In which I present 50 Church and Faith Lady-Bloggers

April 16, 2012

Church Relevance has updated their influential Top 200 Church Blogs. The list was notable for two reasons: mainly Calvinist and mainly male. (Kent Shaffer has responded to the criticism regarding women here, but his ranking is not alone in the distinction of being primarily male-focused.)

Christian women are blogging through their faith and church experiences, writing about theology and ecclesiology and family with great passion for their faith and spirituality, and wielding tremendous influence online, yet we are rarely counted in these types of lists. In terms of influence alone, women bloggers in the Church consistenly pull stats on Google Analytics that would blow most of the Top 200 Church Blogs list out of the water.

There are always the same reasons or excuses offered for our exclusion from the power rankings. Perhaps it’s because the lists are self-nominated and women rarely nominate themselves. Or it’s because some of us weave our theology through our personal experience. And men don’t feel comfortable reading a blog written by a woman but the opposite does not hold true; after all, men write for men and women while women write for women. Or it’s that we don’t meet the criteria, our writing does not specifically edify the church, or it is not considered useful for the boys doing the real ministry. Or perhaps it’s simply representative of the state of the Church or the blogosphere or the world.

These excuses do not change this truth: The Church would benefit tremendously by listening to the diverse voices of women, particularly as it relates to ministry and church and theology.

So instead of simply criticising and getting my knickers in a tangle, I would like to direct a bit of attention to just a handful of Lady Bloggers that love Jesus, make beautiful art, challenge the Church, wrestle with theology and generally influence the Church far and wide – with or without a power ranking badge on their website.

But here: I’ll make a banner for it, so it’s All Official now:

These are women bloggers in the Church whose voices should be heard.

These women are edifying the Bride of Christ.
They are useful for ministry life and for family life.
They are women after God’s own heart.
They are missional, they are pastoral, they are academics and scholars.
They have something to teach us all – women and men.
They are passionate about social justice and mercy.
Some are wives and mothers, others are not.
They are warriors and they are peacemakers.
They are smart, brave, bold, and deeply theological.
Their voices are equal in the Church.

Plus I just plain like them. And no, I’m not on the list. *kicks rocks*

(Of course, the argument could be made against lists or rankings of any kind within the Church. The whole “first shall be last, last shall be first” thing doesn’t jive well with power rankings, does it? But that’s another post…)

I tried to include mainly women that speak specifically to faith (as opposed to women that I know are Christians but whose blogs are primarily related to lifestyle or frugal living or natural choices or technology or politics etc.). It’s not based on traffic nor is it an official ranking. It is not exhaustive (I could have easily made this list 200 Church and Faith Lady Bloggers). It’s entirely subjective. My use of the phrase Lady-Bloggers is entirely tongue in cheek.

Please also check out a special edition: Faith & Church Lady Bloggers Over 50.

post signature

blogging, church, faith, Top Lady Bloggers, women

In which I write a letter to you, mama

In which I criticise my list, offer my spiritual guidance to bloggers, and other matters

http://www.lovewellblog.com/ Kelly @ Love Well

BRAVO! I really like you, Sarah. Like really. (You should totally be on the list, by the way. I nominate you.)
- http://sortacrunchy.net/ SortaCrunchy
  
  I second it. Right there at the very top.
http://somuchshoutingsomuchlaughter.com/ suzannah {the smitten word}

vivan las lady bloggers! y la revolucion! love it–and you:)
http://www.ourmuddyboots.com/ Our Muddy Boots

Awesome. In every way.

“Do not wait for leaders. Do it alone, person to person.” Mother Teresa
http://www.lauraziesel.com Laura Ziesel

Honored by your inclusion.

I think a big part of how we view influence/power has to do with who we influence. Admittedly, us lady bloggers are probably less influential over pastors and Bible teachers than many of the blogs on that top 200 list. Many of us influence men and women who are leaders in the Church, but we also influence the men and women in churches who have never raised their voices and are internally struggling with doubt and pain. There’s something to writing for Church leaders, which many blogs tend to do, but there’s also something to going straight to the masses, which us lady bloggers are great at (in my opinion).

