by Alyson (Schroll) Punzi ’19
It wasn’t until Dr. Erin Shaw attended seminary that she fully learned — and lived — the Bible’s beautiful role for women in Gospel proclamation. Now, Shaw shares her enthusiasm with classrooms of students from across campus as an Associate Professor of Women’s Ministry.
Shaw and fellow women's ministry faculty members Joy White and Rachel Kimble show these students the beauty of complementarian theology and prepare them for vocational ministry roles and faithful service in their local churches. Some of the young women they teach are earning their undergraduate degrees in biblical studies or studying in the MDiv program. Others are minoring in women’s ministry or adding electives to their non-Bible majors to prepare for faithful service in their local churches.
Whatever their majors and career goals, Cedarville’s women’s ministry students share a passion and a goal. Each student desires a deeper knowledge of God’s Word that she can share with those around her. And each will be a vital part of the discipleship of the church described in Titus 2. Shaw is dedicated to equipping these students to serve the church in a plethora of ways.
Preparing for Kingdom Calling
Female Bible alumnae could face practical challenges when they graduate and look for their first non-pastoral ministry roles. But Cedarville’s School of Biblical and Theological Studies (SBTS) helps female students connect with their future churches even before graduation day. Each year, the SBTS asks area churches and ministries attending their Ministry Fair to offer jobs and paid internship opportunities specifically for women.
Cedarville's Women in Bible program encourages and equips female Bible students by inviting outside speakers, hosting events, and coordinating prayer partners. Approximately 50 students each year receive one-on-one discipleship and professional mentorship from a faculty member, staff member, or spouse through a mentorship program. Women in Bible surrounds these students in community so they know that they are not alone in their studies or ministries post-graduation.
Cedarville alumnae are working in incredibly diverse areas in local church and parachurch ministries. These women teach other women the Word, lead small groups and Bible studies, provide counseling, develop curricula, write books, teach ESL, and work with at-risk youth. Some lead women’s ministries, children's ministries, or missions ministries. Others work for pregnancy resource centers, prison ministries, or publishing companies. Many are preparing to join church planting teams, serve in Bible translation, or continue their education as PhD candidates. Cedarville’s goal for these alumnae is that they may each live out their callings in their homes, churches, and communities for the glory of God alone.
No Greater Joy
Looking to the future, Shaw can’t help but be excited at the growth she’s seen. Two years ago, there were only eight female MDiv students; today, there are 22. Not only is enrollment growing, but alumnae are coming back to share about the inspiring ways that they are serving the Kingdom of God with the students who will soon follow in their footsteps.
When Shaw sees what God is doing through the faithful ministry of her students and alumnae, she is filled with joy. She resonates with what John described in 3 John 1:4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in truth.”
