Documentary Screening about Baptist Women in Ministry

Immanuel will host a screening of Midwives of a Movement on Sunday, March 17 at 5:00pm in the chapel.

Far from being a topic of the past, the role of Baptist women in ministry is as relevant as today’s headlines. A February 20, 2024 Tennessean article reported that the SBC credentials committee voted that day to oust Immanuel Baptist in Paducah, Kentucky because they called a woman to be senior pastor. The article went on to say that “the convention will vote for a second and final time at this year’s SBC annual meeting in June whether to approve a measure seeking to enshrine a ban on women pastors.”

The documentary features interviews with eleven of the thirty-three women who, more than thirty years ago, boldly birthed a movement to advance women in ministry and leadership among Baptists. Two of those women, considered founding mothers of Baptist Women in Ministry, have Immanuel connections. Lela Hendrix was a member of our church and June McEwen was the mother of Melanie Dover. The film contains heartfelt stories, painful anecdotes, profound insights, and lighthearted remembrances which will inspire us even today. Fellow church member Cliff Vaughn of Good Faith Media was the producer of the documentary. He and BWIM Executive Director Meredith Stone will be present at the screening to introduce it and engage in discussion afterwards. Space will be limited, so plan to come early!

Additionally, Midwives of a Movement will be screened on Monday, March 18th at 6:30pm at Belmont’s Johnson Theater.