January 23, 2025: Participate in a Survey to Empower Women in Our Congregation

by | Jan 25, 2025

Dear Church Family,

After consultation with church leaders, I am excited to invite you to participate in a meaningful study titled “Creating Empowering Environments for Women in Baptist Congregations.”  This important research is led by Heather Deal, the Baptist Women in Ministry (BWIM) Director of Development, as part of her Ph.D. dissertation in Social Work.  It is conducted in partnership with BWIM. 

About the Study 

The study aims to assess and enhance gender equity within our congregation.  The first phase of the study, which was qualitative, has already been completed.  It examined the characteristics and procedures of congregations that have successfully created empowering environments for women.  Now, we are entering the second phase, a quantitative study, which involves assessing our congregation’s attitudes and actions toward gender equity and providing feedback on steps we can take to continue supporting the role of women in our church. 

How You Can Participate

Over the course of the next few weeks, you will receive a series of emails through our own email service inviting you to complete the survey.  That is all you need to do.  We hope you will take time to do this as we need the perspectives of men and women, older and younger individuals, and members and non-members.

Important Information

  • All responses will be anonymous. 
  • In any publications or public discussions resulting from this research, our church will not be named and will only be referred to using an alias. 
  • Your email address is not being shared with any entity as we are using our own email system to send this information to you. 
  • You will receive reminder emails over the next few weeks. 
  • Each church, including ours, will have its own unique survey link, ensuring that all responses are solely from our congregation. After the survey is completed, we will receive a comprehensive report along with recommendations based on the findings. 

Your participation is invaluable as we strive to create an environment that is truly empowering for all women in our congregation.  Thank you for your support and participation in this effort. 

Grace and Peace, 

John