This is something you may not hear too often: there is a rise in female pastors.
Data from the Association of Theological Schools shows women now make up 35% of all seminary students, and in programs like counseling, they’re the majority. The United Methodist Church reports that half of its seminarians are women.
The shift is even clearer in the clergy ranks. In the 1970s, just 2% of U.S. clergy were women. Today, that number is about 20%—and climbing. Across denominations, more women are pursuing seminary degrees, getting ordained, and leading congregations. Slowly but steadily, the face of church leadership is changing.
Watch as Faith Counts’ Research Director Ryan Burge explains.