"God doesn't call women to ministry."

Those are the words of my former pastor, who made that declaration 30 years ago during my early vocational discernment.

But black women -- despite few female role models, mentors, guides and support networks to encourage them -- have been entering ministry in increasing numbers. I am one of those women.

The belief that I am ultimately accountable to the Spirit inspired me to pursue my call against those kinds of patriarchal restraints.

What gave me courage to counter patriarchal resistance to women in ordained ministry and sexism in the church were the internal voices of my ancestors who instilled in me a fervor to pursue and do what "thus says the Lord."

The Christian witness of Sojourner Truth, the 19th-century abolitionist and women's rights activist, strengthened my resolve. The African American spiritual "We're Gonna Do What the Spirit Say Do" sustained my hope. The wise counsel of the Rev. Dr. Katie Cannon -- "Do the work your soul must have" -- became my charge.

It was the lack of black female mentors and multicultural support networks that spurred me to create mentoring spaces for women in the church. That glaring need catapulted me into what has now been a 23-year journey of mentoring black women in ministry.