Empowering Women in the Church: A Conversation with Emily Mentok

Emily Mentok, co-founder of a media production company specializing in digital evangelization, shared her inspiring journey of working for the church and the unique role women play in ministry. Hosted by Gerardo from Pushpay, this session explored Emily’s experiences, challenges, and the evolving recognition of women’s contributions to the church.

A Calling to Serve

Emily’s journey into church work began with a profound sense of calling. “I really believe that after I had my conversion, my second conversion was God inviting me to feel like I had something to give back to serve the church,” she shared. Her path has taken her through various roles, most recently with the Archdiocese of Detroit, where she has been instrumental in overseeing digital evangelization projects.

The Power of Women in the Church

Gerardo emphasized the significant impact of women in church offices and their powerful voices. Emily echoed this sentiment, noting the church’s evolving recognition of women’s unique gifts. “The church, in her recent history, has been starting a conversation more and more about what women can do to serve and to recognize their unique gifts,” she said. This recognition mirrors the Biblical narrative, where Adam wasn’t complete without Eve, symbolizing the indispensable role of women in the church.

Overcoming Challenges

Addressing the challenges women face in the church, Emily acknowledged the historical and ongoing oppression of women worldwide. However, she expressed gratitude for the church’s current efforts to listen to the Holy Spirit and be more attentive to how women are called to serve. “There’s a realization of the role that laypeople, and specifically women, can play in the church,” she noted.

Inspirational Leaders and Feminine Genius

Emily highlighted the importance of supportive church leaders in her journey. Serving as a consultant to the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, she feels fortunate to be included in conversations with bishops, bringing the feminine genius into discussions. “I feel so grateful for the opportunity and especially to the women who paved the way,” she said.

Discussing the concept of the feminine genius, a term popularized by Pope John Paul II, Emily explained, “The feminine genius recognizes that God made women complementary to men, with unique and special gifts.” She encouraged women to bring these gifts to their work in the church, emphasizing that every woman has a place and a unique contribution to make.

Women’s Role in Church Revival

When asked about the role of women in the current church revival, Emily pointed to the visible presence and influence of women. “There wouldn’t be a revival in the American church without the women who are part of it,” she asserted. She highlighted women’s strengths in evangelization, particularly their ability to be inviting and welcoming.

Emily also shared her observations from a session on synodality, noting the significant participation of women. “I was struck by how many women were drawn to the conversation about synodality,” she remarked, suggesting that women’s gifts for focusing on individuals align well with the church’s mission in this area.

Advice for Women in Ministry

Emily offered encouraging advice for women working in the church. “Trust that God called you into that role,” she advised. She emphasized the importance of recognizing one’s unique contributions and not being discouraged by challenges. “Embrace that God put you there for a reason,” she urged, encouraging women to confidently bring their feminine genius to their work.

Staying Connected

To continue her work in digital evangelization, Emily co-founded Digital Continent, a media production company aimed at inspiring others through beautiful content. She shared her personal connection to this mission, having been brought back to the church through digital content. “I know that God can work in those ways,” she said, inviting others to explore the work of Digital Continent at digitalcontinent.org.

Emily’s insights underscore the invaluable contributions of women in the church and the importance of recognizing and embracing their unique gifts. Her journey serves as an inspiration for women in ministry and a testament to the evolving role of women in the church’s mission.