A Clergywoman of the New Generation: Evolving Interpretations of Gender and Faith

Abstract

This research note has unfolded within the context of a larger research study focused on examining rural churches.1 As a researcher, I have a long-standing interest in rural and community issues. My work in the sociology of religion is a more recent pursuit, while the question of gender is something I have begun to address for the first time with this current project. This research note touches upon all three areas as seen through the eyes of Stephanie Howland, a female Methodist minister in rural Missouri. More accurately, this research note is a reflection on telling stories and the back and forth interpretive process between researcher and subject that this may involve.2 Stephanie is a minister to three small Methodist congregations in Millersburg, Missouri (pop. 257). Declining population is the predominant narrative in this rural, agricultural part of the state and provides the context of small, often shrinking congregations with limited financial resources facing many rural ministers like Stephanie throughout the nation's heartland. In a sampling sense, Pastor Stephanie was of particular interest to our Rural Church project for two reasons. First, she is a student pastor with a three point ministerial charge - a unique strategy in dealing with communities that cannot afford to hire their own full-time pastor. Secondly, and more importantly in light of the issues in this