Today, as a bishop, Amos oversees 10 churches in North Carolina besides her own in Norfolk. But a shift from antiquated beliefs has begun to crack the glass ceiling, observers say, particularly in nondenominational settings. I ordained women, and they did a good job. One of them, gospel singer Andrae Crouch, believes Amos' ministry is proof that God uses women in ministry. Men should tip their hats to her and give her credit.
Women are the backbone of the church.
Although the conflict over women in ministry continues, Amos believes that only the Holy Spirit, not constant debating, will stop the gender bias she encounters in so many churches today. And she considers it a waste of time to argue endlessly over difficult passages of Scripture that have been used historically to bar women from the ministry. I don't feel my mandate is to press the issue theologically. There are people hurting and dying out there, and God has called me to help them. So I'm going to fulfill my ministry, and then people can evaluate it and call it whatever they like.