In 1988 the Association of Adventist Women (AAW) established an ad hoc committee “to study ways to support Adventist Women in Ministry and to encourage their ordination.” As chair of that AAW committee Pat Habada sought the counsel and participation of women and men who shared that common interest. Early participants of this ad hoc committee were Jim Londis, Jim Cox, Randal Wisbey, Will Eva, and Bert Haloviak. The Association of Adventist Women guided our early steps with the encouragement of Kit Watts, Beverly Rumble, Beth Wear, and Nancy Marter. As our committee work progressed, we recognized the need to concentrate solely on supporting women in ministry and, therefore, with the full support and friendship of the AAW, we separated ourselves from our founding mothers. Thus it was that out of the small group who began that study emerged a separate, incorporated, nonprofit organization known today as T.E.A.M. – Time for Equality in Adventist MInistry. Early board members were Geri Ann Fuller, Susan Harrington, Sandoval Melim, Beverly Habada, Dr. Pat Havada as Chairperson, Delight Clapp, Jeff Dever, Doug Dunbebin, Trina Magi, Nancy Marter, and Kay Rosburg. Among our endeavors, we have encouraged women in ministry through regular personal contacts, a resource library, TEAMwork, a quarterly newsletter, and a scholarship program. Early in our work we recognized the need for someone capable of assuming responsibility for the many actives we would sponsor. From 1988 to 1997 our skillful and gifted project coordinator, Rebecca Brillhart, was hired to organize the work of TEAM and handle all of the various responsibilities involved with the many tasks our mission entails. Since 1995 the main thrust of our organization has been the scholarships we have consistently made available to women studying on the undergraduate and graduate level throughout the world. As of 2015, TEAM has sponsored over 400 women studying for the ministry with almost $500,000 to help them realize their calling.
