From its beginning in 1945, the UPCI has given ministerial credentials to both men and women. Originally women were about 21 percent of total ministers. The percentage has decreased over time for various reasons, but in recent years the number of women ministers has grown to a new record of 461 . In 2016 General Superintendent Bernard appointed a committee to launch a Women in Ministry Network for UPCI ministers. The purpose is to facilitate communication, coordination, visibility, mentoring, and training tools for women in ministry. Lois Mitchell of Pensacola, FL, serves as the chair of the committee. She has been a credentialed minister with the UPCI for many years and serves as the Ladies Ministries president of the Florida District. Her husband, Jimmy Mitchell, is a pastor in Pensacola and a member of the Florida District Board. If you would like to participate in this network, please contact Rhonda Morley, rmorley@upci.org, 636-229-7900.