A Ministry Journey that is Unfolding: How I Came to See Myself as a Female Preacher and Leader

Abstract

This portfolio explores my unfolding ministry journey as a preacher and leader by exploring my background, beginnings, theological traditions, and experiences – all elements that shaped my deepest convictions concerning preaching and leadership. The Doctor of Ministry program, with the lectures, peer discussions, assignments, projects and readings, played a significant role in helping me to reflect and wrestle with my identity as a preacher, how I lead and intend to lead, as well as considering my current situation as a church planter in the Catch the Fire family of churches. The research, which focused on understanding felt needs of the community in order to preach contextually-informed sermons in a new church plant, was primarily ethnographic research, with a strong evaluative component. Participants, who were considered community advisors, rated each sermon preached. The key finding was that developing a better understanding of the felt needs of the community increased the overall effectiveness of my sermons. The unifying themes in this portfolio include my journey of how I came to see myself as a female preacher and leader, as I focused on myself (my call, background and convictions), on the Triune God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and on others (the people that God has called me to impact, as a preacher and leader). Throughout the DMin program, I believe I have acquired tools to become a better preacher, leader, and servant of God. I have developed a preaching theology that is going to be foundational to my preaching vocation and a philosophy of leadership that will guide my leadership aspirations.