Interview Summaries of UM Clergy Women

I’ve summarized the thoughts of the clergy women I interviewed. Everything shared here does not include anecdotes that may have been shared in private. Everything relates the openness of their ministry and what I took away that can be applied to my own faith journey and path towards seminary. There were also some Pastor/clergy women that were on leave or were not available this summer. I am planning on meeting with them soon. Since I am in the discernment process discussing my faith journey with clergy women was very empowering. I want to always be in conversation with people who are walking the path of faith, men or women. However for where I am at and where I was, speaking with clergy women was another step in discerning my call.

This is the most vital culmination of my summer because I have learned so much from these women. These women have shown me overwhelming kindness with their time. This is a way to make their stories known, please feel free to share with anyone.

First I need to begin with the woman who started it all:

Rev. Stephanie Alschwede, Pastor at Dietze Memorial-Omaha, founder of Big Gardens and Blue Flamingo Thrift
Without her inspiration for my summer I would have never done any of this. It was Stephanie who sought me out to spend a summer with Flamingos, Churches and Gardens. Through her work I have never been more exposed to diversity or what diversity means. The root causes of suffering. How we can be agents of change. What it means to be positive. What it means to seek justice inside our community. Stephanie makes her dreams a reality by untiring work. Anytime you want to know anything about a non-profit, neighborhood council meetings or want to talk strategy related to omaha underbelly "whose who?", she is THE person to go to. I have soaked up these qualities like a sponge, so much so I have water dripping from the corners and onto any surface I approach. It has given me confidence to pursue my own dreams. I feel like I have been interviewing her all summer by observing but also by spending time amongst the ministries UMM works on every day. Through the internship I have had exposure to the work of many others, inside and outside the office. People that have also had a profound effect on me. I can't wait to explore what I can offer in different ministries but I am glad that I had the opportunity to be here. The right place, the right time.


Original Questions:
What makes a strong leader?/ What experiences have you encountered as a woman in ministry?/What causes you to doubt?/ How do you overcome this?/ What is your most powerful tool as a leader and how did you discover this?/ If you woke up tomorrow and the church was how you imagined it, what would it look like? How do you see the church becoming more Christ-like?/ What are some important discoveries you made during seminary?/ How did you discern your seminary?/How do you deal with conflict? What is your preferred method/style?

Rev. Pauletta Lehn, chaplain at Nebraska Wesleyan University

Valuable Gifts to Ministry:
The ability to laugh, to create joy
When in doubt, relating it back to our human capabilities
Communicating what is relevant, the importance of relevancy in general
“I would rather live in hope because that is where the beauty is”

Thoughts concerning Ministry/Seminary:
It must be self-empyting, as well as, self-fulfilling. I loved this saying because it relates perfectly the self giving nature of Pauletta’s ministry but also how she utilizes the tools around her to be self fulfilling as well. It acknowledges the kind of work that social justice and pastoral ministry is. Sometimes self emptying can be hard but self fulfilling creates a very circular method
“Mystique about always becoming the resurrected Christ” There is always the creative power of the resurrected Christ within each of us. This allows constant creativity in our ministries and within the church
Ask yourself what only you can give, what gift can I only give? Your specific gifts benefit the community; that is where the greatest joy is, where the fruits are.
We must never lose the peace within us when serving, this comes with what is the cornerstone of our faith
Being able to go to Boston Theological Seminary was a way to “walk in the shadows” of prophets like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Summary:
There is an immense joy that radiates from the ministry and also from who Pauletta is. That comes through humor and asking questions of the people around her. It also comes from living in hope, in creativity and through our gifts that we can give one another. I took away that I need to find the gifts I have and give them, otherwise the community I am serving will not benefit as much. Also, there is suppose to be a certain mystique when serving that comes through living in hope, even when we may be in doubt.

