I'm Kathleen Panning, a retired pastor who's been ordained for nearly 40 years. I've been in small, medium and large congregations, as a solo pastor and on staff, and been an interim chaplain at a multi-level retirement community. I've had 4 units of CPE, am certified by my denomination for chaplaincy, have been trained as a mentor and facilitator, and am a Fascinate Certified Advisor. Since 2017 I've been hosting Aflame Ministry, a weekly interfaith internet radio show on the BBM Global Network and also heard on Apple Podcast and iheart radio.

- waiting 9 months for my first position when male colleagues had positions within a month or two of graduating from seminary 

- being told the congregation had to 'settle' for me because the bishop wouldn't give them more names since they couldn't give a legitimate reason not to call me  

- being asked why I should get paid "so much" (that was just beginning salary for my denomination) when I wasn't supporting a family

- and more.

You have your own story.  It's time you had a chance to share it in a safe environment, without judgment.  Plus, it's time we join together to plan ways to change things.l