200: Salvation Army History- Women in Ministry

Can God call women to preach the gospel? For The Salvation Army, the answer has been a resounding yes since its earliest days.In this episode of CrossTalk at the Kroc, Major Jonathan Raymer is joined by Lieutenant Colonel Eddie Hobgood to explore one of the defining convictions of the Salvation Army: the biblical foundation for women in ministry. Against the backdrop of ongoing conversations within the wider Church, they examine why this issue has shaped the Salvation Army's identity from the very beginning.The conversation traces the remarkable story of Catherine Booth, whose courage and theological conviction challenged the cultural norms of Victorian England. From her response to critics of women preaching to her first sermon in 1860, Catherine demonstrated that God's calling is not limited by gender. Jonathan and Colonel Hobgood also unpack the biblical case for women proclaiming the gospel, highlighting figures such as Deborah, the Samaritan woman, Mary Magdalene, Phoebe, Priscilla, Philip's daughters, and the promise of Pentecost that God's Spirit would be poured out on both sons and daughters.More than a historical discussion, this episode is a celebration of the countless women whose faithful ministry has shaped The Salvation Army and advanced the Kingdom of God around the world. It is also a reminder that God equips those He calls, and the Church is strongest when every believer is empowered to use their gifts for His glory.Whether you're wrestling with this topic, studying Salvation Army history, or simply seeking to better understand God's call, this conversation offers a thoughtful, biblical, and grace-filled perspective rooted in Scripture and the Army's heritage.Because the question has never been whether God calls women—it has always been whether we will recognize the people He has already called.https://linktr.ee/crosstalkatthekroc