God's Daughters

The ministry of women is as ancient as Eve. She was created to be a "powerful partner" and to be an encourager.

As a Salvation Army officer, the privilege of seeing women given the opportunity for meaningful ministry has been a true blessing, though there is still a long way to go.

Catherine Booth, who was the wife of The Salvation Army's founder, William Booth, was the author of many of her husband's sermons and her deep theological and spiritual sensitivity was an always needed balancing tool for her husband.

The lack of respecting the ministry of women in the history of the church has had many negative impacts on some branches of the church. For example, The Salvation Army, to this day, does not practice communion, as it was not accepted by female ministers in the beginnings of The Army's mission. Therefore, William Booth declared that we will not practice communion in order that we do not offend anyone needing to hear the gospel.

I believe that women have always been just as important as men in God's family, Kingdom, and ministries. It is very exciting to see the changes in the world of women's ministries and how our generally male dominated church is beginning to benefit from recognizing the gifts, talents, and offerings of God's daughters.

It's interesting to me that wisdom is always spoken of as "her" and "she" in the Bible. That Mr. Booth went to his wife for counsel, wisdom, and sermon writing should be expected, as a woman's sensitivity to the Spirit is a wonderful part of her creation.

Grace and peace,
Johnny