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Women’s Transformation and Leadership

Building God’s Church Together

Women and men working together to become “a fellowship of congregations in which all women are equipped and empowered to fully exercise their gifts in the life, ministry, mission, and offices of the church.”

She Is Called • Ella es Llamada

Women on the move, in the movement of the Spirit.

This is who we are and this is what our ministry is all about. Women’s Transformation and Leadership is a ministry with a strong legacy, rooted in RCA women’s ministries and mission work, lay leadership, and 5 decades of women’s ordination as Elders, Deacons and Ministers of Word and sacrament. To God be the glory!

Women on the move, in the movement of the Spirit.

From Michigan to New York, from California to Canada, and well beyond—we are God’s beloved daughters seeking God’s will for our lives and embracing our gloriously diverse callings. We are stepping up with courage and holy boldness to be equipped for ministry, alongside each other and our brothers, in a world that longs to experience Christ’s love, peace, and liberation. Learn more about creating welcoming spaces of belonging with our Equity-Based Hospitality study.

Women on the move, in the movement of the Spirit.

Faithful, fearless women and girls called by God for just such a time as this, walking in the footsteps of Esther, Deborah, and Rahab, of Sarah and Hagar, Ruth and Naomi, and Mary and Elizabeth, of Phoebe, Junia, and Lydia.

It is in this spirit of purpose and joyful expectancy that we celebrate how RCA women continue this legacy today through the #sheiscalled campaign. The #sheiscalled campaign raises up the ways in which RCA women, and in fact all sisters in Christ, are living out their callings today, honors the legacy they follow, and looks forward to the ways women and girls will continue to lead us in the future.

Supporting women's call to ministry
Ruth Langkamp and Jael Serrano posing in She Is Called t-shirts at an RCA event for mission

Celebrating 5 Decades!

The RCA is celebrating five decades of women’s ordination as elders, deacons, and ministers of Word and sacrament.
Read more

Resources and opportunities for growth and support

She Is Called

Women of the Bible study

A nine-session Bible study exploring stories about women from the Bible

Building God’s Church Together

Discover how to create a trusting and healthy ministry environment where men and women can serve together

We Are Speaking

A call to the church to end harassment, abuse, and sexual violence against women and girls

Lavish Hope Podcast

Stories of resilience and overcoming

About Women's Transformation and Leadership

History of women in the RCA

Women have made vital contributions to the Reformed Church in America (RCA) throughout its nearly 400-year history.

View history

Theological resources

Resources by, for, and about women in the church

View resources

Voices of women

A space for RCA Women and our ecumenical sisters to share our stories, wisdom and inspiration.

View stories

Add your own story

Events

Women in Ministry Sunday

The third Sunday in May (May 19 this year) has been set aside as an annual denomination-wide special Sunday. Resources are available as we encourage you to celebrate the women of all generations in your congregation by inviting them to preach, lead worship and live into the leadership role God has called them into.

See resources

Dismantling Racism Prayer Gatherings 

Tuesdays, 1:30-2:30pm eastern

Learn more and register

She is Called Sabbath Rest Retreat

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11: 28 – 30 NRSV
Registration is now open for the third annual She is Called Sabbath Rest Retreat, April 5-7, 2024, amidst the rolling hills of the Warwick Conference Center, in Warwick, New York. Our theme for this year is “You Were Made for This -the Gift of Spiritual Discernment in our Need for Rest”, and we are thrilled to welcome Seattle-based spiritual leaders, Rev. Denise Easter and Rev. Dianna Kunce of Renewal Ministries Northwest to guide us. A gentle rhythm of worship, Bible study, thematic workshops, and restorative spiritual practices will be interwoven with rest, good food, and quality conversation. A self-guided visit to charming Warwick village is also an option.
This retreat is open to women leaders in all areas of ministry—pastors, elders, deacons, worship directors, Christian educators for all generations, spiritual directors, chaplains, seminarians, faith-based non-profit executives, etc. Space is limited, so do not wait to register and ensure your spot. Registration is open through March 31. Register by March 15 with code EarlyBird to receive a $25 discount. Please spread the word to other women who would benefit from this retreat experience.
To accommodate varying schedules, this retreat has been designed with one-night, two-night, and daytime options. Single and double occupancy will be available this year, with prices ranging from $145 to $230 per person. Retreat costs have been generously offset by support from the Regional Synods of the MidAtlantics and New York, Women’s Transformation and Leadership, and Next Generation Engagement. Please also note that you will be able to request additional accommodations during registration.
Here is a general flow of the weekend for planning purposes:
Friday –
Noon – early bird luggage drop off
4pm registration opens
5pm retreat begins
6:30pm dinner
Saturday-
7:30am morning prayer options
8:30am Breakfast
9:30am – 5:30pm retreat day
6:00pm dinner
7:30pm evening activities
Sunday-
8:30am Breakfast
10:00 Worship on site
12:00pm lunch and final farewells
Questions, please contact us at women@rca.org