Called to Serve

Amy Golberg was ordained in 2025 at Rusagonis Baptist Church in New Brunswick. She now serves as Senior Pastorfor The Bridge Church in Fredericton. Amy shares about her journey to faith as an adult coming from a more secular background. She describes the strong support she has received along the way, whether from her husband who is a chaplain, from female role models in ministry, or from a small group of pastoral colleagues she calls The Core Four.Called to Serve, the book, is now available for purchase through our website, as well as on Amazon and other stores! Find your copy at calledtoserve.ca/the-book and leave your honest review on Amazon or Goodreads! Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists ofAtlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences—the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Called to Serve, the BOOK, is now available for purchase through our website, as well as on Amazon and other stores! Find your copy at calledtoserve.ca/the-book and leave your honest review on Amazon or Goodreads! Sharon MacKenzie has been serving as worship director and now worship pastor since 2006 at Charlottetown First Baptist Church on Prince Edward Island. She describes the significantinfluence youth ministry had in her life and the passion she now has for designing worship services and encouraging worship teams. She shares some of the challenges she’s faced in this role, including recording worship during the pandemic,and helping the church adapt to changing music styles and service structures. She also shares her heart for those who might be considering worship ministry as a career.Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists ofAtlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences—the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Erica Corbin was ordained with the CBAC in 2023 at Faith Baptist Church in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia. She has since moved her denominational affiliation to the Canadian Association for Baptist Freedoms. In this episode, Erica describes her ministry as a chaplain for the Canadian Armed Forces, emphasizing the ability chaplaincy gives her to walk alongside people and challenge the stereotypes they may have about faith. Want to win a free copy of our upcoming book? Email [email protected] by March 31st 2026, with the subject line FREE BOOK. Everyone who emails in will receive notification when the book comes out and be entered into the draw.Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences—the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Debbie Simmonds was ordained in 2021 at East Preston United Baptist Church in Nova Scotia, where she’s served in many capacities for over forty years. She works as the food hub coordinator for the Preston Area Food Network and has a passion for outreach ministry. Debbie shares her powerful experience of connecting with God while she was in hospital, and describes the ongoing work she does in the community, where she is known as Reverend Debbie.Want to win a free copy of our upcoming book? Email [email protected] by March 31st, with the subject line FREE BOOK. Everyone who emails in will receive notification when the book comes out and be entered into the draw.Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences—the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Pam Schut is Pastor of Children’s and Family Ministries at First Baptist Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island. In this episode, Pam describes the effect it had on her ministry when she gained the title of pastor. She also shares her experience of being present at the 1987 vote on whether the CBAC should continue ordaining women, and she explains the importance of sharing even our negative stories. Want to win a free copy of our upcoming book? Email [email protected] by March 31st 2026, with the subject line FREE BOOK. Everyone who emails in will receive notification when the book comes out and be entered into the draw. Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences—the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Carol Ann McGibbon was ordained in 1984 at Germain Street Baptist Church in Saint John, NB. She pioneered urban ministry programs in both Nova Scotia and Chicago, enjoying a long career with SCUPE, the Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education. In this episode, Carol Ann describes her deep commitment to urban ministry and social justice, and shares an incredible story about a movement of the Holy Spirit at her examining council.Want to win a free copy of our upcoming book? Email [email protected] by March 31st 2026, with the subject line FREE BOOK. Everyone who emails in will receive notification when the book comes out and be entered into the draw. Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences—the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Maxine Gough was ordained in 2005 and continues ministering today in her eighties. She describes growing up in a segregated Black community in Nova Scotia and her experiences ministering in churches of the African United Baptist Association. She also describes the joys and challenges of attending seminary in her sixties as a blind student, believing that God has called her to serve him in her blindness.Want to win a free copy of our upcoming book? Email [email protected] by March 31st 2026, with the subject line FREE BOOK. Everyone who emails in will receive notification when the book comes out and be entered into the draw.Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences—the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Virginia DeAdder was ordained in 2007 at Hantsport Baptist Church in Nova Scotia. After retiring from a long career in telecommunications, she went on to pastor several rural Baptist churches and continues to provide pulpit supply today. Virginia describes wrestling with a call to ministry because of her gender. Although her faith began with an emphasis on fear, she shares how God has walked with her into becoming unafraid.Want to win a free copy of our upcoming book? Email [email protected] by March 31st 2026, with the subject line FREE BOOK. Everyone who emails in will receive notification when the book comes out and be entered into the draw.Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences—the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Joetta Fernando is one of our research associates at Called to Serve. She joined the team in April of 2024 and has been working on data analysis, conducting interviews, and writing material for our upcoming book. Get to know her in this special behind-the-scenes conversation. Want to win a free copy of our upcoming book? Email ⁠[email protected]⁠ by March 31st 2026, with the subject line FREE BOOK. Everyone who emails in will receive notification when the book comes out and be entered into the draw.Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences—the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Andrea Anderson was ordained in 2019. She has served as Deputy Minister over the Public Service Commission in Nova Scotia, and is currently senior pastor at East Preston United Baptist Church. Andrea talks about her ability to minister in the workplace, and describes experiencing racism in both seminary and the public service.  Want to win a free copy of our upcoming book? Email ⁠[email protected]⁠ by March 31st 2026, with the subject line FREE BOOK. Everyone who emails in will receive notification when the book comes out and be entered into the draw.Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences—the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

