Despite varying opinions pro and con, the need to provide women ministers the same opportunity as men to serve in the life and work of the church is an issue that will not go away by simply evading it. Eldred faces this issue with solid facts, practical reasoning, and an eamest desire to see the church follow the example of Jesus in his ministry to women. His thoughtful presentation will help develop a climate of understanding within all levels of the church so that capable, qualified, and professionally trained ministers who happen to be women can receive fair consideration as candidates for local pastorates. Delving into the major questions normally voiced by a congregation and the unspoken questions hidden beneath the surface in making a decision, this book provides excellent resources for a congregational study. Eldred dis-cusses competency, the problem of change, the reality of competition, theological challenges, origins of resentment, and many pertinent topics to give church members a clearer picture of the woman pastor and her ability to lead a con gregation.