Throughout history, African American women have played a vital role in the church. God has called upon these women to help build His kingdom. These named and unnamed women have answered God’s call with a resounding yes by faithfully following His direction. Their impact as trailblazers in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ extends from biblical times through the present and into the future of the church.
I am humbled to have played a small part in a long tradition of African American women who have dedicated their lives to serving in ministry. I am reminded of the words of the prophet Isaiah trying to give hope to the exiled Jews regarding the coming salvation; “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the herald, who proclaims peace, who brings news of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns'” (Isa. 52:7).
God has graciously allowed me to serve the church for a long time. As I think back over my life, I see how His hand has orchestrated situations where I have been able to share the gospel. There was a season in my life where at the young age of twenty-four, I became a widow. God lovingly reminded me my life and ministry didn’t end with my husband’s death. He showed me He still had a purpose for me, but this required courage and obedience to follow His plan. The Lord opened a door for me, and my church sent me to live as a missionary in Mexico. While it was difficult to do, I moved my entire life to a foreign country where I served women and children. I taught English in a Christian school and ESL classes to the local youth. As my heart continued to heal, God opened doors for me to share my story with other widows in various communities.
Throughout my life, as a woman of color, I have faced many challenges, just like those who have come before me and those who will come after me. However, what has set us apart is our unwavering faith in God. God has shown that all women are an integral part of His master plan, and He intends to use them for His glory.
CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN IN THE CHURCH
Let’s honor the remarkable contributions of African American women in the church by recognizing their profound influence on its history. These women have played pivotal roles as missionaries, nurses, teachers, and children’s workers, often journeying to impoverished countries and enduring hardships due to their faith and the color of their skin. Their dedication and sacrifices have left an indelible mark on the church, and we celebrate their unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel by serving others.
Women like Betsey Stockton (1798–1865), a former slave who became a missionary. Clara Ann Howard (1866–1935) was an American educator and Baptist missionary to Africa. Eva Roberta Coles Boone (1880–1902) worked as a teacher and Baptist missionary serving alongside her husband in Congo. Emma Beard Delaney (1871–1922) was a Baptist missionary and teacher who worked in Africa.
The messages and proclamations of these missionaries have resonated boldly, loudly, and clearly within the church. What was their message? What was their proclamation? The hope of the gospel.
Theologian Carl F. H. Henry put it like this: “The gospel is only good news if it gets there in time.”1
These African American women dedicated their lives and time to bringing the message of salvation to people they didn’t know.
These saints have paved the way for us. These forerunners are examples of dedication to the work of spreading the gospel. They now live in a place where streets are paved with gold, and where sorrow and suffering have ceased. We will never fully realize the impact they have had on the church and the world. We celebrate their lives. We celebrate the sacrifices they made for Christ. We honor the work they did for the kingdom of God despite the adversity they faced because of the color of their skin.
HONORING THE PRESENT CONTRIBUTIONS OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN IN THE CHURCH
“But you are to proclaim things consistent with sound teaching” (Titus 2:1).
A new generation of African American women is uniquely shaping the church today. Their contributions to ministry are significantly impacting the body of Christ. They tackle difficult issues, pose challenging questions, influence women from diverse backgrounds, and boldly call them to faith in Christ.
Women like Priscilla Shirer (Bible teacher, speaker, author, and actress), Jackie Hill Perry (Bible teacher, speaker, and author), Elizabeth Woodson (Bible teacher, speaker, and author), Elizabeth Luter (wife of Pastor Fred Luter and First Lady of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church), Archalena Coats (the first African American woman to be appointed to the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee), and Carolyn Fountain (the first black woman to serve as president of the Louisiana WMU).
These trailblazers are influential voices, reaching diverse audiences at every stage of life. Their dedication to their calling in the church is evident in the profound methods they use to teach. The church has been blessed by these women who seek to honor God by teaching truth to the women who make up His church.
Heather Johnson is one of these influential voices who serves in multiple capacities. She works as part of the women’s ministry staff at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church and serves as the women’s life coordinator and assistant director of Thrive, The Ministry Wives Certificate Program, at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
Heather shared this insightful thought, “My advice for Black women is the same as my advice for all women. Keep God’s Word and His church as top priorities in your life so you can grow in your faith while living in community with others. Be the woman God has created you to be and resist living like the woman the world desires to craft you into. No matter how difficult life can be and how many obstacles come your way, seek to do everything in love (1 Cor. 16:13-14).”
These women in today’s church have embraced God’s will for their lives, and we continue to feel the profound impact of their ministries today. To them we say, thank you.
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FUTURE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN IN THE CHURCH
The church needs its African American sisters. Their voices, influence, resolve, perseverance, and ministry are indispensable.
Scripture teaches, “There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28).” Because we are a part of God’s family, we need each other. Without one part of the body, we will not function as God intended.
God will continue to raise up African American women to play a prominent role in the future of the church. His call is far-reaching. He will keep equipping them to be missionaries, pastor’s wives, lay leaders, Bible study teachers, Christian speakers, faith-based counselors, children and Sunday School teachers, mentors, and women of prayer.
African American women are a vital part of God’s plan for His church. Encourage them to persevere in their faith and service to the church. Honor them. Be their voice. Raise your hand for them. Love and support them. Educate others about them. Advocate for them. Pray for them.
In honor of Black History Month, let’s remember the powerful voices of the past, celebrate the voices of the present, and pave the way for the voices of the future.
Work Cited
1. Gregory Thornbury, Recovering Classic Evangelicalism: Applying the Wisdom and Vision of Carl F.H. Henry (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2013), 175.
ABOUT ADRIANNA ANDERSON
Adrianna Anderson is a Bible teacher, speaker, writer, and former missionary. Her ministry roles include: Lifeway Women Trainer, Lifeway Women Event Specialist, and Director of the Ministry Wives Network for the Missouri Baptist Convention.
She is a contributing author of “Because of Hope: Reflections of Faith,” and WINGS: Hope for Widows in New Growth Seasons. Adrianna holds a master’s degree in biblical studies from BTS, is a graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and is working on doctoral studies in Public Theology. She has written content for women that is currently used by Samford University’s Ministry Training Institute geared towards women in leadership. Her writing can be found in Lifeway Research, Lifeway Women Blog, Journey devotional magazine, and Missions Mosaic, a publication by WMU.
She teaches and speaks to women in ministry and leadership positions on widowhood, prayer, mental health, apologetics and racial unity from a biblical perspective.
