Baptist Women

This compilation of articles from the Baptist History and Heritage Journal spanning the past 15 years provides a rich exploration of the evolving roles of women in Baptist life. Spanning historical, theological, and cultural perspectives, these articles examine the contributions and challenges faced by Baptist women in a denomination that has often wrestled with questions of gender, leadership, and ministry. From the foundational involvement of women in the early Baptist movement in England, to the advocacy for civil rights by African American Baptist women, to the ongoing struggles surrounding ordination and feminist theology, these writings highlight both the victories and the continued resistance women have encountered in their quest for equal roles within the church.

Key themes include the vital roles women have played in missions, education, and social reform, as well as the tensions between traditional gender roles and the rise of feminist movements within Baptist circles. These articles also showcase the lives of influential figures like Mary Virginia Cook Parrish and Addie Davis, whose leadership helped pave the way for future generations of Baptist women. As you read through this collection, you will gain insight into how women have consistently shaped Baptist theology, ministry, and practice, despite longstanding barriers.

Women and the Baptist Experience
By Dr. Carolyn Blevins

The article “Women and the Baptist Experience” by Carolyn Blevins explores the historical involvement of women in Baptist life and the tension between Baptist theology and the practical roles available to women. It highlights early female leaders like Dorothy Hazard and Lucinda Williams, who helped establish Baptist churches in England and the U.S. Despite the autonomy and priesthood of all believers being central to Baptist theology, women’s leadership roles were gradually restricted. Blevins discusses the ongoing influence of Baptist women in missions, education, and denominational life while addressing the challenges they faced in attaining equal leadership positions within the church​. [Download PDF here]

A Winding and Widening Path: American Women’s Roles in Twentieth-Century Baptist Life
By Dr. Melody Maxwell

The article “A Winding and Widening Path: American Women’s Roles in Twentieth-Century Baptist Life” by Melody Maxwell explores the evolving roles of Baptist women in the United States during the 20th century. Maxwell highlights the complexities of women’s contributions, which were not linear but instead navigated through cultural and denominational obstacles. Women served in various capacities, such as church leadership, missions, and social justice, often facing opposition from male leaders. Despite these challenges, the century saw a gradual widening of opportunities for women, including ordination and formal ministry roles. By the end of the century, Baptist women had made significant contributions to both denominational life and global missions, although many of their stories remain untold. [Download PDF here]

She Preachers, Sisters, and Messengers from the Lord: British Baptist Women, 1609-1700
By Dr. Pamela R. Durso

The article “She Preachers, Sisters, and Messengers from the Lord: British Baptist Women, 1609-700” by Pamela R. Durso explores the historical role of British Baptist women from the early 17th century through the 20th century. Despite societal restrictions, women such as Joan Helwys and Dorothy Hazzard influenced Baptist life through leadership, preaching, and activism. The article highlights notable female preachers, deaconesses, and prophetesses, who contributed significantly to the early Baptist movement. Women like Anne Hempstall and Mrs. Attaway challenged conventions by taking up preaching roles, while figures like Dorothy Hazzard helped establish churches, advocating for gender inclusion in ministry, despite opposition. [Download PDF here]

African American Baptist Women: Making A Way Out of No Way
By Dr. Pamela A. Smoot

The article “African American Baptist Women: Making A Way Out of No Way” by Pamela A. Smoot discusses the vital role African American Baptist women have played in their communities and churches from Reconstruction through the 20th century. These women served as missionaries, leaders, and civil rights workers, often facing immense challenges and creating innovative solutions to address them. The article highlights notable figures like Louise “Lulu” Fleming, Nannie H. Burroughs, and Maggie Lena Walker, who contributed to social reform, founded ministries, and advanced civil rights. Their efforts are celebrated as examples of overcoming adversity to fulfill both spiritual and humanitarian missions. [Download PDF here]

Righteous Discontent: Mary Virginia Cook Parrish and Black Baptist Women
By Lawrence H. Williams

The article “Righteous Discontent: Mary Virginia Cook Parrish and Black Baptist Women” by Lawrence H. Williams highlights the influential life of Mary Virginia Cook Parrish, who played a pivotal role in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Parrish, born a slave, became an educator and activist who challenged racial and gender discrimination within the Black Baptist community. She worked closely with organizations like the National Baptist Convention and the Women’s Convention, advocating for education, social justice, and women’s leadership. Her efforts alongside peers like Nannie Helen Burroughs contributed to the development of Black women’s theology, emphasizing liberation and equality through scriptural interpretation. [Download PDF here]