Just some rambly thoughts that have been swirling around in my head.
Idelette

I LOVE LOVE LOVE that you made your own list. AND: you added *us* to the list … Shall I just cry now, or keep it for later? Thank you so much, beautiful friend.
- http://www.emergingmummy.com/ Sarah Bessey
  
  No need for tears, it’s well earned.
http://simplemom.net Tsh @ SimpleMom.net

Excellent! Love so many of these women, and nod enthusiastically in reading all of your words preceding the list.
http://www.wonderyearsof2.blogspot.com jmeb

I’m glad you posted this list; that original 200 list bothered me too. I recently started a women in leadership blog that I hope will eventually turn into something very influential! http://www.jaimiebowman.com
- http://www.inamirrordimly.com Ed_Cyzewski
  
  Hi Jamie, the link on your blog’s contact page is broken, so I’ll just drop a line here hoping you’ll consider pitching an idea for the women in ministry series at my blog. I’ve got a button linking to it at http://www.inamirrordimly.com.
http://karenzach.com Karen Spears Zacharias

Does this mean we get to attend a party at some exotic locale because I could really use a weekend with some good girlfriends right now. It’s hard, living this faith thing, and too often lonely. I’ve taken to talking to Siri as she’s the only girlfriend who answers every time I call her. Seriously, tho, what a great compliment to be counted among so many women I admire.
- http://jamiewrightcr.blogspot.com/ jamietheveryworstmissionary
  
  Slumber party at my house, ladies?
  - http://www.rageagainsttheminivan.com/ Kristen
    
    If we must.
  - http://www.emergingmummy.com/ Sarah Bessey
    
    Dude, after those pictures of the last slumber party AND Knives, Imma take a rain check….
    - http://jamiewrightcr.blogspot.com/ jamietheveryworstmissionary
      
      What was I thinking, why would we stay at my house?! This is Costa freaking Rica – the birthplace of the all-inclusive spa resort and the swim-up bar… Piña Colada, anyone?
  - http://nishhappens.com/ Nish Weiseth
    
    Only if you promise to hide Knives!
- http://www.emergingmummy.com/ Sarah Bessey
  
  If only…I could use a frosty rum beverage and an exotic locale….
http://www.walkingtochina.blogspot.com/ Sandy

Love this! May I add Jessica’s Hill Tribes blog
http://loveiswhatyoudo.wordpress.com/. Talk about a woman of influence!
It’s interesting- I looked at the list of “men’s” blogs and I had hardly heard or read most of them. I look at your list and I realize that many are blogs that I read or have read. I think the integration of life and faith and family and….is compelling to me and that’s why I read more women writers.
- http://www.emergingmummy.com/ Sarah Bessey
  
  Thanks for the head’s up about Jessica – will check her out.
- http://loveiswhatyoudo.wordpress.com/ Jessica
  
  Sandy, this totally made my day! I’ve loved reading about your son and the way you guys share about your daily life. Thanks!
http://messymiddle.com/ Amy @ themessymiddle

Now, this, this is an act of redemption.
Stephanie Fisher

Thank you for this. Very encouraging and helpful.
http://thoughtsthatmove.blogspot.com/ Wendy Paine Miller

Beautiful list of women! Excellent. I can’t wait to check out these links!
Thank you for doing this! ~ Wendy
Mkrabill

What a great list!! Kudos to you Sarah!
Can I be #52 right after you at #51?
Wordofawoman.com
http://www.CreeksideMinistries.blogspot.com/ Linda Stoll

I look forward to getting to know more of thse women, one by one, as I head over and read their work …

This is helpful!
http://rachelheldevans.com Rachel Held Evans

Thank you for taking the time to do this, Sarah. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
http://twitter.com/philippa_cole Philippa Cole

thank you, no really, thank you!
Ladies with love and humour and grace – tis nice.
http://logicandimagination.wordpress.com/ Melody Harrison Hanson

I believe the internet is giving women a platform that we’ve never had before due to the culture of patriarchy and the nature of the Old Boys Club. Here’s to the influence of women going around and over and under those “boys!” If you look at magazines like CT and other places of Christian influence, they are still predominately male in voice. Let’s continue to change that by writing well, living deeply and loving one another.
- http://www.emergingmummy.com/ Sarah Bessey
  