Rev. Nan Kaye-Skinner, Pastor at Ralston Trinity, Ralston, NE

Valuable gifts to Ministry:
Growing up in the church, as well as during the 60’s was able to grow up asking questions and see how ministry was carried out
Going to school in California, living in a different place, made an appreciation for the sense of community you can find in Nebraska, as opposed to some commuter neighborhoods/busy lifestyle you can find in California
Important to have a diversity of knowledge. If a chef comes in to make a meal or an engineer is building onto the building, being able to communicate with all types of people is a gift. Having a diverse knowledge of different areas besides ministry, makes you a better minister.

Thoughts concerning ministry:
Wherever I am there is my ministry – When I asked how does she balance a life at home or with her family and being a minister. That no matter where she may travel her ministry is also there. Since it is a ministry of being in relationship with one another.
When there is an opportunity for conflict, approach it so the light is shining, don’t avoid it. Take opportunities to be in dialogue with your congregation- This was given as a way to preach tough controversial sermons at times but allow that space for dialogue as well.

Summary:
I was able to tour the new building they were building. The nursery was placed in the very dead center of the church, to represent where the church was going. The kitchen, and gymnasium were completely redone and gorgeous. There was also space for traveling mission teams to come through. They installed a shower and place for them to sleep, which was very much a symbol for their activity outside the church. There was also a place as you enter for a wall of crosses. The crosses were given by members, sometimes from their travels. I thought Nan carried a very informed, hopeful and flexible gift to her church. She was extremely open to new ideas but also serving her community. She had such an amazing experience growing up in front of a church family. She had peace, which is a gift in and of itself. It was a joy getting to know her ministry.

Rev. Debra McKnight, Omaha First United Methodist

Valuable Gifts to Ministry:
The ability to be in discussion and not an argument- This is still a line that I use quite frequently when talking to someone. Debra was able to see the difference, which creates peace in her ministry.
I don’t think Debra mentioned this, but her ability to create laughter as a way to break down barriers with others.
Her office is also a space that allows for discussion. Pictures, crosses, her robe, all identify ways in which we can break down barriers towards a dream of justice for all.

Thoughts concerning ministry/seminary:
Preaching as form of oppression- This was a paper topic she chose while in a class at Perkins. This describes not only her intelligence but also her ability to examine the ways in which we approach our ministries, how can we change the way we look at ministry.
Her talk of Perkins has also inspired a visit this coming October.

Summary:
When I was talking to Debra, it felt like I was talking to a friend. This is a major strength in her ministry. It redefined what a pastor is and can be. I am in awe of her intelligence and how she uses this in her ministry. Debra was one of the most inspiring women I met because she seemed so contemplative and yet so easy to talk to. Her work with young adults is innovative and breaks down the boundaries for what it means to serve and do justice.

Rev. Charlotte Abram, Tri-Community Pastor Omaha

Valuable Gifts to Ministry:
Developing your own mission statement- Rev. Charlotte recommended “Jesus in BlueJeans” as a way to explore a possible mission statement for myself
Nothing can outlast God-This was a beautiful idea concerning despairing events that can lead to doubt, such as Desmond Tutu imprisoned, the Berlin Wall. However, in our lifetime we have seen both of these things be stopped, Desmond Tutu released and the Berlin Wall torn down.
There are many disparaging things around us but we must remember that nothing has been able to outlast God. God is always present.

Thoughts concerning Ministry:
Stories disarm people- When asked how she decides to preach a sermon, I asked her why or how she chose to use stories. This was the answer I gave and I believe it to be true. I will use this practice.
Ministry is relational- The opportunity to form the deepest relationships with people comes from the pastoral ministry in funerals. It is a deep time of sorrow and she found this to be the most profound time for healing and work of a pastor who is willing to be with the family.
Never too big to fail, Never too small to win

