Tilted Halo: Exposing the Truth of Women in Ministry and Untold Stories

For too long, the voices of women in ministry have been silenced, overlooked, or ignored. Tilted Halo is a bold and deeply personal book that sheds light on the untold truths behind the collar—from the challenges of leadership to the quiet resilience it takes to keep going.

Written by longtime pastor, speaker, and mentor Kathleen Panning, this book invites readers into real, unfiltered stories of faith, identity, and spiritual strength. Whether you’re in ministry, know someone who is, or simply value powerful storytelling—this book is for you.

Now Available in:

✔️ Paperback
✔️ Kindle / eBook
✔️ Audiobook (Audible)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | A “Must-Read” for Women Leading Faith Communities
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2025

Kathleen has written an extraordinary book that blends her decades of experience across various faith communities with deeply personal stories that offer profound insight into the realities of being a woman in the male-dominated world of faith leadership. Each chapter is framed as a thoughtful question—an offering, really—meant to support and uplift fellow women leaders of all denominations on both a professional and personal level. This is truly a must-read for women leading faith communities.

— Dr. Shelley Stravitz

A Groundbreaking Story of Courage, Faith, and Empowerment

“Tilted Halo” is a deeply personal and transformative exploration into the real stories behind women in ministry. Through heartfelt storytelling and powerful insights, Kathleen Panning sheds light on the challenges, victories, and unspoken truths that shape the lives of women in spiritual leadership. This book is an invitation to rethink assumptions, honor resilience, and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Key Themes Include:

  • Overcoming barriers and breaking stereotypes in faith leadership

  • Finding self-worth and authenticity in ministry roles

  • Stories of resilience, hope, and transformation

  • How personal experiences fuel leadership and community impact

Meet the Author – Kathleen Panning

Faith Leader. Mentor. Storyteller. Visionary.
With a career spanning over four decades, Kathleen Panning brings a wealth of experience, wisdom, and compassion to her work. A graduate of Luther Theological Seminary and ordained in 1980, Kathleen served congregations both large and small, led alongside her husband in team ministry, and guided future generations of pastors for over 14 years.

Today, through coaching, mentoring, and her acclaimed shows Aflame Ministry and Tilted Halo Podcast, Kathleen continues her mission: empowering women to embrace their stories and lead with authenticity, gratitude, and courage.

  • M.Div from Luther Theological Seminary

  • 4 consecutive units of Clinical Pastoral Education

  • Fascinate® Certified Advisor

  • Certified Positive Prime® Practitioner

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | A Warm, Honest Companion for Women in Leadership
Reviewed by Kathryn M. Haueisen

I’m reviewing Tilted Halo by Kathleen A. Panning—and it is an absolute gem. Whether you’re a woman in a leadership role or a man who wants to better support women leaders, this book is a must-read. It feels like a heartfelt conversation over coffee (or wine!) with a trusted friend, diving into the tough questions: How do we lead when we’re full of doubt? How do we navigate change, uncertainty, and the whisper of imposter syndrome?

With a dozen short, powerful chapters, Kathleen gently reminds us that God truly does have our backs—and our hopes.*

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