Sociology major Hannah Smith ’25 is exploring the untold stories of women ministers within the Church of the Brethren, shining a light on their experiences and how they are perceived in a male-dominated occupation as part of the Summer Creative Arts and Research Program (SCARP).

Smith is working closely with Etown Professor of Sociology Michele-Lee Kozimor to conduct anonymous interviews with 20 women ministers from across the nation, spanning from the Pacific Coast to Indiana and Iowa, with the ultimate goal of creating a resource for future research.

Title of Research
Behind the Pulpit: The Lived Experiences of Women Ministers in the Church of the Brethren

Student Researcher
Hannah Smith ’25 (Sociology major)

Faculty Mentor
Michele-Lee Kozimor, Professor of Sociology

What are you researching?

Smith: My research is examining the lived experiences of women ministers in the Church of the Brethren. The Church of the Brethren is a Christian denomination that was also at the forefront of allowing women to be ministers. That being said I am examining the work-life balance, challenges, and experiences of women in ministerial roles. I will be conducting approximately 20 interviews and examining possible consistent themes evident in the interviews. Through these interviews, I will be able to see how women are perceived in male-dominated occupations. I will continue this research during my senior year as my Honors in the Discipline project and I am excited to see the project progress and grow.

Why did you choose this topic?

Smith: I chose this topic as I am a member of the Church of the Brethren and have seen many women follow a ministerial pathway. Despite that, the ministerial field is still male-dominated, and I wanted to examine women’s experience in male-dominated occupations. Another reason I chose this topic is because Elizabethtown College is connected to the Church of the Brethren, as the Church founded the College. Though less connected to the Church, Elizabethtown College still reflects Brethren roots, and I wanted to see the reflection of these roots in the College today.

What was the most interesting aspect of this research?

Smith: The most interesting aspect of this research is having the opportunity to learn more about my denomination. Being able to research my denomination has been informative and also eye-opening. Understanding the societal changes, which are then reflected in the decisions made in the Church of the Brethren regarding women in ministerial leadership positions, aids in connecting a sociological perspective on this project.

What are you hoping to accomplish through this research? 

Smith: Through this research project, I hope to provide literature on women in a male-dominated occupation. I am also hoping to provide insight into the experiences of women in ministry, as women continue to be a numerical minority in the ministerial field. I also hope to provide an opportunity for women ministers to openly discuss their experiences in the Church of the Brethren, as the Church has not had a like this done before.

Talk about working with your mentor. How have they helped you throughout this experience?

Smith: My mentor is Dr. Michele Lee Kozimor. I have been able to work with Dr. Kozimor all four years of my time here at Etown. I also have the opportunity to work under her as an Undergraduate Editorial Assistant for the American Sociological Association Journal Teaching Sociology. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with Dr. Kozimor as she pushes me to perform my best and has helped me to constantly improve my skills in not only research but in my writing as well. Dr. Kozimor has prepared me to conduct interviews and accept feedback on my work, through the sociology courses Research Methods and Statistical Analysis. She has also prepared me to present my research through attendance at different academic conferences. Dr. Kozimor is always willing to aid in finding information to add to my research, while also helping me network in finding more individuals to interview and has provided me with an amazing opportunity to grow my research skills, which I am grateful for.