BHHS launches free resource to introduce Baptist heroes to children and youth
November 18, 2024
TUCKER, Ga. — Who is your Baptist hero? The Baptist History & Heritage Society (BHHS) announced today a free e-book and teaching resource highlighting the stories of Baptist heroes spanning the 415-year history of the Baptist tradition.
Portraits of Courage: Stories of Baptist Heroes has been re-released as a free downloadable e-book designed specifically for older children and youth to discover the stories of remarkable Baptist heroes.
The e-book also comes with a new curriculum and teaching resource created by BHHS to help students explore the lives of Baptist heroes through discussion questions and suggested hands-on activities. Both are available to read and download at www.thebhhs.org/baptistheroes.
This 128-page collection of inspiring biographies from author Rev. Julie Whidden Long, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Christ in Macon, Ga. and originally published in 2008, introduces readers to women and men who made a difference through their faith and courage. These Baptist heroes come from various countries and centuries, showcasing the diverse history and global influence of Baptists. Each chapter offers an engaging look into the lives of these heroes, who have made significant contributions to the Baptist family.
By focusing on individual stories, Portraits of Courage helps readers understand how these heroes stood up for their beliefs, served others, and worked for justice and freedom. The book not only teaches Baptist history but also encourages students to think about how they can live out their faith in meaningful ways. Whether serving in missions, advocating for justice, or leading in churches, these Baptist heroes provide examples of how each person can make an impact.
This free e-book shares the stories of the following 14 Baptist heroes:
- John Smyth—Baptist Trailblazer
- John Clarke—Baptist Freedom Fighter
- Ann Hasseltine Judson—Baptist Missionary Pioneer
- Jesse Mercer—Baptist Denominational Leader
- Lottie Moon—Baptist Teacher
- William Knibb—Baptist Liberator
- Louise (Lulu) Fleming—Baptist Missionary Doctor
- Walter Rauschenbusch—Baptist Prophet
- Martin Luther King Jr.—Baptist Dreamer
- Addie Davis—Baptist Pastor
- Jimmy Carter—Baptist Peacemaker
- Leena Lavanya—“Baptist Mother Teresa”
- Theo Angelov—Persecuted Baptist
- Olu Menjay—Baptist Rebuilder
“I am excited to help give new life to this excellent book and share these stories with my middle-school son and two daughters in elementary school,” said BHHS Executive Director Aaron Weaver. “Baptist heroes remain impactful and their stories matter. They inspire and challenge us. Baptist heroes teach us about facing adversity and hardship. They shape and model for us how to follow in the way of Jesus—loving our neighbors, serving others and pursuing justice.
The Portraits of Courage curriculum and teaching resource is designed to guide leaders through using this free e-book to explore the lives of Baptist heroes with students in congregational settings. Each chapter includes discussion questions that encourage students to think critically about the stories, and hands-on activities to deepen their engagement.
This flexible resource allows you to explore the stories of Baptist heroes at your own pace. Whether you want to focus on a specific hero or study multiple figures over time, you can tailor the experience to meet the needs of your context.
Explore the stories of these Baptist heroes at www.thebhhs.org/baptistheroes.
Founded in 1938, the Baptist History & Heritage Society is a nonprofit organization of Baptist scholars, clergy, laity, students and congregations committed to helping Baptists discover, conserve, assess and share their history. BHHS’ vision is to bridge the worlds of the academy and the congregation while sharing the stories of Baptists.
Learn more about BHHS and discover how you and your congregation can support our work of developing resources like Portraits of Courage. Connect with us at www.thebhhs.org and follow us on Facebook. Questions? E-mail BHHS Executive Director Aaron Weaver at aweaver@thebhhs.org.
Invest in Baptist identity! Give today and make a lasting impact at www.thebhhs.org/give. Your gifts support our work of developing resources like Portraits of Courage and assist in our vital mission to share the Baptist story.