“…And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
—ESTHER 4:14
The Bible highlights many influential women who lived during a time when society marginalized them and limited their options. Although their roles varied according to the needs of their communities, those who honored the living God all shared one common trait—they answered His call to serve.
Jesus is coming soon. The Holy Spirit is preparing people’s hearts to receive the present truth for this time, and we need all hands on deck. The Atlantic Union Conference acknowledges the dedication of Adventist women heeding the Holy Spirit’s call to use their gifts and abilities in pastoral ministry. Fourteen women pastors serve in various capacities across the Atlantic Union, ranging from conference leadership to senior, associate, assistant, or lay pastors within the six conferences.
Among these remarkable women: Michelle Hill, Midland Heights church pastor and Bermuda Conference Women’s Ministries and Prayer Ministries director; Donna Holland, Bennington, West Townsend, and Cliff Island churches senior pastor, and Mountain View church supervising pastor; Sharon Mosher, Blessed Hope lay pastor; Everette Samuels, Greater New York Conference Adventist Community Services and Health Ministries director; Maria Valente, College Church associate pastor; and Petrice Wideman, Mount Vernon assistant pastor, share their unique journeys. Each story underscores a solid commitment to ministry and the diverse ways God calls individuals to serve.
THE CALLING
Donna Holland felt called to ministry as a child, preaching to empty chairs with the message, “Jesus is coming soon.” Initially choosing nursing because she hadn’t seen other women in ministry, she realized, “I was being a Jonah, and I realized I was going to have to change.” Pursuing a theology degree, she worked 60 hours a week as a pastor for three years before being hired. Similarly, Maria Valente had studied education but remained active in ministry, sensing God had “more for [her].”
Everette Samuels also faced an unexpected calling. Preparing for law school, she faced rejection from every application. Then, a profound realization struck: “One day, I was at work, and the thought came to me, ‘You have been called by God.'” Later, reading the book Called by God further convicted Samuels and confirmed her path. Petrice Wideman grew up as a pastor’s daughter, but she never felt called to ministry until a life-changing dream. Later that same day, after forgetting the dream, a stranger confirmed it, telling her, “The Lord told me that He’s been calling you to ministry.” At that moment, she knew she had to follow.
THE CHALLENGES
The journey of ministry often comes with challenges, particularly for women. Holland experienced years of rejection but learned to rely on God’s calling: “[I learned that] it’s just a matter of [knowing] that God has called me, and He will give you the strength to deal with the adversities.” Sharon Mosher echoed this sentiment, noting that while people warmed up to female pastors, it took time. She prays more women will heed the call: “God can do more than we can ever dream if we fully submit to Him. He will take us places and open doors that we could never dream about before.”
Wideman pointed out that structural challenges in pastoral ministry are mainly designed with men in mind, making it difficult for mothers to manage personal life responsibilities. Michelle Hill also faced opposition when leaving Bermuda for seminary. Despite being told she would “never have a church,” she witnessed God’s miraculous guidance. These experiences strengthened her resolve to demonstrate that pastoral care and leadership transcends gender.
THE IMPACT
Women in ministry have brought a unique influence to their churches and communities. Samuels observes a growing acceptance of female pastors. Reflecting on her experience, she noted that members who “weren’t open before” now seek female pastors. “They realize that women are called just as men are,” she said. Wideman also acknowledged the impact of a female presence, saying, “We can preach on the same Bible story but, as a woman, I will highlight certain things that someone else would not.” This diversity allows congregations to see God working in new ways.
Hill emphasizes the nurturing quality women bring to ministry, shaping her approach to inclusivity and mentoring. “I bring a special sense of concern and care,” she notes, inspiring her to support other women in their journeys. Holland reflects on her blessings in ministry, having led her conference in baptisms from 2017 to 2024. Though uncertain how her influence might differ if she were male, she feels God blessed her role within the community.
THE FUTURE
Opportunities for women in pastoral ministry today are vast. Samuels emphasizes that the foundation of ministry is one’s relationship with God: “The call to ministry is first a call to God.” She also advises women not to take things too personally and to “be patient with the process.” Hill echoes this, urging women to “walk in the will of God and allow God to use you.” She focuses on preaching Christ rather than defending the role of women in ministry, allowing God’s work to speak for itself.
Valente cites 1 Corinthians 12:27 to encourage every believer to use their God-given gifts. She reflects on how God has used women with “determination and perseverance” to nurture congregations and urges women to prepare to teach the gospel in meaningful ways. “Working in the ministry is the highest opportunity to connect oneself to God,” she shares.
Ellen G. White wrote, “When a great and decisive work is to be done, God chooses men and women to do this work, and it will feel the loss if the talents of both are not combined” –Evangelism, p. 469. We honor and celebrate these women’s profound influence within their communities and throughout the Atlantic Union. We acknowledge their achievements as a testament to the power of God, whose “biddings are enablings,” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 333). Their contributions are not just milestones but beacons of inspiration, proving that greatness is built on the foundation laid by a willingness to heed the call and follow God’s leading.
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Written jointly by Judith Silfrene, a member of the Living Word church, and the Gleaner staff.
