For centuries, women have served in ministry, yet their path to leadership has often been shaped more by cultural shifts than by biblical mandates.

In this episode of Hard & Holy, Cass sits down with historian and bestselling author Dr. Beth Allison Barr to discuss her newest book, Becoming the Pastor’s Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman’s Path to Ministry.

Dr. Barr unpacks how the role of the pastor’s wife became a culturally defined position, rather than a biblical or historical necessity. She explores how marriage became the primary avenue for women in ministry, replacing ordination as the traditional pathway.

With her deep knowledge of church history, Dr. Barr highlights the long tradition of women leading, teaching, and preaching in the early church and medieval Christianity, offering compelling evidence that challenges common assumptions.

Cass and Dr. Barr also discuss how expectations for pastor’s wives differ across denominations and racial contexts, the challenges women face in church leadership today, and the impact of limiting women’s roles in ministry.

Along the way, they also share their mutual love for Star Wars, because sometimes church structures feel a little too much like Empire vs. Rebellion.

• How marriage became the primary path to ministry for women instead of ordination
• The historical evidence of women in leadership roles in the early church and medieval Christianity
• How the expectations placed on pastor’s wives vary across different denominations and racial contexts
• The personal cost for women called to ministry who do not fit the traditional mold
• Why examining church history strengthens, rather than undermines, biblical faithfulness

If you’ve ever questioned why women in ministry are often defined by their marriages rather than their callings, or if you want to better understand the historical roots of these expectations, this episode is for you.

Resources and Connect:

Order Dr. Beth Allison Barr’s new book: Becoming the Pastor’s Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman’s Path to Ministry Order

Connect with Cass on Instagram: @cassandralspeer

Connect with Dr. Beth Allison Barr on Instagram: @bethallisonbarr

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