Elizabeth Peevy is a senior Christian studies and missions major from Bryant, Ark. She currently leads the Pruet Sisterhood, a women’s group within the Pruet School of Christian Studies.
“I got involved with the Pruet Sisterhood freshman year. Technically, every woman on campus who is a Christian studies major/minor is included in the Pruet Sisterhood,” Peevy said. “I decided to become active in it because I wanted to be a missionary and a lot of the events have involved hearing from missionaries and ministers who have served or are serving on the field. Being a woman in ministry is kind of controversial, so I thought it was helpful to hear testimonies from women who are living it. That is kind of the purpose of Pruet Sisterhood: to help women at OBU sort through their callings so they can be confident and effective in ministry, and to teach us how to do things that we probably won’t address in other classes.”
We all have role models in our lives who have supported us and encouraged us to pursue our goals. For Peevy, it’s a special someone within her organization.
“Dr. Barbara Pemberton asked me to [lead] it my sophomore year, and I was thrilled,” Peevy said. “She’s been my hero at Ouachita, so I was excited to take the chance to learn everything I could from her. I have loved working with her, and I am so glad I accepted the position!”
This academically-based group has a specific goal, rather than fellowship only.
“My organization helps women who feel called to ministry in some capacity,” Peevy said. “We host events designed to build community, talk about relevant issues, and encourage one another in pursuing God’s calling.”
Peevy would like to give a word of advice to those who might be thinking about being involved in a position of leadership.
“I would say that students interested in taking on leadership positions need to manage their expectations about those leadership positions,” Peevy said. “No one taking on a position thinks they are going to do a mediocre job. Coming in with a vision is great, even necessary, but be willing to change that vision for a smaller, lasting step when you realize your vision was not doable.”
by Sarah G. Hays