We are re-sharing an interview in honour of Canadian Baptist missionary Muriel Bent, who recently passed away at the age of 95. Muriel served with Canadian Baptist Ministries for over 35 years, working as a missionary in the field of public health. She was a nurse, midwife, hospital administrator, and community health advocate who completed a Master’s in Tropical Community Health and toured nearly twenty countries to observe their healthcare programs. After retiring in 1998, Muriel continued finding ways to serve, including selling many handmade mittens through the 323 Collective, in support of the work of CBM. She was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Ministry degree by Regent College, Vancouver in 2007.Read Muriel’s obituary: https://www.middletonfuneralhome.com/obituary/muriel-bentWatch an interview with Muriel at Middleton Baptist Church: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg5hAePwOXcCalled to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences—the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca. Want to win a free copy of our upcoming book? Email ⁠[email protected]⁠ by March 31st 2026, with the subject line FREE BOOK. Everyone who emails in will receive notification when the book comes out and be entered into the draw.

Jennifer Varner was ordained by the CBAC in 2004 but now pastors a charismatic ministry called Wellspring Christian Community Outreach in New Germany, Nova Scotia. Jennifer reflects on a challenging church departure and describes what she gained from her years as a Baptist, before making the difficult decision to pastor in another denomination.Want to win a free copy of our upcoming book? Email ⁠[email protected]⁠ by March 31st 2026, with the subject line FREE BOOK. Everyone who emails in will receive notification when the book comes out and be entered into the draw.Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences—the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Pamela Estey was ordained in 2005 in Canning, Nova Scotia. She is now the intentional interim pastor for St. Margaret’s Bay Baptist Church. Pamela describes her experience with music ministry, pastoral leadership, camp directing, and chaplaincy. She explains her current interest in addressing trauma in church settings, and muses on why she finds men and women tend to fall into different pastoral roles.Want to win a free copy of our upcoming book? Email ⁠[email protected]⁠ by March 31st 2026, with the subject line FREE BOOK. Everyone who emails in will receive notification when the book comes out and be entered into the draw.Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences—the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Want to win a free copy of our upcoming book? Email ⁠[email protected]⁠ by March 31st 2026, with the subject line FREE BOOK. Everyone who emails in will receive notification when the book comes out and be entered into the draw.Ruth Tonn was ordained in 2019 following a twenty-year career as a semi-truck driver. She most recently served as Pastor of Families and Community Outreach at Wolfville Baptist Church in Nova Scotia. Ruth talks about the difficulty she faced in securing a pastoral position, despite feeling a lifelong call to ministry and serving in churches extensively throughout her career.Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists ofAtlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences—the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Tammy Giffen was ordained in 2020. She is the church planter and lead pastor of Groundswell Church in Truro, Nova Scotia. Tammy talks about the challenges she has faced navigating her denomination, in which leaders hold divergent views on women in ministry. She emphasizes the importance of mentoring upcoming female leaders, as well as of not placing too much emphasis on one’s pastoral identity.Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories ofwomen ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

