How three female pastors are bringing new leadership to Geneva church
When worshippers attend services at Geneva's Fox Valley Presbyterian Church, they won't see any male pastors preaching from the pulpit.
That's because for the first time in the church's history, three female pastors are leading the congregation.
The Rev. Stephanie Anthony, pastor and head-of-staff at the church, said there are many female leaders in the Presbyterian Church throughout the county, especially in more rural congregations. But while other women have held leadership positions in the Fox Valley congregation, having three female leaders at the same time, with no male pastors, is a first for the Geneva church, she said.
"Having three of us in one church is very unique," Anthony said.
The two associate pastors are the Rev. Becky Bryan and Rev. the Michelle Hwang.
Bryan, the most recent to join the church, is the associate pastor for children, youth and families. She moved from Florida to serve the Fox Valley church in October 2022.
Hwang, the associate pastor of discipleship, focuses on the mission ministry, the adult formation and the church's deacons. She has been with the Fox Valley church for about 4½ years.
As Anthony, Bryan and Hwang have been the first set of all-female pastors at the church, they've reflected on how it may differ from other forms of leadership.
"I don't know if there's a difference (between male and female leadership) per se," Bryan said. "There's a difference in the way people perceive the leadership. There are roles that people think different genders should occupy, but in reality, everyone has the same compassion and leadership skills."
Wilma Van Arragon, a congregation member who is on the church's communications committee, has watched the church grow from the challenges during COVID-19 lockdowns. She observed the church's attempts to keep a solidified community through remote services and events under the women's leadership.
"From my perspective, our church leadership has done an amazing job, during some very challenging times, to keep us focused on what we are called to do as a community of faith," Arragon said. "Online and remote attendance, involvement in what we are called to do, such as social and environmental justice, have sometimes provided an alternative to traditional church attendance."
Anthony also has observed the changes female leadership has brought and how it has been perceived.
"There can be a lot of assumptions about what a woman leader should look like compared to a male leader," she said. "There can be some exciting surprises when someone doesn't fit (either of) those molds."
Congregation member Angela Bateman has maintained a relationship with the three pastors and has seen them work together to fulfill the church's mission. Recently, the three pastors have been working to protest gun violence, increase clean water around the world and support other local organizations.
"I feel our church, with the strong leadership of all three women pastors, is in a great place to continue forward," Bateman said. "They walk the walk and talk the talk. They are all invested and approachable. They lead and listen. And they are all willing to tackle things most churches are afraid to talk about."
Each leader has a specific sets of traits that help to improve church leadership, said church member Lucas King.
"Like puzzle pieces, they fit together really well with the vision and skills of the congregation," he said. "Together, we make a united ministry team that is really impactful."