You’ve felt the call for ministry, and you’ve decided to become a pastor. You also happen to be a woman. In what has been a traditionally male-dominated profession, more and more women are heeding the call of the Great Commission in the terms of a full-time career.

The 94 women currently enrolled at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University—an increase of 20 from two years ago and making up 13.8% of the 678 total enrollment—are evidence of that.

In an effort to help answer the question that many of these women are asking, “I’ve answered the call, now what?” the Center for Women Clergy officially opened fall 2004 at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary on the campus of Andrews University.

Building on the foundation laid by previous students, seminary student Dilys Brooks, Center coordinator, began working towards its formation when she came to campus three years ago.

One of the Center’s goals is to promote community among women seminarians on campus. In 2003, the tradition of a fall "meet and greet" began when incoming female seminarians had the opportunity to meet current female students and faculty. Other events, including a special week of emphasis and graduation dinner, are planned throughout the year.

The Center for Women Clergy is more than just an on-site AU ministry. Once fully established, the Center will be a resource for all women currently working in the ministry or those who would like to, serving its membership through mentorships, providing ministry resources, educational workshops, and support.

“For this time we’ve been brought, for this time we’ve come together,” Brooks comments.

Beverly Stout, University Relations Lake Union Herald correspondent