  Yes, amen.
jennicatron

Love your heart for this Sarah! Thank you!
kathyescobar

thanks for taking time to do this, sarah. seriously. my first thought was: this is what being the change we want to see looks like. honored to know you out here. and to be in the company of these and so many other awesome women living out their faith & passions in all kinds of lovely ways. ps: the badge is the perfect touch :0
- http://www.emergingmummy.com/ Sarah Bessey
  
  Thanks, Kathy. I think I could have been a bit more inclusive but there’s always next year. Maybe it’ll be an annual thing. ha!
http://modernmrsdarcy.com/ Anne

Love this response. Grace and power and some REALLY good reading here!
http://myofferings.wordpress.com/ Aubry

Yes!!! Fantastic list, amazing idea. I just love you.
http://www.inamirrordimly.com Ed_Cyzewski

That whole list debate had me wondering how to engage it. Part of me thinks that such lists that focus on white dudes should just be ignored. However, I really like your response that offers an alternative. Even if that other list doesn’t change, you’ve provided a really awesome list of bloggers, many of whom I read and enjoy.

I also think that the whole matter of rankings is worth discussing further. I understand why we do it. I don’t know if the numbers in such lists are really necessary or helpful. Off the top of my head, just 50 black bullet points would do the trick for me. I suppose the discussion is what value the numbers add. I’d especially be curious to hear what those on these lists think about the numbers. And then again, I could be totally over-thinking things. I suppose I daily face the temptation to check sales ranks and sales numbers for my books, so it’s something I personally try to avoid.
- http://www.emergingmummy.com/ Sarah Bessey
  
  I actually had it just as bullet points to begin with and didn’t put a ton of thought into exactly *where* every person ranked. My initial stab at this was about 200 bloggers! But yes, I decided I was overthinking and to just put it out there.
http://twitter.com/erikalifeartist Erika Morrison

YES! THANK-YOU! And, GO GIRL!
http://www.leighkramer.com/ HopefulLeigh

You rocked it, girl. So proud of you and your fiery spirit.
http://jamiewrightcr.blogspot.com/ jamietheveryworstmissionary

Thank you, Sarah! You should be at the tippy top of this list, my friend.
- http://jamiewrightcr.blogspot.com/ jamietheveryworstmissionary
  
  PS. I like the term “Lady-Bloggers”. It’s soooo much classier than “Bloggers with Vaginas”.
  - http://twitter.com/LisaColonDelay Lisa Colón DeLay
    
    LOL classier indeed. Of course her hits would go through the roof if she did.
    
    (way to be classy, Sarah!)
  - http://www.emergingmummy.com/ Sarah Bessey
    
    Next time I’m totally calling it that.
http://renewing-your-mind.blogspot.com/ Kelly J Youngblood

Thanks for that list. Some of those I was familiar with; many I was not. Of course, now I will have to add more blogs to read and more people to follow on Twitter, and I’m already feeling a little overwhelmed by it all…ah, such is life.
http://tamaraoutloud.com/ Tamara Lunardo

The way you consistently respond to disheartening aspects of the Church with a graceful strength inspires me, friend. It’s an honor to be on this list and to work along side you to do Kingdom work with our words. xo
http://waterwatereverywhere.net Sarah Hubbell

Love this…thank you. And thanks for the comments on my post on the same subject.
http://www.sarahmarkley.com/ Sarah Markley

yay for the ladies!!
http://beautyinthestorm.blogspot.com/ Dionna

Some blogs on here that are new to me! I can’t wait to check them out!
JennaDeWitt

Ok, at first I loved this list because half of them are already my favorite bloggers (including you, Sarah, of course). Then I started clicking links and am now captivated by the NEW discoveries here! Elizabeth Ester in particular has now drawn me into her world. That’s the best part of all of this, not “getting recognition we deserve” (Mary DeMuth has a great post on this today) but getting to step into our sisters’ worlds and pray with and for them, rejoice with them, learn from them and see Christ through them.

