| dc.description.abstract | This study investigates the gender role dilemma of female pastors using the Assemblies of Ghana (AG) as its focus. It gives a historical background which shows the struggle in the acceptance of women into the ordained ministry of the AG and the roles female pastors in the AG play. In-depth interviews were held with some female pastors as well as some male pastors of the AG, Ghana in soliciting information for this study. The data reveals that even though the AG, Ghana recognises female ordination, female pastors within the church are not given the necessary space to operate in comparison with their male counterparts. Thus, there is in reality a contradiction between what is stated in the policy document of the church and what is being practised by the church. Among other things, the work reveals that female pastors in the AG, Ghana mostly perform traditionally feminine duties and play complementary roles to the ministry of male pastors. It appears the gender roles in the traditional society is what has been transferred into the church. Consequently, women hardly serve on the administrative board of the church. Using intersectionality, cultural hermeneutics and gender roles as a framework, the study shows how a number of intersecting factors such as gender, age, family systems and culture are used to subordinate female pastors in their quest to perform their duties. It also demonstrates how cultural interpretations are reinforced in side-lining female pastors in the AG, Ghana. This brings to light the fact that male dominance within the church is still prevalent. In spite of this marginalisation, the female pastors continue to play their roles and legitimise their ministry through their call experiences, making the call an undeniable factor in their ministry. The study outlines measures such as their calling, the Bible, and focus on God as a means through which the female pastors deal with the gender dilemma they face. The study concludes by arguing for a cultural understanding of a given locality in their acceptance or otherwise of female pastors. The study contributes to the existing literature on gender in Pentecostalism with a focus on gender roles. | eng |