Many notable women have significantly contributed to the direction of the Judeo-Christian Faith over the past three millennia. Seven such formidable women are recognized in “Our Church Mothers” for their roles of strategic importance in the development of Church history. Based on extensive research, the book style is unique in that each case study is presented in a first-person, letter-writing format intended to establish a personal rapport between the historical figure and today’s reader.
One common theme among these women is that not only their own children, but also their constituents recognized them as exceptional “mother” figures and as spiritual leaders anointed by God. Each women was addressed as “mother,” even though three of them never had children by birth; Judge Deborah, St. Clare of Assisi and Mother Teresa. The four mothers who were also wives, Mary, the Mother of Jesus, Katharina Luther, Susanna Wesley, and Catherine Booth, ably supported their husbands as helpmates while pursuing their own spiritual calling. None of the women allowed negative social pressures to prevent them from achieving their ministry goals.
While each woman has name recognition today, people are shocked to learn that Martin Luther had a wife and six children, the Booth’s love story rivals that of the Barrett Brownings, Judge Deborah was the Joan of Arc of her day and that Albanian born Mother Teresa became an Irish nun! Living in different countries, centuries and cultures, the women write to us and demonstrate admirable characteristics in sacrificially choosing to address ignored human needs around them with exceptional righteous faith and determination.
Following the developing events in these heroines’ lives and their significant male counterparts (whose stories are included,) is designed to provide common characteristics and patterns for readers to discern and emulate in serving Christ within their sphere where God has placed them. After each chapter’s conclusion, there are discussion questions suitable for individual reflection and small group sharing. Pastors, Bible teachers, and students will also find this book an excellent source for illustrations and antidotes in history that demonstrate both success and spiritual truths from actual life experiences.