LeQuita Porter is a trained lawyer who pastored at EastPreston United Baptist Church from 2010 through 2019. She was the first female senior pastor in that church’s 168-year-history. LeQuita talks about her journey toordination and her experience with empowering women who have experienced abuse. She also describes the lessons she learned while balancing ministry and motherhood.Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories ofwomen ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Sheila was ordained in 2024, after many decades of ministry service. She currently serves as Lay Pastor at Perth-Andover Baptist Church. Sheila talks about ministering in the community, where she is known as the “arena pastor”, and about the encouragement she received from numerous women who ministered though unordained. Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Lois was ordained in 2007 and has served several local churches in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. She stresses the importance of prayer ministry throughout her life, as well as the role of community when there are dark times. She also describes the blessing she felt, ministering to people and families as they face death.Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories ofwomen ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Sarah Cogswell was ordained in 2024 and serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Formation and Care at The Journey Church in Moncton, New Brunswick. She describes how she wrestled through being called to ministry as a woman and how she has learned to embrace her limitations in order to avoid burnout and remain healthy in ministry.Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories ofwomen ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Rev. Dr. Joyce Ross was ordained in 2014 at the age of 75. She describes her lifetime experience in prison ministry and early childhood education, vital community work for which she was awarded the Order of Canada in 2002.Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories ofwomen ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Patty Beals was ordained in 2012. For ten years, she pastored the rural Lawrencetown Baptist Church, a church  that had plateaued but under her leadership started new community ministries. Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists ofAtlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Diane Juckes was ordained in 2003. She has pastored at Lower Derby Baptist Church, and served as a chaplain in both hospital and correctional institutions. Diane shares stories of prison ministry in a maximum security setting, and the challenges and opportunities of navigating a multifaith ministry context.  Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

“Called to Learn" is a research paper given by Dr. Melody Maxwell that focuses on the educational experiences of Atlantic Baptist women training for ministry. Dr. Maxwell gave this presentation at the 10th International Conference on Baptist Studies. Using many of the interviews we have completed so far for Called to Serve, Dr. Maxwell discusses what she found women experienced in academic settings as they trained for ministry, mentioning issues like negative responses from male peers and the importance of female mentorship.Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists ofAtlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Nancy Murphy was ordained in 2005 and has served as children’s pastor at Brunswick Street Baptist Church andOromocto Baptist Church. She describes her journey as a single foster parent and how her current work in civil service is as much a ministry as pastoring.Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories ofwomen ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Deb Stevens was ordained in 2010 at Windsor Baptist Church. She talks about receiving her call into ministry during a tumultuous time navigating a divorce. Since then, she hasserved as a pastor, a chaplain, and a social worker, and developed a passion for small church ministry.Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories ofwomen ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Muriel Bent was interviewed in 2022 for the podcast Atlantic Baptist Stories, a previous oral history project led by Dr. Maxwell. Muriel retired from Canadian Baptist Ministries in 1998 after a long career of over thirty-five years of service. She served as a missionary and public health consultant, andcontinues to find ways to serve in her nineties. Muriel was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Divinity by Carey Theological College.Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories ofwomen ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Marlene Pitman-Knowles was ordained in 1998 and has served at several Maritime churches, including Bayers Road Baptist Church, Windsor Baptist Church, and Southend Baptist Church. She talks about her reluctance to embrace ordained ministry, and the things she enjoyed most about being a lead pastor.Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

On January 15th, Melody Maxwell delivered a paper at an international symposium for Project Violet. Project Violet is a UK initiative with a similar focus to ours. It was named for Violet Hedger, the first Baptist woman to be trained for ordination at Regent’s Park College at Oxford. Project Violet has investigated women’s experiences in ministry whilst developing women ministers. It has helped understand morefully the theological, missional, and structural obstacles women ministers face in the Baptist community in Great Britain. Project Violet also has a podcast, “The Project Violet Podcast”, which you can find on the same platforms as Called to Serve. To learn more about Project Violet, visit projectviolet.org.uk. Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Sarah Trenholm was ordained in 2018. She has pastored at Midland Baptist and now served alongside her husband at Debert Baptist Church. Sarah talks about the pros and cons of serving as a clergy couple and gives her advice to any woman entering ministry.Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within theCanadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more atcalledtoserve.ca.

