Unpack the truth about women in ministry!
Women Preachers? I Should Say So! is a compelling memoir and theological argument. Hartman shares her personal journey of being called to ministry as a woman, detailing the obstacles and triumphs she faced while pursuing her calling, including initial rejections and the loss of her husband. The text emphasizes God’s consistent plan and faithfulness throughout her life, ultimately culminating in a return to mission work in Argentina after 53 years. The author uses Biblical examples and personal anecdotes to affirm the legitimacy of women in ministry, asserting that God unequivocally calls and equips them to preach the gospel.
About the book:
Women Preachers? I Should Say So!
Listen to the audio overview.
Since the first days of the Church, women have been called to preach the gospel of Christ. Many denominations have tried to hinder the call based on I Corinthians 14:34: “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.”
Paul used women in his ministry and complimented their services. Priscilla and Aquila were helpful in Paul’s ministry. He also commends Lois and Eunice to Phoebe, a prophetess (a preacher).
Mary Magdalene was the first preacher to tell the news that “Jesus is alive!” If women were to keep silent, we may never have had the wonderful news that was proclaimed.
God called me into the ministry as a teenager. In July of 1968, God called me to preach. I saw a vision of Jesus walking down on the clouds to take my hand. As I walked with Him, He told me He had a special work for me.
I know God calls women into the ministry because He called me. I have been influenced so many times by other women preachers. The Lord uses women, and I know they have a definite call.
Does God call women into the ministry? Women preachers? I should say so!
About the author
Sharon Hartman was licensed to preach in 1972 and ordained in 1977. She received an AA in General Studies from Emmanuel College in 1971, a BS in Elementary Education in 1973 from Radford College, an MS in Elementary Education from Radford University in 1983, and an endorsement in Elementary Principal from the University of Virginia in 1992. She was in Christian Education for 35 years, serving as Sunday School teacher and Superintendent, Youth Director, VBS director and teacher, Women’s Bible Studies teacher, and Christian Education director.
She was also a public school teacher with 40 years of experience and served as relief principal for about 14 years. Sharon has been a member of various choirs and praise teams and served as Interim Choir director.
She was married to Joe for almost 42 1/2 years before his passing and has two sons – Allen, 48 and Jonathan, 44. She has three granddaughters – Emily, Claire, 16; Hadley, 14; and Lilly, 12. She served as Assistant Pastor at Faith Central Fellowship for four years and as Pastor of Bent Mountain Chapel in Bent Mountain, VA, for almost 13 years. She now serves as Care Pastor at Christian Life International in Salem.
