson | March 30, 2022
2. Women’s History Month: Early Church Women and Desert Mothers
The earliest Christian documents illustrate the prominence of women, often as forefront witnesses of Christ’s teaching and miracles. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is the subject of more literature than any other Christian woman. Many women like Mary were given access to key positions in Jesus’s new covenant community as disciples, apostles, deacons, teachers, and house-church leaders. . . READ.
By Mimi Haddad | March 4, 2016
3. Six Medieval Women Who Shaped Christian Theology
If I asked you to imagine the Middle Ages, what would come to mind? Most of us think of the Middle Ages as a time of ignorance and violence—the dark middle period between the glories of Rome and the light of the Renaissance. And like every historical era, the Middle Ages has its share of dark moments. But many remarkable people, including remarkable and influential women, lived during this period. . . READ.
By Sarah Lindsay | March 19, 2018
4. Ten Awesome Women Pastors from History
During Women’s History Month, and especially on International Women’s Day, we have a unique opportunity to correct the marginalization of women’s accomplishments and influence. Those blind spots exist in the church too, especially when it comes to women pastors. . . READ.
By Ruth Perry | March 7, 2018
5. We Need to Read Books on Women in History
Recently, Relevant published an article on the importance of reading books by women (which has since been taken down at the request of readers). In the article, the male author began by lamenting the absence of women authors from his bookshelf. Inspired by the #metoo movement, he resolved to correct omission of women’s perspectives by intentionally reading women authors. . . READ.
By CBE International | March 5, 2018