Kim Butler was ordained in 2023. She has served for many years at Atlantic Community Church but has recently accepted a call to serve as Senior Pastor at Salisbury Baptist Church. Kim talks about wrestling with her call to pastoral ministry and with how women pastors can be pigeonholed into particular ministry roles. Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Marion Jamer was ordained in 2011 and has served as both a pastor and as a community chaplain working alongside first responders. She talks about working with the fire department and RCMP and how she sees her ministry as that of an evangelist. Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Hannah Bartlett was ordained in 2021 and serves as the Next Gen pastor at Cornerstone Baptist on Prince Edward Island. She talks about her approach to leading a very large youth and children’s ministry and describes the impact that other women in ministry have had on her life.Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

In 2023, Dr. Maxwell was able to sit down with Rev. June Keddy, who has since passed away as of February last year. June spoke about her childhood experiences with church and with faith, and call into ministry as an adult. She served both as a pastor and as a chaplain, and we are privileged to be able to share her words with you today. Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Barbara Putnam was ordained in 1996 and soon after began a career in military chaplaincy. In 2016 she became the first woman to attain the rank of Colonel in the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service. In 2022 she was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Divinity by Acadia University. Most recently, Barbara has been working in the area of Restorative Engagement, addressing issues of sexual misconduct in the military. Now about to enter retirement, Barbara describes what first drew her into chaplaincy. She shares some of the highlights and challenges from her career, including her role in responding to 9/11, working in ecumenical and multifaith environments, and listening to people’s stories through Operation HONOUR. If you are feeling called into military chaplaincy, or any other form of ministry, know that there are people who would love to speak with you and help you along that road. You can reach out by contacting us over social media or by visiting our website calledtoserve.ca and we can help get you connected. Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1954 and 2024, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Sherrolyn Riley was ordained in 2003 and has pastored at Victoria Road and Mahone Bay United Baptist Churches. She talks about entering seminary after retirement and persevering in ministry in spite of challenging environments. Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1950 and 2020, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Jennifer Sutton was ordained in 2016 and has pastored congregations including at Forest Hills and Aenon Baptist Churches. She talks about the challenges she’s faced serving as a divorced single parent, as well as the unique ministry opportunities she’s had through her work in the community with dance. Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1950 and 2020, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Angela Wade was ordained in 2017 and now serves as lead pastor at Union Street Atlantic Baptist Church. She talks about her experience at the ordination examining council, as well as how she’s learned the importance of balance for not burning out in ministry. This episode also features a short conversation with Melissa Hodder, who has been a research assistant on the project. Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1950 and 2020, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Louise Hannem was ordained in 2012. She served in pastoral ministry at several churches before moving into full-time roles with Canadian Baptist Ministries. Louise talks about her experience taking maternity leave as a pastor, and the challenges of balancing ministry and single parenting. She also describes several role models who impacted her life, including her grandmother, whom she says taught her to pray. Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1950 and 2020, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Carol Dimock was ordained in 2008. She shares her experience serving in prison ministry and talks about the transformation she saw in the lives of many men. Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1950 and 2020, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Linda Perrin was ordained in her sixties, after a long career as a school principal. She talks about resisting her call to ministry, and how she has leaned on God through sickness and finding continuing ways she can serve. Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1950 and 2020, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Liz Johnson was ordained at 60 years old. She served as a chaplain with assisted living and in her community. She talks about the importance of listening in pastoral care and her ministry emphasis on love. Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1950 and 2020, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Dr. Melody Maxwell shares "Faithfully Feminist?", a paper she presented this summer at conferences in Quebec and North Carolina. This is one of several avenues of research she has been working on using Called to Serve interviews. Listen to her share this paper, which explores the complex relationship between ordained Atlantic Baptist women and feminism.You can keep up with our project's research and events on our website: calledtoserve.ca Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1950 and 2020, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries.Called to Serve is funded in part by a grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and is led by Rev. Dr. Melody Maxwell of Acadia Divinity College. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Sylvia Hagerman was ordained in 2008 and has served in spiritual formation ministries and ministry to women. She talks about the challenge it was for her to navigate feeling called  to ministry while being a mother, and how she has been able to treat any place like a mission field. Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1950 and 2020, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Called to Serve is funded in part by a grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and is led by Rev. Dr. Melody Maxwell of Acadia Divinity College. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Sarah Stevens was ordained in 2014 and has pastored at Bethany Memorial and Harmony Baptist Church. Sarah talks about coming to faith at the age of nineteen, the powerful youth ministry she led at Bethany, and the way that the Covid-19 pandemic affected her as a minister and a mother. Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the ⁠Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada⁠. Between 1950 and 2020, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Called to Serve is funded in part by a grant from the ⁠Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada⁠ and is led by ⁠Rev. Dr. Melody Maxwell⁠ of ⁠Acadia Divinity College⁠. Learn more at ⁠calledtoserve.ca⁠.

