I am a pastor. I do almost everything my male colleagues do – preach, counsel, teach, visitations, etc. I graduated from seminary with multiple academic awards. But I do not have the title “pastor”, even though I have equivalent (and in some cases higher) qualifications than my male colleagues.
I am excluded from being able to conduct or even serve the Eucharist. I am excluded from the possibility of being ordained (a process in which the entire church affirms your vocation and calling, after which one is given the title “Reverend”.) I am excluded from the possibility of ever being in the top level of leadership and decision-making.
And my lead pastor could ask me, “You mean you feel oppressed here?”
Routinely when I introduce myself or what I do professionally, a look of confusion or disbelief crosses people’s faces. Often I have to repeat or explain several times what it is that I do. When I mention that I work in church, most assume I do administrative support. Because people cannot comprehend that a young female can or would be in a pastoral role.
I love my God, my faith and my church. But having my legitimacy questioned on a regular basis just because of my gender really wears me down.
