Every March, Baptist Women in Ministry invites individuals, churches, and communities into a collective movement of affirmation and advocacy for women in ministry. Through resources, stories, conversations, and actions, BWIM Month of Advocacy helps create a Baptist world where women are fully affirmed, empowered to lead, and able to thrive.
In 2027, our theme is Leading Change. Change begins when we recognize that the way things are is not the way they have to be—and choose to do something about it. Together, we can lead change in our churches, in women’s lives, in who has opportunities to lead, and in the stories we tell about what is possible.
Change can begin with an invitation, a conversation, an opportunity, a decision, or a story. Whatever your role or connection to this work, this March, discover where you can Lead Change.
2027 BWIM Month of Advocacy Calendar
The BWIM Month of Advocacy Calendar invites you to practice advocacy throughout March. Each day offers a simple action, reflection, conversation, or opportunity to support and advocate for women in ministry. Follow along each day or choose the actions that work for you, and discover how small, intentional steps can contribute to meaningful change in your church, community, and beyond.
FIND RESOURCES FOR YOU
For Churches
Your church can be a place where women in ministry are affirmed, celebrated, and empowered to lead and thrive. These resources are intended to help your congregation participate in BWIM Month of Advocacy in ways that fit your context. Choose what works for your church, adapt it as needed, and consider how your congregation can Lead Change this March and beyond.
Children’s Moments For Worship
Children’s Bulletin For Worship
For Individuals
Whether you are a minister, lay leader, or someone who cares about the full affirmation of women in ministry, you have a role to play in BWIM Month of Advocacy. These resources offer practical ways to use your voice, relationships, and influence to advocate for women in ministry.
For Parachurch Organizations
Schools, nonprofits, and other parachurch organizations have important opportunities to advocate for women in ministry. These resources offer ways to examine your organization’s practices, create opportunities for women’s leadership, and use your influence to advance greater equity across Baptist life.
Lead Change in Your Church: Schedule a Consultation
Looking for a meaningful way for your congregation to participate in BWIM Month of Advocacy 2027? Consider scheduling a BWIM church consultation. Grounded in the findings of The State of Women in Baptist Life Report, these consultations help church staff and lay leaders reflect on their congregation’s culture, practices, and policies and identify opportunities to create a more empowering environment for women in ministry. Your BWIM Month of Advocacy participation can become more than an action for March—it can be the beginning of lasting change in your church. Click here to schedule a church consultation.
Promotional Materials
Help spread the word about BWIM Month of Advocacy 2027: Leading Change. Use these graphics and promotional materials to invite your church, organization, and community to participate and to share what you are doing throughout March.
Announcement Flyer For Bulletin Boards
Additional Resources
Deepen your participation in BWIM Month of Advocacy with resources that support learning, conversation, and action. Explore recommended books, key advocacy terms, an essay, a sample proclamation to declare your support for women in ministry, partner resources, and materials from past campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
Everyone. Individuals, ministers, congregations, organizations, students, educators, lay leaders, and advocates are all invited to participate.
How can I participate?
Choose an action that fits your context. You might invite a woman to preach or lead, encourage a woman in ministry, use BWIM resources, host a discussion or documentary screening, advocate for equitable policies, share advocacy resources, or give to support women in ministry.
You can participate once, plan a special Sunday, create a multiweek emphasis, or engage throughout March.
Is BWIM Month of Advocacy only about inviting women to preach?
No. Inviting women to preach is important, but advocacy extends beyond the pulpit. BWIM Month of Advocacy also encourages Baptists to consider leadership, hiring, compensation, ordination, mentoring, representation, policies, and other factors that affect whether women can thrive in ministry.
What if our congregation already affirms women in ministry?
BWIM Month of Advocacy is an opportunity to put that affirmation into practice and extend it beyond your congregation. Consider where your church can deepen its support for women in ministry and how your congregation’s experience, relationships, and influence can help create opportunities for women throughout Baptist life.
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. BWIM 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?
Start with one meaningful step. Your congregation might watch BWIM’s Midwives of a Movement together or read The Bible & Women in Ministry and Leadership and use its accompanying discussion guide to explore what Scripture says about women’s leadership. You can also share a woman minister’s story, invite a guest speaker, or host a conversation. The goal is faithful learning and meaningful progress, not perfection.
Can I participate as an individual?
Absolutely. Encourage women in ministry, learn and share educational resources, advocate in your community, support women-led ministries, follow BWIM’s advocacy activities, or give to support BWIM’s work.
Do I need to register to participate?
No. Registration is not required, but we encourage you to share your plans with BWIM so we can celebrate and better understand the collective impact.
What happened to Martha Stearns Marshall Month of Preaching?
In 2023, Martha Stearns Marshall Month of Preaching expanded into BWIM Month of Advocacy. The broader focus recognizes that women need not only opportunities to preach, but equitable opportunities to lead, serve, and thrive throughout Baptist life. Learn more.
Questions?
Reach out to Nikki Hardeman at nikkihardeman@BWIM.info