For 200 years, the autonomy of the local church has been a hallmark of BGAV. At the 200^th annual meeting in November, messengers voted to pass a motion approving the creation of a task force to explore further ways to support and advocate for women in leadership roles among Virginia Baptists. All BGAV-participating churches exercise their autonomy in many different ways, including whether they choose to hire and/or ordain women as clergy and lay leaders. A primary way BGAV churches unite is in their willingness to work together for the Redeemer’s kingdom, with regard for each church’s autonomy and governance.

Kristin Adkins Whitesides, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Winchester, presented the motion, which read,“I move that the Executive Board of the Baptist General Association of Virginia appoint a seven-member task force to explore programs, resources, policies, initiatives and relationships which further support and advocate for women in pastoral, ministerial, and leadership roles among Virginia Baptists.”

While presenting the motion, Whitesides explained, “As women in ministry, we have answered the Spirit’s calling on our lives to serve God’s purposes in the world. We teach, and we preach. We pray, and we serve. We visit hospitals and bedsides, plan mission trips, and lead Vacation Bible School. Our ministry does not denigrate or undercut the ministry of men. Instead, it enhances, deepens, and expands our shared mission. We are an integral part of the church’s work, whether we are ordained or not.”

Dozens of supporters surrounded Whitesides and approached the microphone, prepared to speak in favor of the motion. But when no messengers spoke in opposition, President Herbert Ponder closed the discussion and called for a vote. The motion passed with 84% voting in favor of it.

Two other state-level Baptist entities also recently addressed the issue of women in ministerial leadership positions at their annual meetings.

In October, the General Baptist Convention of North Carolina passed a resolution of support, citing among other intentions that they urge NC Baptists to cultivate “an environment within the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina where women are fully respected, valued and mobilized as equal co-laborers for the fulfillment of Christ’s Great Commission and the glory of the Triune God.”

At their July meeting, the Baptist General Convention ofTexas (BGCT) heard and approved a revised motion initially presented by Meredith Stone, executive director of Baptist Women in Ministry. The alternative motion that passed said, “We request the BGCT Executive Board to resource BGCT staff to continue developing more strategies, resources, and advocacy initiatives to assist churches in affirming, appointing, and employing women in ministry and leadership roles.”

Women in leadership roles are not new to BGAV. Following the vote to pass the motion at the annual meeting, Rev. James Collie, retired BGAV campus minister for UVA-Wise, commented that BGAV has been a strong supporter of women in ministry for decades.

“In the BSUs and BCMs, we were promoting women to be ordained long ago. We have laid hands of blessing on many women during ordination services.”

Since the early 1980s, several women—laypersons and ordained clergy—have served in key BGAV positions such as president and chair of the executive board. BGAV’s 2024 elected leadership includes Becky McKinney, president, and Brooke Holloway Blake, board chair.