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American Baptist Women in Ministry
American Baptist Women in Ministry (ABWIM) celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Women in Ministry Project, the precursor of ABWIM, June 15–18, at the Green Lake Conference Center in Green Lake, Wisconsin. A diverse group of women, men, leaders, ministers and lay people, ranging in age from 4 years to 90 years, participated in “Engaged in the Word” sessions led by Rev. Dr. Jaime Clark-Soles, Morning Explorations led by Rev. Dr. Trinette V. McCray, and evening worship sessions led by Rev. Lauren Lisa Ng (Wednesday), Rev. Adalia Gutiérrez Lee, MD (Thursday), and Rev. Dr. Zina Jacque (Friday). Each day, Rev. Dr. Marie Onwubuariri, as Poet Laureate, shared her inspired “Spirit stirrings” with attendees.
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Kimberly Palmore-Ferguson (designer of the Radical.Redeemed.Ready Program book), Patricia Hernandez (Associate General Secretary for Women in Ministry and Transition Ministries, American Baptist Churches USA, and member of Washington Plaza Baptist Church),Michelle Nickens (ABC USA VP and pastor of Washington Plaza), Marie Mercer (Washington Plaza Baptist Church), and Rev. Dr. Trisha Miller Manarin all attended from DCBC, as well as Zina Jacque from our area, serving sister congregation, Alfred Street Baptist Church.
August/September 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter 20
State of Women in Baptist Life
The results from the Women in Baptist Life Survey 2021 have been published in The State of Women in Baptist Life Report 2021 and show a resurgence in the number of Baptist women being ordained.
Overall, from 2011 to 2019, the number of women being ordained has seen a small increase: from a yearly average of 46 ordinations between 2011 and 2015 to a yearly average of 48 between 2016 and 2021. However, 2020 saw a dramatic decrease in the number of reported ordinations — from 54 in 2019 to 21 in 2020 — likely as a result of disruptions caused by the COVID pandemic. In 2021, the reported number of ordinations was 44, slightly more than double the number in 2020 but still below the 2019 number.
Many of the challenges still facing women in ministry are highlighted throughout the 2021 report; however, there are two noteworthy areas for current and future celebration: • “Today, more women are serving as pastors and co-pastors since the last
State of Women in Baptist Life
Report”: 272 female pastors and copastors reported in 2021 compared to 174 in 2015. • “In 2021, students enrolled in master’s degrees at nine of the 15 schools were at or over 50% women…This is exciting for the future of women in ministry, and it presents a unique opportunity for Baptist denominational groups, churches, chaplaincy settings, and nonprofits to prepare for these future ministers by fostering environments where women can thrive.”
Another cause for celebration relates specifically to DCBC, which according to the report, has “made the most statistical progress in the last six years . Since the last report, DCBC’s number of female pastors and co-pastors doubled, and the overall percentage of female pastors/co-pastors nearly doubled as well.” In the report, DCBC Executive Director/Minister, Rev. Dr. Trisha Miller Manarin states: “Over the years, DCBC has been watched by other Baptist groups in North America as many cannot imagine the way we are able to navigate and serve from our diversity…We are a denominational body which embraces women at all levels of leadership while working to ensure we are more than a ‘poster child’ for the full inclusion of women. This has certainly been a journey for DCBC and not always easy, but as the scripture says, ‘your sons and daughters shall prophesy.’”
Data Gathering
Each year, ABWIM works to expand the list of Baptist denominational groups and theological schools included in its reporting. For the first time, data from the following organizations were included for this report: American Baptist Churches USA, General Baptists State Convention of North Carolina, Northern Seminary, the Baptist House of Studies at Perkins School of Theology, Shaw University Divinity School and Yale Divinity School.
August/September 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter 21
August/September 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter 22
The next scheduled Coaching class, Empower 501: Foundations for Christian Coaching, will be held virtually, September 12, 13 & 14, 2022.
To register for the September classes or to receive more information about the Coaching Ministry, please complete the form found at
https://dcbaptist.wufoo.com/forms/k1wp1sle0b7pxd5/.
Complete the 2022 Annual Church Report
Deadline: September 8
This annual report collects statistical, leadership, and financial information — data that is widely used for a variety of purposes, including: Developing strategic priorities, programming and initiatives for DCBC’s work with member congregations. Helping to populate regional and national directories (DCBC and ABC) Providing statistical reporting within DCBC and national bodies. Statistical results are often used by funders. Providing congregational profiles for pastoral search committees and strategic planning. Please visit https://www.dcbaptist.org/_files/ugd/42bc4f_67486b0b4dfc43189798f2d4b6b82233.pdf and carefully review and enter the requested information.