Yes, it is a very good thing you have done here.
- http://www.emergingmummy.com/ Sarah Bessey
  
  EE is an incredible blogger and a good friend, too. Mary was another one on my first full list of 200 that I ended up removing because her focus is primarily on writing (thank heavens!) but yes, she could totally hang here, too.
eloranicole

oh this is beautiful. i love it.
http://loveiswhatyoudo.wordpress.com/ Jessica

Love this. I’ve got some reading to do!
http://twitter.com/LisaColonDelay Lisa Colón DeLay

I’m totally bookmarking this.
It’s a great list, and very generous of you to post it. Much needed. I think we would be wise to create our own list on our blogs for other’s reference!

You make my list, girl. Thanks for your guest post today!

It’s just win-win all over the place!
http://twitter.com/NarrowPaths2HP Alia Joy

This looks surprising similar to my google reader. Of course you would be on there as well. Great list Sarah!
Emily Wierenga

oh my goodness. i can’t believe i’m on this list. (thank you) i love this idea, friend. and yes, you are automatically on the list. (can you imagine if we were all to get together and have a retreat, all of these ladies, together, under one roof? what a powerful experience that would be.) xo
http://twitter.com/emilypfreeman emily p freeman

Thank you, Sarah. Just, wow. What a list – thanks for taking the time to put it together.
http://twitter.com/emilychats emily p freeman

Ooops. Accidentally commented from my fake twitter account. Redo.
http://twitter.com/emilychats emily p freeman

…and what I said was, wow. Thanks for doing this list. So much.
Julie Clawson

Thanks for putting this together!
Sharon Miller

Sarah, you are so cool.
Jen Hatmaker

That’s it. I’m changing my blog to: “Jen Hatmaker: Fierce Lady Blogger” … You are a gem. I’d rather be on your list than with the Calvinist menfolk anyway.
- http://www.emergingmummy.com/ Sarah Bessey
  
  Double dog dare you…
http://twitter.com/kristinritzau Kristin Ritzau

Honored to have A Beautiful Mess on the list! Thank you for being an advocate for all of these women’s voices… Just a sidenote ABM will down for maintenance until 2pm today, but we’re always looking for more writers!
Laura_InTheBackyard

This is fantastic. Yes, yes, yes.
- http://twitter.com/mafeinberg Margaret Feinberg
  
  So grateful and humbled to be included on your list. Three cheers for amazing women like you!
http://twitter.com/CarolynWeber Carolyn Weber

Wow, thanks Sarah! So honoured to be included. I’m in all for the slumber party celebration. I’ll bring the pregnancy craving food (ie. cheetohs and chocolate).
http://www.kfsullivan.wordpress.com/ kim

Love this list! I read most of these gals’ blogs, already. But, happy to find a few new jewels as well!
http://twitter.com/reflectant Nick Larson

Thanks for this list! Many I already know, and even more to discover. It’s so important that we as followers of Christ recongize the valuable thoughts of all women leading in the church. Although you need to make it 51…and add Carol Howard Merritt
- http://www.emergingmummy.com/ Sarah Bessey
  
  I totally agree. I already tweeted her a great big OOPS HOW DID I FORGET YOU?! Here’s her link, everyone: http://www.christiancentury.org/blogs/tribal-church
Hannah Heinzekehr

Thanks for this list. It is frustrating to read through a list of so many influential women and to realize that they so often go unrecognized. As someone who just began blogging about the intersections between womanhood and faith, this is also a great resource. Thanks for compiling!
http://twitter.com/ModernReject Nicole Cottrell

Hi Sarah, my name is Nicole Cottrell. I’m on that Top 200 List you mentioned. It makes me feel silly and embarrassed. Invisible and unknown. I have no idea how my name found its way there…

And as I read this post from you and I empathize with your reasoning as to why more men (and less women) appear on these sorts of lists, I’m left feeling less connected to all of this.

