The Claudia Circle
Join The Claudia Circle Today!
On a world-changing day over 2,000 years ago, Jesus stood before the Roman governor who could order his execution. In that moment, Peter did not speak up for Jesus. Neither did John or James, any of the other 12 disciples, nor the Jewish leaders present.
But one woman did speak up. Claudia.
Claudia, the wife of the governor told her husband not to have anything to do withthis innocent man because of a dream she had (Matthew 26:19).
The details of the dream are not identified. We’re not even told her name in the biblical text, but we have to learn it from historical, non-biblical records.
But even thought Claudia and her dream were unnamed, she boldly gave a name to injustice.
Claudia defied her expected role of staying in the background and keeping the status quo, and spoke up on behalf of the Word of God made flesh. She defended who Jesus was. She overcame the barriers which told her that her voice was not valued to place herself on the right side of history.
Today, many women in ministry among Baptists face similar challenges to Claudia. They are also told that their voice is not valued. They confront barriers of gendered expectations and limitations.
Moreover, Baptist women who are ministers and leaders also have dreams which may not yet be named. They have not yet seen what the fullness of thriving in ministry can look like, but they dream of a world in which they might be affirmed, respected, and can flourish in leadership.
When you join the Claudia Circle by making a planned gift to BWIM through your will or life insurance and/or retirement beneficiary designations, you are fueling the unnamed dreams of women in ministry among Baptists in the generations to come.
If you have included BWIM in your estate plans, or would like more information about naming us as a beneficiary of a will, life insurance policy, retirement account, or other financial account, please click the link above to fill out a simple form. A member of our staff will contact you.
Fueling Unnamed Dreams
Though we cannot name what the next 40 or 400 years will look like, we are committed to speaking up for women’s equality among Baptists and their unlimited ability to follow Jesus. We will continue to defy barriers and envision unnamed dreams that bring justice to the Baptist world.
Together, we can continue to speak up for Jesus and fuel the unnamed dreams of women in ministry among Baptists.
Wills and Bequests
Life Insurance Policy Beneficiary Designation
Retirement Account Beneficiary Designation
Ida Mae Hays
“Ida Mae served as a Southern Baptist missionary in Brazil for 30 years. Her church wanted to ordain her, but she hesitated due to concerns about the Mission Board’s reaction. Upon retiring, she accepted the church’s ordination but kept it a secret for fear of repercussions. Eventually, a reporter discovered her ordination, and the news spread to the IMB. Ida Mae was called for an interview, which was intimidating, and she was asked to rescind the ordination. She refused, knowing only the ordaining church could rescind it. Years later, Ida Mae went on to live fully into her ordination, serving as pastor of Weldon Baptist Church in Weldon, NC and then starting Crossroads Baptist Fellowship in Richmond, VA.” -From Ida Mae’s friend, Reba Cobb
Tambi Brown Swiney
“I included Baptist Women in Ministry in my will because this is one way I can give back to the organization that has profoundly impacted my life. My gift, combined with others, will help BWIM to empower future generations of Baptist women to wholeheartedly embrace God’s call.”