Helen Barrett Montgomery: A ‘Middle-of-the-Road Baptist’ Bible Translator
By Dr. Kendal P. Mobley

The article “Helen Barrett Montgomery: A ‘Middle-of-the-Road Baptist’ Bible Translator” by Kendal P. Mobley explores Montgomery’s contributions as a Baptist leader, Bible translator, and advocate for women. Montgomery’s most notable achievement was her Centenary Translation of the New Testament (1924), the first English New Testament translation by a Baptist woman. She was also president of the Northern Baptist Convention in 1921-1922, where she navigated tensions between fundamentalists and modernists. Though conservative in theology, Montgomery strongly defended women’s emancipation and ministry roles, believing that the gospel was a liberating force, especially for women. Her efforts helped fend off fundamentalist attempts to impose a confessional statement on the denomination. [Download PDF here]

Southern Baptist Women and Feminism
By Dr. Susan Shaw

The article “Southern Baptist Women and Feminism” by Susan M. Shaw explores the complex relationship between Southern Baptist women and feminism from the 19th century to the present. It highlights the tension between feminist goals, such as gender equality and social justice, and the traditional gender roles upheld by many Southern Baptists. Shaw discusses how some Southern Baptist women embraced aspects of feminism, particularly its push for equal rights, while others rejected it as contrary to biblical teachings. Despite resistance, feminism has undeniably influenced Southern Baptist women, helping to expand their roles in education, employment, and even church leadership​. [Download PDF here]

Changing Hands: The Practice of Ordaining
By Dr. Eileen R. Campbell-Reed

The article “Changing Hands: The Practice of Ordaining” by Eileen R. Campbell-Reed examines the evolving practices of ordination for Baptist women, particularly within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). The article traces how ordination has shifted from a process exclusive to men to one involving women, starting with the first ordination of a woman in 1964. Campbell-Reed discusses the impact of this change, highlighting both the novelty and controversy surrounding women’s ordination. The article also explores how ordination practices have been influenced by theological, social, and denominational factors, revealing ongoing tensions in Baptist life regarding women in ministry. [Download PDF here]

Remembering Addie: Baptist Ordination Pioneer and the Influence of Feminism on Her Ministry Journey
By Dr. Pamela R. Durso

The article “Remembering Addie: Baptist Ordination Pioneer and the Influence of Feminism on Her Ministry Journey” by Pamela R. Durso discusses the life of Addie Elizabeth Davis, the first ordained woman minister in Southern Baptist circles, ordained in 1964. It highlights her background, including her education at Meredith College and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Despite societal challenges, Davis pursued her calling to pastoral ministry, contributing to early discussions on women’s ordination. The article emphasizes her embrace of feminist principles, her role in ministry, and her advocacy for women’s leadership in the church, which influenced future generations of Baptist women. [Download PDF here]

Baptists, the Holy Spirit, and the Threat of Women Preachers
By Dr. Doug Weaver

The article “Baptists, the Holy Spirit, and the Threat of Women Preachers” by Doug Weaver examines the persistent opposition within Baptist circles to women preaching. Weaver explores how theological interpretations, particularly cessationism, were used by Southern Baptist leaders to suppress women’s voices in ministry. The article traces this resistance back to the early 20th century, citing patriarchal arguments that women were created to be subordinate and thus unfit for spiritual leadership. Through figures like John Broadus and J.W. Porter, Weaver shows how biblical literalism was applied to justify denying women pastoral roles, often by blaming Eve for original sin. This opposition remains a divisive issue among Baptists today​. [Download PDF here]

A ‘True Baptist’ Theology of Women in Ministry
By Dr. Elizabeth Flowers

The article “A True Baptist Theology of Women in Ministry” by Elizabeth Flowers examines the rise of Southern Baptist Women in Ministry (SBWIM) in response to the conservative takeover of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Founded in 1983, SBWIM aimed to support women called to ministry. Flowers highlights the challenges faced by women as they navigated both internal SBC opposition and the broader influence of feminist and liberation theology. SBWIM women argued that equality in ministry was a biblical and distinctly Baptist principle, rooted in Southern Baptist piety and historical commitment to religious liberty. This theology framed their struggle as a call to restore the prophetic role of Baptists in supporting marginalized groups​. [Download PDF here]