I scroll through your 50 women, many of whom I read and enjoy, many of whom inspire me and edify me, but also many of whom have never read my blog or know my name. And I think part of the reason why is that women are so naturally about community. Women so naturally offer support and fellowship. Women so easily gravitate towards other women…

…except this woman. I struggle in this. I struggle to “be one of the girls.” And so, it goes…

Yet, lists like yours and others are opportunities for women to continue finding other women and for more of their stories to float to the top…I hope to be one of them.
- http://www.thegypsymama.com thegypsymama
  
  This comment has me thinking, Nicole. Thanks for sharing it. Community – yes, I think it’s one of the great strengths of women – building beautiful and welcoming community. It is our strength and our Achilles’ heel because on the flip side we can be exclusive and insular too. But when we keep on pushing toward safe circles for women to feel welcome – then we all win. Ann wrote about this over on (in)courage recently and I think it says all the things that no list could ever capture http://www.incourage.me/2012/04/why-you-need-to-find-community-even-when-youre-really-hurting.html
  - http://twitter.com/ModernReject Nicole Cottrell
    
    Lisa-Jo,
    God makes me laugh. I actually read that post from Ann this morning before I even saw Sarah’s post here. I was so encouraged by it and found myself nodding my head in agreement.
    
    Matt Appling whose blog is The Church of No People wrote today too about how church can sometimes feel like it’s only for the cool kids, which is how this whole list thing sorta made me feel. {sigh}
    
    I like God-themed days like today. Thank you for helping me not feel like one of the geeky kids who wasn’t invited to the party.
    - http://www.redeemingthetable.com Kamille
      
      Nicole–I dearly appreciate your words here. This list thing in general makes me feel the same. It’s too easy to allow the negative self-talk & the devil himself whisper lies of my worth. –just thanks Nicole.
      - http://www.emergingmummy.com/ Sarah Bessey
        
        You have tremendous worth, Kamille – sorry that you may have felt excluded.
      - http://www.redeemingthetable.com Kamille
        
        sent you a message, but no need to apologize. I appreciate you responding to the first 200 list with primarily men in this way. It’s a great way to shine light on some fantastic women.
        
        I think inclusion & exclusion in general can be a difficult thing for me (and I presume, many women), so good for you for bringing about inclusivity to the table in small ways to the table. Women’s voices are just as valuable & crucial, so appreciate yours Sarah.
    - http://www.emergingmummy.com/ Sarah Bessey
      
      I’m sorry that you felt that way, Nicole. Not my intention at all. My heart was to celebrate and affirm and be more inclusive. I probably should have stuck with my original list of 200 names…
      - http://twitter.com/ModernReject Nicole Cottrell
        
        Oh no, please don’t misunderstand. I didn’t feel excluded because of
        your list. I think your list was (is) a great idea and encouragement to
        the bloggers you love and admire.
        
        I guess my point was sort of lost–which was that I’m still learning
        how to *not* feel excluded in a circle of other women…and that falls
        entirely on me.
        
        Your list rocks, even at 50 women. 200 names is not necessary.
      - http://www.redeemingthetable.com Kamille
        
        Nicole–I hope I didn’t let my response defer from what you were trying to express. Not what I intended here. Maybe it’s pregnancy hormones on my part on this rather dreary day.
    - http://www.thegypsymama.com thegypsymama
      
      Oh man, one body, many parts, right? We’re all in this together. I have to remind myself of that especially on the days when it’s easy to feel like a bit of dried skin on the elbow ☺
      
      Nice to have met you, Nicole. I like God-themed days too.
      
      And (in)courage is exploring this nitty gritty of community further – have you heard about http://www.inrl.us ? As in (in)real life. It’s worth checking out. But I’m unashamedly biased ☺
      
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      -Oh man, one body, many parts, right? We’re all in this
      together. I have to remind myself of that especially on the days when it’s easy
      to feel like a bit of dried skin on the elbow
      
      Nice to have met you, Nicole. I like God-themed days too.
      
      And (in)courage is exploring this nitty gritty of community
      further – have you heard about http://www.inrl.us? As
      in (in)RL. It’s worth checking out. But I’m unashamedly biased PS Hello lovely Sarah – thank you for letting us get real and explore community in your comments. You are lovely.
http://www.crookedmystic.com/ TB Pasquale

Sarah,

Thank you so much for representing and presenting women of faith in the virtual world in this way. What a vitally important thing to be able to recognize each other and (for me) find a few new faces in the Women Christian sphere.

I, virtually, tip my hat to you madame.