Summary:
Rev. Charlotte is someone I truly admire. She holds the power of a woman who truly believes in God. She carries that faith with her wherever she goes in such a powerful way. I found it hard to write down thoughts because I was so trapped in her story. A story of courage and triumph over great odds. These stories are worth sharing but are better told by the storyteller. I believe the things that make us who we are do not define our destiny. She is pastor who lives in hope and the work of everyday ministry. So hearing her story was powerful because it reminded me what a gift it is to even be pursuing the option of being a pastor or working for justice. I have come after the trials of those before me but I live in hope. That is what I will take away from Rev. Charlotte

Rev. Susan Davies, owner of Soul Desires book store, former pastor and D.S

Valuable Gifts to Ministry:
The ability to take time and rest- spent a year of journeying which led to the creation of soul desires. The name for Soul Desires came from a suggestion table set up at their home. After putting a few words together, the name was created.
The right place, right time, every time- as it is related to her ministry
Forming relationships is the basis of any ministry
Our generation wants all the answer to things; there is sometimes no answer

Thoughts concerning Ministry/Seminary:
Creating a safe place for safe dialogue- Concerning an area of conversation in Soul Desires book store, towards the back of the store. You are able to sign up for a time slot
Call to Ministry comes from the local church. Seeing the work of church members advocating for those around them was eye opening
McCormack Theological seminary, largest women population at the time, provided a very powerful/encouraging experience.
Relationships- best relationship ministry there is, is journeying with a commentary of people

Summary:
Meeting with Susan was a real pleasure because she is living a dream of mine. To open up my own shop of some kind. Just seeing how she interacted with customers and asked all the right questions. The coffee table area was a great example and testament to all the people who walked through the doors to Soul Desires. All different walks of life but all welcome. Not to mention the plethora of wonderful books made available to the Omaha Community. Her hopeful message of church and being in relationship with others, is what I will take away. Loving intelligently is also a good way to describe the Soul Desires ministry. It is also a place we need to support in this economy. So go buy some good books!

Rev. Jane Florence, Omaha First United Methodist Church

Valuable Gifts towards Ministry:
Has an undergrad in sociology/English. Also was a principle at private Christian school in Corpus Christi, had the opportunity to be a chaplain there. Led to a discovery of wanting to be a pastor
Had to reconcile Southern Baptist roots (women are not able to be ordained)
Decided there was a better argument for God, “ok lets see where this goes”
This led to Perkins

Thoughts concerning Ministry/Seminary:
During Perkins was able to embrace roots “dismantling” all of this
Learning the covenants, able to name “day off” as “Sabbath”. This approach enables you to not take part in what is an ongoing job.
Delegating leads to empowering
Went from being a moderate/conservative to a progressive Christian theologically.

Summary:
I loved how Pastor Jane weaved in her own family struggles with the power of God’s call. This was an important thing for me to hear, as well as, her intelligence towards ministry. Her struggles with a bigger congregation that led to taking time off, showed me that answering God’s call is never going to be easy. It is a constant revelation it seems. I admire the work that First Church is able to do. It was a real joy to be able to hear the strength in her ministry and how simultaneously challenged and happy Pastor Jane is in her ministry.

These are some wonderful interviews I had with women in Ministry:

Diana Faust, St. Andrews- Omaha, Director of Vital Faith Formation
I was able to see the new building project of St. Andrews located in West Omaha. The building is very transformed and is a very large ministry. It is also a vibrant one. As I walked through the doors the children were rehearsing a play as part of the arts ministry. The offices were all brightly lit with people working during the summer. Diana’s office was very organized and put together. This is a very unique example of what she is able to accomplish with her ministries through her organizational skills. The very vibrant ministry of “Divorce Care” and “Divorce Care 4 Kids”, is a way to provide support and understanding to families going through this. I really appreciated her taking the time to chat with me and hear about her faith journey. The vibrancy of her ministry reflects her dedication and organization.

