by Amy Hall

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During BGAV’s Annual Meeting, VBWIM (Virginia Baptist Women in Ministry) created a Celebration Tree where attendees could write down and display the ways women are leading, serving, and influencing their churches and ministry contexts. Every contribution tells a story of calling, faithfulness, and ministry. Take a look at some of the reflections placed on the Celebration Tree:

We serve where and when doors open, knowing God calls us.

After dead ends, a 70+ year old woman is getting her chaplaincy certificate.

God has blessed my life with enabling me to continue my theological education through AST. It has opened many doors for me to share his blessings with others as we work to advance his kingdom.

Five women pastors (including the senior pastor). My wife was just ordained by our church!

Uptick Global trained, equipped, and graduated many women leaders in other countries.

21% of our endorsed chaplains through Baptist Chaplaincy Relations are women!

Thankful for all the new women church planters and future ones.

I am excited about being installed as joint pastors at WHBC.

Women started an angel tree for families.

My daughter is a pastor in Germany. Women in ministry is personal for me.

Working and supporting women who experience trafficking or domestic violence. Support women’s financial futures through networks and seminaries.

Our women leaders are influencing culture through art, podcasts, music, writing books and articles, and creating nonprofits and LLCs to share God’s love in their communities.

Women are leading conversations on mental health, research and health equity and making space for our brown, black, and indigenous women to lead. Thanks be to God!

I support women as all kinds of pastors—in all kinds of ways!

In January, I get to start focusing on supporting congregation impact in their local communities—-a multi-year dream in the making.

Women leaders in my church ensured the success and longevity of RAs and GAs.

Female chaplains and volunteers within our prison systems.

We celebrate the ways that God calls women to lead the church!

In addition, multiple cards highlighted women serving as Sunday School teachers, deacons, missionaries, music and choir directors, children’s pastors, church staff, or as a parish nurse.

Women are making a significant impact in Virginia Baptist life, and the celebration doesn’t have to stop here! Consider creating your own Celebration Tree to highlight the ways women are making a difference in your church.

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Rev. Amy L. Hall serves as VBWIM’s current moderator.

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