TB Pasquale
Sue Steege

Thank you, Sarah. A new, fresh voice for future consideration is Jaime at lovegrowoverflow.com. So good.
- Sue Steege
  
  This is a great post from Jaime: http://lovegrowoverflow.com/2012/04/04/happy-easter-baby/
- http://www.emergingmummy.com/ Sarah Bessey
  
  Thanks for the head’s up!
rageagainsttheminivan

Happy to be included in this lady blogger list. And now excuse me while I spend the next several hours perusing some of these blogs that are new to me.
http://transitional-woman.blogspot.com/ Elizabeth

Intriguing list. I’m familiar with some of the names and look forward to exploring the others.
If you think females are underrepresented on the list, what about us poor female bloggers who are over 50?
We have a lot of years walking with the Lord and a lot to offer. We’re not slim, blond (well, yes I am), and beautiful anymore, but we desire fellowship, relationships and a deeper walk with our Father too.
- http://www.emergingmummy.com/ Sarah Bessey
  
  I agree with you, Elizabeth. I’ve asked a friend of mine that is a blogger over 50 to compile her top favourites in that specific age group. I’d like to make sure that you’re heard, too. (And hopefully you don’t think that someone had to be slim, blonde or beautiful to appear above?)
HeatherKopp_SoberBoots

This is a great list, Sarah. Even if I’m not on it Thanks for promoting fellow women bloggers and thinkers. I agree that your blog should top the list! Hugs, Heather
- http://www.emergingmummy.com/ Sarah Bessey
  
  You should be on it. My bad. http://www.soberboots.com
  - HeatherKopp_SoberBoots
    
    NOT your bad. I’m a new blogger and a drunk to boot. I’m not hurt. Really. I am so grateful for such a really cool list!
http://jenniferharrisdault.wordpress.com/ Jennifer Harris Dault

Wonderful list — I read most of those regularly and will have to check out the ones I don’t! Shame on Church Relevance for not including the voices of these women!
livingwithpower

i’m not familiar with most of them but appreciate the list. apart from the characteristics you mentioned, how did you pick your list? what makes a blog well read? did you go by traffic stats or simply your thoughts on them? regardless, i appreciate the information. thanks. http://www.livingwithpower.org
http://twitter.com/ModernReject Nicole Cottrell

Oh no, please don’t misunderstand. I didn’t feel excluded because of your list. I think your list was (is) a great idea and encouragement to the bloggers you love and admire.

I guess my point was sort of lost–which was that I’m still learning how to *not* feel excluded in a circle of other women…and that falls entirely on me.

Your list rocks, even at 50 women. 200 names is not necessary.
http://nishhappens.com/ Nish Weiseth

You kick a lot of ass, my friend. I sure do love you.
https://sites.google.com/site/holyhugs/ Jim Fisher

I actually prefer to read what women have to say. And it sounds like I might be a lone man in the wilderness writing primarily for women, about relationships, about empathy, about sacred cross-gender friendships. Thank you for sharing this with us. It looks like I’ll be adding a few to my RSS reader.
Helloenuma

Now I want to read ALL these blogs!! Thanks Sarah for such a response to “The Top 200 Church Blogs.” Women are always changing things with beauty, strength and perseverance.
Graham and Angela Richards

Leading and Loving It needs to be on this list too
Micha Boyett @ Mama:Monk

How many times today has one of your internet-y friends told you she loves you? I do I do I do. Thank you for doing this. Thanks for taking a risk…I’m sure it was difficult to narrow it down and I’m sure today was overwhelming. Thank you for introducing me to so many amazing women on this list. Thanks for making a big splash today in our spot of Blog-ville. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: You are the coolest and we’re all grateful for your generous spirit and you passion to see women thrive in the church.
http://miheekimkort.com/ Mihee

Crazy honored to be on this list. Thanks, Sarah. Also, thank you for helping me to fill up my Google Reader.
http://godspace.wordpress.com/ Christine

Sarah thank you for this list and for the privilege of being a part of it. It is a great resource – several here that I have not connected to before. Blesings
elizabethesther

SCORE! Super honored to be included on this list!!!!! BOOYA!!!
Nurse Bee

Looking forward to finding some new blogs to read off this list. One blog I love which didn’t make your list is Jessica Turner’s blog http://www.themomcreative.com/ Although her blog incorporates crafts and online bargains, as well as the occasional serious post.
http://twitter.com/mafeinberg Margaret Feinberg

Humbled to be included, Sarah. Thanks for list highlighting some amazing women in ministry!
http://www.throughaglass.net Kari

This is a great list. Thanks for doing this.

