Shawna’s The Pastor as Midwife reimagines pastoral ministry through the metaphor of midwifery, offering a fresh, biblical, and practical vision for church leadership. Drawing from her own experiences as a pastor and mother, as well as extensive research with midwives and birth workers, Shawna argues that pastors are called to assist in the birth of God’s new creation—not as controlling shepherds or visionary CEOs, but as humble, attentive midwives who follow the lead of the Holy Spirit.

The book is divided into two parts. In Part 1, Shawna explores the power of metaphors in shaping pastoral identity, critiques the limitations of the shepherd metaphor, and traces the biblical theme of birth from creation to the New Testament. She highlights the stories of Shiphrah and Puah, the Hebrew midwives who defied Pharaoh, and draws parallels between their work and the pastor’s call to assist in God’s redemptive work. Shawna also shares her research with birth workers, uncovering five key themes—Spirit-centered leadership, birthing community, embodiment, hospitality, and trust—that form the foundation for the book’s second half.

Part 2 delves into these themes, showing how they apply to pastoral ministry. Shawna argues that pastors should follow the Spirit’s lead, much like a midwife follows the mother in labor. She emphasizes the importance of active participation, where everyone in the church is empowered to play a role in God’s mission. She also challenges patriarchal structures in the church, calling for a more embodied, communal, and hospitable approach to ministry. The chapter on trust is particularly poignant, as Shawna describes how labor—and pastoral ministry—requires a deep confidence in God’s faithfulness, even amid suffering and uncertainty.

The book concludes by bringing together the metaphors of the pastor as midwife and shepherd, arguing that they are complementary rather than competing. Shawna’s vision is one where pastors embrace both metaphors, leading with humility, trust, and a deep sense of calling.

The Pastor as Midwife is a must-read for pastors, church leaders, and anyone longing for a more Spirit-centered, embodied, and communal approach to ministry. It is a prophetic call to trust in the Spirit, to embrace the messiness of embodied life, and to create spaces where God’s new creation can emerge. Shawna’s writing is personal, biblical, and practical, making this book a valuable resource for both seasoned pastors and those just beginning their ministry journey.