JESSUP — March is Women's History Month, so we decided to spotlight female preachers.
It's estimated only 14 percent of American congregations are led by women.
Meet Rev. Dorothy Boulware.
She's a pastor at The Hill, a non-denominational church in Jessup.
WMAR-2 News recently sat down and spoke with Boulware to learn more about her story.
"And my title is pastor at large. And that means I can be assigned to do anything from sweeping the floor, to preaching, to teaching, to anything," said Rev. Boulware.
Growing up in Baltimore, she was always active in church.
"I went from being an usher, to being on the junior choir, to being a junior missionary, to being anything I can find to do," said Rev. Boulware.
However, in her 30's, Boulware felt compelled to go into the ministry.
"So, in November of 1981, was when I became really sure what God was calling me to do in terms of preaching and teaching," said rev. Boulware.
She's preached all over, from Baltimore and Howard County to London.
It's no secret preaching is a male dominated profession.
Boulware and fellow female preachers have faced challenges.
"So, it definitely has been a struggle to be in that place to know this is something your called to do, and yet, not to be accepted. So, for many of us, it has been a struggle and been a fight to get to place where we can even do the ministry," said Rev. Boulware.
There's even debate as to whether a woman should be allowed to preach.
Rev. Boulware says the bible is a sacred text where people can come away with different interpretations, but she believes she is doing what she should be doing.
"What I know is what I know and that is God called me to be a preacher and a teacher," said Rev. Boulware.
