Letter From the President

I am truly grateful to be a part of God's amazing work through the ministry of Wesleyan Holiness Women Clergy, Inc. I remember the early days of God's call in my life. I had never seen a female clergy nor heard of one preach. Yet God's call was very clear to me to preach and to lead in His Church. The Lord provided godly male ministers who "opened the door" for me as I walked the steps through ordination and appointment. The way was lonely, as I was the only female actively participating in pastoral events. Just my presence in an all-male environment revealed the need to become more inclusive in the use of language and the formatting of such events. As I continued to serve by faith, I was invited to attend a Wesleyan Holiness Women Clergy conference called "Come to the Water" in 1998. This was the first time I ever saw so many women of various ages seeking and serving God's call. The conference inspired a desire in my heart and soul to be a part of helping other women in their journies. So I welcomed the opportunity to serve on the planning board of CTTW conferences. As a result, I have met so many power-filled, passionately in-love-with Jesus and highly qualified women who continue to inspire, educate and bless me. It is my heart's desire to continue to build upon the solid foundation of the Wesleyan Holiness Women Clergy, Inc. WHWC was founded by Rev. Dr. Susie Stanley in response to God's call. Who then gathered other dedicated women who sacrificially gave of their time and talents to help establish the growing ministry of WHWC, Inc.

We, the board of Directors of WHWC, are excited about the future of women clergy. Our vision is to maintain the high quality conferences in North America as well as establish similar Come to the Water conferences in other countries as well as smaller regional events during the years between the bi-annual conference. We seek to be a resource for academic endeavors through provision of various kinds of curriculum and literature that speaks to the issues of clergywomen around the world. We desire to strengthen our financial resources so that we can provide scholarships for individuals and support for establishment of similar conferences around the world. We are very grateful for the growing support of our denominational leaders and look forward to working with them as we continue to grow in the scope of our ministry. We are also thankful for the private donations we have received over the years. The past investments are now bearing good fruit. We pray the Lord will continue to grant us the wisdom, the passion, the perseverance and the resources to fulfill this vision.

Rev. Sheryl Colter
President, Wesleyan/Holiness Women Clergy Inc.