Mothers and Daughters share EMS experiences

by Laura Lehman Amstutz

Mothers and daughters often have a special bond. For four mother-daughter pairs connected to Eastern Mennonite Seminary, that bond includes seminary and ministry.

For Linda Alley and Linetta Ballew, being in class together, discussing theology and learning about their family together in courses has created a unique connection.

Linda Alley and Linetta Ballew said that being in seminary together has enhanced the mother-daughter bond they share.

Alley, of Bridgewater, Va., will graduate in 2008 from Eastern Mennonite Seminary. Her daughter Linetta will graduate in 2009.

"My first seminary classes at EMS, I sat between Momma and my husband Joel," said Ballew. "I had never had a class with either of them before, so it felt like a new educational step, but a good one."

"What I remember most about those first classes was that we competed for grades," said Alley, laughing. "Linetta was upset when I got a better grade than she did."

"I don’t remember that," Ballew countered.

Although there was some competition, Linda and Linetta remember the few courses they had together with fondness. They gave each other advice on completing assignments, shared websites they found helpful and learned from each other as well as the professors.

"There was something about being there and hearing Linetta’s thoughts about the discussion in class that is important to me," said Alley. "It was interesting to hear where she was coming from."

Ballew felt the same. "In Formation in Ministry class, she shared stories about how things affected our family, and they weren’t necessarily things I remember or stories I’d heard before," she said.

Jean Lengacher of New Providence, Pa. followed her daughter Annie to EMS after attending Lancaster (PA) Theological Seminary.

"Our time on the EMS campus didn’t overlap," said Jean Lengacher, "So we were never in the classroom together, but we shared similar interests. We talked about courses we had both taken and what had changed or stayed the same since Annie took them.

Mothers and Daughters, Pastors and Peers

"Annie and I are beginning what I would call a 'pastoral relationship,'" said Lengacher. "We call each other for words of wisdom or just a listening ear."

"I feel fortunate to be able to call my mom and talk about typical daughter stuff and at the same time ask her opinion about the theme I've chosen for my next sermon," said Annie Lengacher.

Paula Stoltzfus, whose mother Kathy Hochstedler also attended EMS, said, "Our similar experiences at EMS meant that we could talk together like colleagues or peers. We have common experiences with professors that we can share together.

"My mother being in seminary and in ministry has helped enhance my call to a certain degree," said Stoltzfus. "I didn’t have to overcome some of the barriers other women may face."

"Having a mother who is in ministry has enhanced my relationship with her," said Annie Lengacher. "It has enhanced my ministry as well. While she is still my mom, she has also functioned as a spiritual guide, mentor and consultant in ministry."

"It’s easier to understand Linetta’s inner call because I’m experiencing the same thing," said Alley. "I know that Linetta is drawn to do this and I want to support her because I can understand that call."

"While Annie and my challenges as women in ministry are somewhat unique to our situations, I truly desire to be an example of a woman who lives out my call to ministry with grace and dignity," said Jean Lengacher.

"I am grateful for the faithfulness of women who have gone before me, for women who serve the church today and for women like Annie who reflect a vision for the future of the church," she added.

posted 2/28/08