WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
Purpose and Leadership
Women in Leadership is an initiative of the ECC Ministerium committed to fully elevating and empowering women in leadership for the benefit of the whole Body of Christ, through authorizing women leaders, advocating alongside survivors of abuse/harassment, and advancing women of color.
We do this ministry through:
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an annual pre-Midwinter Gathering for women leaders
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disbursing annual awards at the Ministerium Annual MEETING
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mobilizing around our four focus areas throughout the year
WIL was established in 2019, is chaired by ECC Ministerium leaders, and works in partnership with other associations and church-wide efforts. More info: eccministerium@gmail.com.
Women in Leadership Focus Areas
Authorizing Women to Lead
in senior pastoral positions and throughout the church
Advocating for Survivors of Abuse and Harassment
through prevention, resources and support, and establishing healthy reporting streams
Advancing Women of Color
in varied particular ways that empower, see, and honor their leadership, gifts, traumas, and needed voices throughout the church
Equipping White Women for Anti-Racist Work
through intentional education, accountability, and activity in response to the invitation to lead and advocate at this intersection
Women in Leadership Awards
Nominations for the 2024 Women in Leadership Awards are now closed. The three categories for the Women in Leadership Awards are: She Leads, She Preaches, and She Advocates. Nominations will be revealed prior to annual meeting.
Ministerium Awards
She Preaches
To be awarded to a woman with exceptional preaching abilities - whose proclamation of the Good News speaks truth and breathes life into those whom she disciples, teaches, and impacts.
She Leads
To be awarded to a woman with exceptional leadership capacities - whose authority, wisdom, and creativity builds up ministries and people to be more effective and strong Gospel witnesses.
She Advocates
To be awarded to a woman with exceptional gifts of advocating, whose courage, resilience, and faithfulness empowers others and brings liberation and hope to the vulnerable and oppressed.
All nominations must be women who are members in good standing of the ECC Ministerium, have been active in ministry for at least ten years, are not employed full-time by Covenant Offices, and have not received this same award previously. Diverse candidates with experience representative of our ECC Affirmations and practiced in the Six-Fold Test are encouraged. Each award will include a stipend of $1,000.00, financial support to attend the Ministerium Annual Meeting to receive the award, and being recognized throughout our church leadership. Nominations will be weighed and award recipients chosen by a committee of Ministerium Officers — Executive Board members, Mosaic Commission representatives, and ACCW and CBGE representatives.
2024 Women in Leadership Award Nominations Now Open
We are now accepting nominations for the 2024 Women in Leadership Awards. The three categories for the Women in Leadership Awards are: She Leads, She Preaches, and She Advocates. Nominations will be received through Monday, May 20th. Submit a nomination here.
We also celebrated events from the past year where virtual ministry had continued.
Women of Color Cohorts
Leaders are continuing to meet and provide specific support, development, and healthy spaces during the ongoing trauma of Black and Brown communities, APPI violence, and more. Many thanks to the leadership of Rev. Stephanie Ahn Mathis, Rev. Dieula Previlon, Rev. Ruby Varghese, and more who are helping facilitate these gatherings in various spaces.
Women Cohorts
Over 100 women gathered this past year. Many thanks to all those who led, participated, helped lead trainings, and are continuing with this commitment in their leadership context. Shout out to the Coordination work of Rev. Marti Burger who helped make these happen!
Women in Leadership Awards
The 2023 WIL Awards were named in June 2023 during Gather Ministerium and virtual meeting for ECC Clergy.