Subject Area

Religion, Theology/Religious Education

Abstract

Abstract This dissertation argues that women in Scripture are not marginal figures but foundational to both the theological understanding and practical expression of chaplaincy. By integrating biblical exegesis, historical theology, socio-cultural analysis, womanist interpretation, and pastoral theology, the study identifies a consistent divine pattern of inclusion and empowerment. This pattern affirms the essential role of women in providing spiritual care within contemporary institutional settings.

Chapter 2 examines four Old Testament figures, Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, and Abigail, highlighting their leadership within patriarchal contexts through prophetic, judicial, diplomatic, and intercessory roles. Chapter 3 turns to the New Testament and explores the ministries of Mary Magdalene, Phoebe, Junia, and Priscilla. It demonstrates how their lives reflect four foundational dimensions of chaplaincy: pastoral presence and proclamation, diaconal service and advocacy, apostolic leadership and mission, and pedagogical community building. Chapter 4 engages key scholarly voices, including Witherington, Cohick, Epp, McLaughlin, Hill, Gafney, Clinebell, and Dykstra, to provide exegetical, historical, and theological grounding for the study. Chapter 5 traces the continuation of this biblical pattern into the modern era through selected women from the Great Awakenings to the present, including Phoebe Palmer, Aimee Semple McPherson, Kathryn Kuhlman, Joyce Meyer, Beth Moore, and Priscilla Shirer. This chapter demonstrates the enduring relevance of these four dimensions of ministry.

The dissertation concludes that the biblical witness to women’s ministry provides both historical precedent and theological support for fully inclusive chaplaincy practice. By articulating these narratives, the study offers practical implications for chaplaincy education, institutional policy, and the daily work of spiritual care in hospitals, prisons, military contexts, and other secular environments. Ultimately, it calls the Church to recognize and embrace the full scope of women’s giftedness and leadership as integral to the ministries of healing, sustaining, guiding, and reconciling in the name of Christ.

Degree Date

Spring 5-16-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

D.Min.

Department

Perkins

Advisor

Tamara Lewis

Second Advisor

Dr. Jim Lee

Number of Pages

121

Format

pdf

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License

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