Although women have made progress since 2003, women only comprise 24% of clergy members. Women are 57% of lay membership and over 50% of the students at theological schools. We need to ask where these women are since they are not going into ordination. And we need to ask why women are not going into ordination.
Our society is comprised of 50% women in the workforce, and many of the secular businesses have altered policies and procedures to be female and famil friendly. We don’t live in a community or time where the norm is just one person working outside the home.
The United Methodist Church is actively seeking younger clergy persons. Are we, the United Methodist Church, ready for them? Are our structures and policies supportive of young people (men and women)?
Elaine Moy, assistant general secretary of finance and administration for GCSRW.
Deacon in full connection
Women and men held the same percentage from 2003, total number of increased by 19%.
Elder in full connection
Women increased by 4%, and total number dropped by .5%.
Classification of Probationary Deacon and Elder started in the 1996 General Conference. Probationary Member (only elder). same percentages from 2003, total number dropped by 7%.
Associate member
Women increased by 2%, and the total number dropped by almost 10%.
Full-time local pastors
Women increased by 2%, the total number increased by 2%.
Part-time local pastors
Women increased by 2%, the total number increased by 17%.
The total number of clergy has increased by 2% from 2003 2008. The total number of women clergy has increased by 4% (24% women clergy and 76% men clergy.)
* Source of data - GCFA
** Detail of data by annual conferences, see Table 1 and Table 2 here https://gcsrw.org