Barbara Jo Burns, Kearney NE, served in the district office, as well as, many committees, secretary of school of Christian Mission-I truly enjoyed talking with Barbara Jo. She has a very unique voice that is worth hearing. She saw herself as a natural mediator and I would have to agree. She is a person who seeks first to understand and is able to see both sides in a very genuine way. She believes in inclusive language and the ability to be in relationship with others in a non-confrontational way. How can we all be in relationship with each other? The most telling thing I will take away is, my generation cannot expect people to constantly approach us. We must also respect that which has been done. The work of countless women, like the ones at The School of Christian mission. I walked away wanting to take a greater responsibility for forming those relationships. Barbara Jo was also extremely personable and willing to share her stories with me. She truly has lived a life of forming relationships with anyone and everyone around her. I truly enjoyed getting to know her.

Culmination

I had the opportunity to learn what it feels like to be in the presence of amazing clergy women for an entire summer. To see the work and ministry of clergy women as they grace this earth with their strength, kindness, compassion and intelligence, is unforgettable and humbling. Each woman in ministry was shining a light on an area unattended to. Each clergy woman’s story a chance to see possibility and hope, as well as, the day to day triumphs and struggles. I felt that each pastor shared their hardships and their joys genuinely. My only regret is that I did not record each session. I guess I had a fear of being too formal. I wanted the conversation to feel non-threatening, so I would hear what it was “really like” to be a United Methodist Pastor.

Being a minister has many implications but the most general one is that it is hard. It is hard to be in constant conversation with your congregation. Its hard to turn on the television and see destruction and chaos when you want to be delivering a message of hope and forgiveness. It’s extremely hard to balance a life outside of what you do when your work never ends. I brought my own faith struggle to the table as I sat in conversation, unknowingly sometimes but mostly strategic, asking questions that led to a singular idea: doubt. I wanted to know what caused them to doubt? Or, more importantly what bright light led them out of darkness when they were or are in doubt? You’re probably thinking, “How could it be that, a pre-seminary intern who didn’t join the church till college is doubting if being a pastor is what she wants to do?” Obvious I’m sure but sometimes our rose colored glasses don’t always make the world so transparent.
Through this project two wonderful things happened: seminary became a confirmed dream of mine, not a way to dodge the bad economy. Seminary, with all of my doubts, is where I feel called right now.
The second gift of the summer was these extraordinary women who I thought would be too busy to talk to me, too busy to answer an email, were excited to talk about their faith journeys and the happenings of the ministries going on around them. They made themselves available and an open book. Most importantly they were hopeful.

Interviewing women led me to two questions that follow me till this day: Why don’t I listen more and why don’t WE listen more? Are we so afraid of what we might let in or what people might think that we can’t be in conversation? Unfortunately you wont find the answer to these questions. Im not blessed with as many answers as I am questions. I can only say with my own testimony that listening is what caused me to find my next step in ministry. By providing a space for a conversation, with my intention being simply to learn and to listen, I did.
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Encore

Pay It Forward Project

In an effort to continue my growth in preparation for seminary and to remain in relationship with the clergy women I met, I want to do a pay it forward project. I thought about all the different ways in which someone receives justice but the most powerful one is being in relationship. Through continued relationship building and finding areas to work for justice, I hope to build a stronger idea of the work of a pastor. More importantly, in order to pay it forward, I will ask pastors to identify an area of justice building ministry where I can be of service. I’ve left this area of “service” very broad because I want to serve the church community in the best way I can. While utilizing my gifts that have been more clearly identified this summer

The three main components will be:

Continued relationship building with pastors in Omaha
Continued exposure to relationship building within diverse communities
and Relationship building surrounded by justice work

I will keep in conversation with Omaha clergy women about areas of great need. Then I will ask them to identify an area of need dealing with social justice service areas within their ministries. While I may not be able to offer any input during the planning stages, I will be able to offer my volunteer hours towards a specific day or project. Or maybe in a larger way, depending on what the need is.
I’m looking forward to being creative with these local clergy women in ways we can all work for justice.
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