Audrey Carter was ordained in 2001 alongside her husband Jack. Some of the churches they pastored together were in Digby Neck, Barrington, and Woodville. Audrey talks about the advantages of team ministry and the ways she noticed she was treated differently as a female pastor. Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1950 and 2020, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Called to Serve is funded in part by a grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and is led by Rev. Dr. Melody Maxwell of Acadia Divinity College. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Margo MacDougall was ordained in 1997. She has worked in several positions, including as a counsellor, a probation officer, and a pastor to several Atlantic Baptist churches. Margo talks about the challenges she experienced serving in ministry as a single woman, her current ministry focus on supporting wounded pastors, and how she's currently enjoying a very supportive church home at a church that does not ordain women. Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the ⁠Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada⁠. Between 1950 and 2020, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Called to Serve is funded in part by a grant from the ⁠Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada⁠ and is led by ⁠Rev. Dr. Melody Maxwell⁠ of ⁠Acadia Divinity College⁠. Learn more at ⁠calledtoserve.ca⁠.

Rhonda Britton was ordained in 2002 in the United States. After moving to Nova Scotia, she pastored at Second United Baptist Church in New Glasgow, and New Horizons Baptist Church in Halifax. Rhonda describes being called to ministry in her forties and how she went on to lead New Horizons Baptist Church through its historic name change. She shares her ministry focus on ecumenical and community relationships, and how she identifies more with womanist theology than with feminism. Stick around to the end of today’s podcast to hear a short update from Dr. Melody Maxwell about her ongoing research with the interviews we’ve collected and where she’s been presenting that research so far. Called to Serve is a Canadian podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1950 and 2020, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Called to Serve is funded in part by a grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and is led by Rev. Dr. Melody Maxwell of Acadia Divinity College. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Renée was ordained in 2009. She has pastored at North and South Alton, RiverCross, and Hillside Baptist churches. Many listeners will be familiar with Renée through her role as the Executive Minister for the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. She is the first woman to serve the CBAC in this position. Renée describes her journey to faith and call to ministry. She shares some of the ministry experiences she’s had, and discusses several themes that have been important to her, like community engagement and how play provides a taste of the kingdom of heaven. Make sure you stick around to the end of this episode to hear a conversation between Renée and one our research assistants, Taylor Anstey, in which they discuss her experience being nominated for Executive Minister and what it’s been like to serve the CBAC in that role. Called to Serve is a new podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1950 and 2020, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Called to Serve is funded by a grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and is led by Rev. Dr. Melody Maxwell of Acadia Divinity College. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Kayla was ordained in 2018 and now serves as a military chaplain. She talks about serving in chaplaincy as a woman and the importance of knowing where her true identity lies. Called to Serve is a new podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1950 and 2020, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Called to Serve is funded by a grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and is led by Rev. Dr. Melody Maxwell of Acadia Divinity College. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.

Janet was ordained in 2014. She has served in several churches including Bridgewater Baptist and Greenfield United Baptist Church. Janet talks about leading an active rural youth ministry and how it’s possible for spouses to pastor in two separate congregations. Called to Serve is a new podcast featuring the stories of women ordained by churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Between 1950 and 2020, over one hundred women were ordained to ministry in Atlantic Baptist churches and around the world. Our project shares and preserves these women's experiences--the joys and challenges they faced, and the impact they've made through their ministries. Called to Serve is funded by a grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and is led by Rev. Dr. Melody Maxwell of Acadia Divinity College. Learn more at calledtoserve.ca.