By Rev. Rickey C. Dennis, Jr., 7th Episcopal District
Dr. Barbara Chisolm could soon mark history as the first woman from South Carolina elected bishop in the historic African Methodist Episcopal Church.
But in some ways, she’s already done broken barriers.
When Dr. Chisolm threw her hat in the race in 2021 to run for office, she became, in fact, the first woman from South Carolina to ever run for the episcopacy. That, in and of itself, is a monumental feat in a traditionally conservative state and region, as well as in a denomination that broke the glass ceiling for women bishops only 20 years ago.
But, inspired by the hand of God, the foremothers who showed her that this was possible, and dogged determination to not be limited by the barriers society seeks to place upon her, Dr. Chisholm knew she could serve on the highest level of the church.
“It’s like a light came on that said, ‘This is possible,” Dr. Chisolm said. “Somebody had to step in the water, so I did.”
But why now? And where does the confidence come from to run for bishop in a traditionally conservative church from a traditionally conservative district?
Well for starters, Dr. Chisolm is depending upon her femininity to get her elected, she notes.
She’s done the work.
In her four pastoral charges, she led extensive renovation efforts, liquidated mortgages, engaged young adults, enhanced music ministries, grown congregations, and more. At Bethel AME in North Charleston, she built an entirely new house of worship after a car rammed into the sanctuary and damaged the facility. At Jehova AME in Cross, SC, she engaged in evangelism efforts by hosting Bible studies in rooms of nearby apartment complexes that would eventually grow large enough to become a new congregation. At Bethel AME in Denmark, S.C., she forged relationships with Vorhees College to bring several dozen college students into the fold.
Even while battling a critical illness, she’s served faithfully at Greater Zion AME in Awendaw, S.C.
Dr. Chisolm has plans for the AME Church’s future.
For instance, she has always seen renovation plans as a way to give back to the congregations she’s served. “People will only trust church leaders with their money when they see that how those funds are being used,” she said.
On the episcopal level, she vowed to raise money to help dilapidated houses of worship.
Dr. Chisholm also knows the future of the church depends on leaders’ ability to embrace traditional styles of worship and customs while also making room for young adults to use their skill sets to write grants, lead media ministries, and incorporate contemporary preaching styles that may be more appealing to Gen-Z.
And she see this era as an opportunity to lift up other women in ministry. Dr. Chisolm admits that she knows what it feels like to be qualified, but overlooked for promotions in the church.
“Women who are prepared and qualified should be afforded opportunities to lead at all levels of the church,” she said.
It comes as no surprise that Dr. Chisolm would be pursuing this historic opportunity. She has always been surrounded by strong women leaders.
Dr. Carol B. Priester pastored her Dr. Chisolm’s home church – Mt. Pisgah AME in Ridgeville, SC. This is where Dr. Chisolm served as a Sunday school teacher and choir director, and led noon-day prayer services. Dr. Chisholm described Dr. Priester as a sharp and intelligent woman and of the first women she remembers knowing having an earned doctorate. Priester was passionate about education and had a no-nonsense style. Sensing Barbara’s call to ministry, the pastor emphasized the need for Barbara to pursue post-graduate education.
Then there was Rev. Regina Capers, Dr. Chisolm’s mother, an early influence who taught her the importance of faith, family, and community.
Dr. Chisolm considers herself part of this tradition of strong, prophetic women.
Their influence ultimately enabled her that would help her make history once. In August, at the General Conference, she’ll seek to make history again.
By: Rev. Rickey Dennis, Jr.; Pastor of Mt. Pisgah AME Church Pringletown, SC
