Every March, Baptist Women in Ministry invites individuals, churches, and communities to join us in a collective movement of affirmation, advocacy, and hope. The Month of Advocacy exists to shine a light on the sacred calling of women in ministry and leadership and to create the conditions where their leadership can truly thrive.
Throughout the month, you’ll find resources, stories, conversation guides, advocacy tools, and weekly actions designed to help your congregation expand imagination, share power, recognize giftedness, challenge obstacles, and build a Baptist world where women fully thrive.
Whether you are a minister, lay leader, ally, church committee member, male advocate, or someone exploring your own call, you are invited to join this holy work.
Let’s build a future where all women in ministry are called to lead and empowered to thrive.
Inspiration for Participation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BWIM Month of Advocacy
BWIM Month of Advocacy is an annual initiative of Baptist Women in Ministry. Each March, individuals, congregations, and organizations are invited to affirm women’s sacred callings, advocate for equitable opportunities, and help create Baptist communities in which women can fully thrive. The BWIM Month of Advocacy takes place in March, coinciding with Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day on March 8.
Who can participate?
Everyone is welcome. Ministers, congregations, lay leaders, church committees, students, educators, organizations, and advocates can all participate. You do not have to be a woman or serve in a formal ministry position to join the movement.
How can I participate?
You can participate in a way that fits your context. Possibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Inviting a woman to preach, teach, or lead
- Encouraging a woman who is discerning or living out a call to ministry
- Using BWIM resources in worship, Sunday school, or a small group
- Hosting a conversation, book discussion, or documentary screening
- Advocating for equitable hiring, compensation, leave, and leadership practices
- Sharing stories and Month of Advocacy resources on social media
- Giving to support women preparing for or serving in ministry
Does my church have to participate for the entire month?
No. Your church may choose one meaningful action, plan a special Sunday, offer a multiweek emphasis, or engage throughout March. Every intentional step can contribute to lasting change.
Is Month of Advocacy only about inviting women to preach?
Inviting a woman to preach remains an important act of advocacy, but the initiative reaches beyond the pulpit. It also encourages congregations to examine leadership opportunities, hiring practices, compensation, ordination, institutional policies, mentoring, representation, and other conditions that affect whether women can thrive in ministry.
What happened to Martha Stearns Marshall Month of Preaching?
Martha Stearns Marshall Month of Preaching grew into BWIM Month of Advocacy in 2023. Inviting women to preach remains an important part of the initiative, but its expanded focus recognizes that women need more than pulpit opportunities. They also need equitable access to leadership, employment, compensation, ordination, mentoring, and institutional support. The new name honors the initiative’s history while inviting Baptists to pursue broader and more lasting change. You can read more about this here.
What if our congregation already affirms women in ministry?
Month of Advocacy offers an opportunity to put that affirmation into practice. Your congregation can assess whether women are represented throughout its leadership, policies, worship, compensation, and decision-making—and consider how it can advocate for women beyond its own walls.
My pastor is a woman. Why does my church need to participate?
Calling a woman as pastor is an important expression of affirmation, but advocacy does not end there. Month of Advocacy invites your church to consider whether women are fully supported across every area of congregational life—from compensation and family-leave policies to leadership opportunities, professional development, and decision-making. Your church can also become a safe and supportive place where women discerning a call to ministry can gain meaningful experience, develop their gifts, receive mentoring, and grow in confidence. By sharing its experience and influence, your congregation can encourage other churches and advocate for women throughout Baptist life.
What if our congregation is new to this conversation?
Begin with a step that encourages thoughtful, respectful engagement. You might share a woman minister’s story, study biblical resources together, invite a guest speaker, host a facilitated conversation, view BWIM’s award-winning documentary, “Midwives of a Movement,” or use a BWIM discussion guide. The goal is faithful learning and meaningful progress, not perfection.
Can individuals participate without a church or organization?
Absolutely. Individuals can follow BWIM’s advocacy calendar, learn about women in Baptist history, encourage women serving in ministry, share educational resources, support women-led ministries, advocate in their own communities, or contribute to BWIM’s work.
How can men participate?
Men are invited to use their voices, relationships, and influence to create visible opportunities and lasting support for women. This can include inviting women to preach or lead, recommending them for positions, mentoring and sponsoring women, challenging bias, sharing leadership, and advocating for equitable policies.
Do we need to register to participate?
Registration is not required to take part. However, participants are encouraged to share their plans with BWIM so the organization can celebrate and better understand the collective impact of the month. You can do that here.
Where can I find resources and learn more?
Visit the BWIM Month of Advocacy webpage for participation ideas, educational materials, advocacy tools, social media graphics, and additional resources.