Holy Mischief

“Mindy Makant tells a powerful story that invites the whole church to listen to the difficult experiences of women in ministry, and critically examine the sexism that continues to prevent the full flourishing of women—both professional and lay—in the church, and compromises the proclamation of the gospel. The personal accounts are compelling and disheartening, but in the end there is hope in the power of the Spirit, who continues to do a new thing and blow winds of change through the church and society.”


—Kristin Johnston Largen, Editor, Dialog: A Journal of Theology





“Holy Mischief captures the hardship and joy of being an ordained woman in the ELCA. The accounts of ministry here and each chapter’s questions for discussion will inspire fruitful reflection among book group members, candidacy committees, call committees, and individual readers. The stories within these pages—and the storytelling they in turn call forth—will help all of us to hear and answer God’s persistent call to be the body of Christ together for the sake of the world.”


—Mary Hinkle Shore, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary,


Lenoir-Rhyne University





“Makant’s research points to the deep hermeneutical and pragmatic work ahead of Christian churches, whether or not they already ordain women into ministry. The courageous women’s voices we hear gird other women who are pastors to speak and call church members and all forms of leaders to listen, learn, and act—to be allies.”


—Mary J. Streufert, Director for Justice for Women, Office of the Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America





“Honest, disturbing, convicting and hopeful reflections gleaned not in statistics and theory but from the actual experiences of women in ministry and the judicatory structures they serve in this Church. As a bishop in this church, I will suggest this compelling account to all of our parishioners, especially adult faith formation groups, councils, and call committees.”


—Bishop Tim Smith, NC Synod, ELCA





“Holy Mischief tells truths both difficult and painful even as it celebrates the persistent strength of ministry and leadership of women as pastors. This book highlights the voices of ordained Lutheran women in the American south, whose ministry powerfully and poignantly grounds the daily work of the church, but whose ability to carry such power and poignancy is undermined and questioned at every turn—even by well-meaning allies. Yet Makant does not leave the reader to despair. Rather she shines a hope-filled light on the story—a light that she challenges the church to make more effulgent over the next fifty years.”


—Rev. Dr. Katherine A. Shaner, Lutheran Pastor (ELCA) and Associate Professor of New Testament, Wake Forest University School of Divinity