In a historic moment at the Joint National Baptist Convention in January, Rev. Gina Stewart became the first woman to deliver the keynote sermon at the gathering of four historically Black Baptist denominations. While Stewart’s sermon was well received, the original recording disappeared from the convention’s Facebook page, sparking a social media uproar from supporters protesting its removal. Accusations of edited closing remarks challenging the four allied denominations to support women in ministry further highlighted the obstacles women in Christian ministry face within the patriarchal culture of the Black Church in America. This incident serves as a breaking point for many women pastors, revealing the persistent challenges they encounter in carving out leadership space.
The disappearance of the recording and subsequent accusations of editing shed light on the larger problem faced by Black women pastors in dealing with the physical and psychological toll of working in a male-dominated culture. While some denominations have made progress in supporting women in ministry, male pastors still predominate in the Black Church as a whole. Public discourse on women’s equality in ministry has accelerated with the rise of social media, providing a platform for women like Eboni Marshall Turman to share grievances and take legal action against gender discrimination. The legacy of theologian and civil rights activist Prathia Hall underscores the challenges faced by women in the male-dominated preaching fraternity, highlighting the need for more support and empowerment for Black women in ministry.
Many theologically conservative Christian churches, including some Black Protestant denominations, prohibit women from preaching based on certain biblical passages. While some denominations do not have explicit bans, women with leadership aspirations often encounter patriarchal cultures that undermine their leadership potential. Young Black women at events like the one hosted at the Howard Divinity School discussed the evolution of Black women’s role in the church and the challenges they face in persevering through instability and transition. In response to these challenges, leaders like Rev. Lyvonne Briggs have created digital communities and spiritual gatherings to provide support and empowerment for Black women in ministry.
Rev. Gina Stewart is advocating for breaking down barriers to create a more inclusive space for Black women in ministry. Despite facing discriminatory practices in the hiring processes of some churches, women like Stewart and Eboni Marshall Turman continue to push forward in their advocacy for gender equality in the church. The prevalence of gender discrimination in pastoral searches within Black congregations highlights the need for systemic change to address biases based on gender, age, and other factors. The challenges faced by Black women in ministry underscore the importance of supporting their leadership and empowering future generations to overcome barriers and achieve equality in the church.