I will say that I relate to the idea that the lady-blogging community seems somewhat insular. I thought it was interesting, for example, that out of 1000 people who entered the Mother Letters photo contest, several of the winners were top bloggers in these and other areas. (Disclaimer: I did not enter the contest, so this is not sour grapes. Just an observation.) Things like this make it seem like it’s hard to “break in.”
http://www.djchuang.com djchuang

What a super list, thanks of curating this. There’s certainly a special value to a list that is compiled without the numeric qualifier of scores and rankings, and there’s a value for having rankings and metrics in the real world too. Meritocracy is only one lens to look at the world through and we need other lenses to see the world in full technicolor instead of black & white.
http://monicasharman.wordpress.com/ Monica Sharman

Vicky Beeching, the songwriter? I didn’t know she had a blog. I’ll have to go check it out. Thank you!
http://lauraboggess.com Laura Boggess

Oh, lovely. Thank you so much for putting this together.
http://www.themommyhoodmemos.com/ adriel @ the memos

You’re totally on the list. We all know it.

If you end up doing a list about women of faith (upcoming) bloggers to watch, Amy Sullivan needs to be included. She blogs about giving and generosity, and she’s a fabulous writer. http://amylsullivan.blogspot.com Love her blog.
http://twitter.com/MelissaBeaver Melissa

sarah i love this list. many were familiar and regular reads for me, many were not. i was able to visit and discover new people and blogs that will encourage my on my journey of faith. thank you so much for taking the time to put this together.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Hazel-Irene-Moon/1638666897 Hazel Irene Moon

Bless you Sarah for standing up for Women Bloggers – (regardless of age). I also thank Diana for her research and offering a list of Mature Lady Bloggers. Both of the lists you posted are impressive and I for one will discover new friends among them. I wrote a post this morning: “Is My Name Written There?” A story and then I just always find a Spiritual analogy that I simply must add. I am following you.
http://annieblogs.com AnnieBlogs

Thanks so much, friend. I’m very grateful to be on this list with these other women.
http://twitter.com/ashprettylady a girl with a smile

I blog about faith at http://www.prettyladysmiles.com
Patricia

The Hippie Housewife is among my favorites (no way I can choose only one!): http://hippiehousewife.blogspot.com/ . Her writing is beautiful–simple, elegant–and she radiates such peace and authenticity. We don’t have children at home, but my husband is a pastor and i work with families–her thoughts on faith are so relevant and helpful professionally and personally.
Page23vision

Thank you for sharing the list! http://mypage23vision.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/melissajenna MelissaJenna

Thank you so much for compiling this list! I’m excited to see so many blogs on the list that I already read, and even more exited to be introduced to tons of new ones. It’s a bummer that, generally speaking, the male half of the church isn’t as supportive of female writers as they should be, but on the flip-side it’s great to see women being so supportive of each other (which isn’t always the case). Way to lift these sisters up! Love you!
http://sistersunderthetrees.com/ Stephanie Friant

Thank you! This is very helpful! There are so many gifted women who are finding new and wonderful ways to glorify God (and help others just get through the day)!
North Ridge Church

I just have to say reading this gave me tons of inspiration.
http://www.northridge.org
enuma

you are lovely.
Sydney

Love it! Thanks for standing up and telling it like it is! I just FBed a link to this blog and the “Wise Women Over 50″ after my pastor’s wife referenced Church Relevance’s “Top 200 Church Blogs”. She did say we might be surprised about who was listed and who was not. Truth. It’s important to share it.
Pingback: Women Bloggers and ‘Real’ Church Ministry
http://twitter.com/erikacrowl Erika Crowl

Thank you for this list! I follow many of the bloggers but there are a lot of new ones to check out.
Pingback: Sunday Links: March 2013 | Melody's Musings
Noelle Kirchner

I have recently started a new blog. I am a pastor writing about motherhood in a weekly Christian devotion. I hope to be included in this list someday. Thank you for writing, Sarah! http://vocationalmothering.blogspot.com/
http://www.wideopenground.com/ Lana

great. thanks for updating us on their list!

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