INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN MINISTRY

Lucy Turner Smith

1874–1952

Born in Woodstock, Georgia, on January 14, 1874. She was one of six children, and was raised by her mother alone. She was an African-American Pentecostal pastor and faith healer, who founded All Nations Pentecostal Church in Chicago, Illinois. Her healing ministry attracted large numbers of followers and her church grew to have 3,000 members. She was the first woman to be the founding pastor of a church in Chicago. Upon her death in 1952, her funeral was attended by 60,000 people, and is considered to be the largest funeral held in Chicago up to that date. In addition to her faith healing ministry, Elder Smith was a dynamic preacher. She developed an active community outreach program, feeding thousands during the Great Depression She also developed a robust gospel music ministry. All Nations was one of the first African American churches to broadcast worship services on the radio. Elder Smith sold the Langley Avenue church building in 1938, and built a new church building. At the height of its popularity, All Nations had a membership of 3,000. By the end of her ministry, Elder Smith estimated that she had healed more than 200,000 people, during her weekly faith healing sessions.

Maria Woodworth Etter

July 22, 1844–September 16, 1924

Was an American healing evangelist. Her ministry style was a model for Pentecostalism, and the later Charismatic movement, earning her the title "Mother of Pentecost. Her earliest exposure to religion was through a local Disciples of Christ congregation. After her marriage, she chose to enter evangelistic ministry. Prohibited from public preaching among the Disciples, she found support in a local Quaker meeting. It was while associating with the Quakers that she received the baptism in the Holy Spirit while praying for an "anointing for service.” She began to pray for the sick in 1885, believing that those with sufficient faith would be healed. Healing was reported on many occasions, bringing greater notoriety. Newspapers around the United States printed articles about Faith healing that was reported to have occurred at these events. Her meetings also became known for people falling to the floor in trance - like states, similar to being Slain in the spirit, common a few decades later in the Pentecostal movement. These people would later report profound spiritual experiences while in such a state. As she preached throughout the nation, her reputation grew, leading her to purchase an 8,000-seat tent in which to conduct her services. In 1912 she joined the young Pentecostal movement and preached widely in Pentecostal circles until her death, helping found the Assemblies of God in 1914 despite never being a formal member.

Bishop Vashti McKenzie

Born May 28, 1947

In 2000, McKenzie became the first woman to be elected as bishop in the denomination's history. She later served as President of the Council of Bishops, becoming the first woman to serve as Titular head of the AME Church. McKenzie's first pastorate was at the Oak Street AME church in Baltimore. In 1990, she became the first woman to serve as the pastor at Payne Memorial AME Church in Baltimore, Maryland. During the ten years she served in this role, she helped grow the church, and also expand its ministry in the community. In 1996, she offered the closing prayer on the first night of the Democratic National Convention. In 2000, McKenzie made the decision to run for election to the position of bishop in her denomination. In her first post as bishop, she was named to the 18th district, which has oversight for AME churches in Africa, mainly in Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Swaziland. She later served as presiding prelate for the Thirteenth District AME, which covers Tennessee and Kentucky. While serving in this role, she was invited by President Barack Obama, to join the inaugural President's Advisory Council of the White House Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

MOTHER MARY MAGDALENA LEWIS TATE

January 3, 1871 – December 28, 1930

Was an African American evangelist. She was the first American woman to serve as a Bishop in a nationally recognized denomination. She founded a Pentecostal denomination, The Church of the Living God, the Pillar and Ground of the truth, in 1903. Its first convocation was held in June 1903 in Greenville, Alabama. The church was the first Pentecostal Holiness church in America founded by a woman, and spread to at least twenty states. At least seven denominations currently trace their history back to her church. Following a period of illness, Lewis experienced a miraculous healing and the Pentecostal baptism of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues. From June 25 to July 5, 1908, she held a ten-day General Assembly there, a Pentecostal revival at which she formally incorporated the denomination. As the Overseer and Chief Leader of the Church, she presided as bishop, ordained ministers, and baptized converts in the "indwelling" of the Holy Ghost. The church spread rapidly.

IRISHEA HILLIARD

Irishea Hilliard is the daughter of Bishop I.V. and Pastor Bridget Hilliard and serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Site Pastor at the West location at New Light Church in Houston, Texas. With a Doctorate in Urban Youth Ministry, Dr. Irishea has spent many years counseling, educating and effecting youth around the world with the Word of God. The Overseer of the Children’s Ministry (Dreamers), Youth Ministry, & Teen Ministry (ouRlife). Dr. Irishea counsels with parents and teens by giving them direction in working through challenges. Dr. Irishea was given the assignment of Spiritual Encounter Spiritual Encounter began in 2000, and each year the growth has been astounding. It is the most incredible move of God to reach this generation in a mighty way. Churches from across America make plans each year to make sure their teens are in attendance.

MICHELLE HILL

Michelle Hill made history when she became the first female commissioned to lead a Seventh-day Adventist church in Bermuda.

She is now pastor of the Pembroke Seventh-day Adventist Church and founder of the ministry group, Women Connecting in Prayer. The accomplishment follows years of devotion by Mrs Hill, to her faith, education and ministry.

JARENA LEE

(February 11, 1783 – February 3, 1864) was the first woman preacher in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Born into a free black family in Mew Jersey. Lee asked the founder of the AME church, Richard Allen to be a preacher. Although Allen initially refused, after hearing her preach in 1819, Allen approved her preaching ministry. A leader in the Wesleyan - Holiness movement, Lee preached the doctrine of entire sanctification as an itinerant pastor throughout the pulpits of the African Methodist Episcopal denomination. In 1836, Lee became the first African America woman to publish an autobiography.

LISA HARPER

A Christian author, bible educator, and speaker, with 30 + years of ministry experience ranging from intimate living room Bible Studies to rappelling from the rafters in jam packed arenas, to pursuing a doctoral degree. She has written books and Bible education study curricula, organized Christian women's conferences, and since 2022 hosted the podcast Back Porch Theology.

ANTIONETTE LOUSIA BROWN - BLACKWELL

( May 20, 1825 - November 5, 1921) The first woman to be ordained as a mainstream Protestant minister in the United States. She was a well-versed public speaker on the paramount issues of her time and distinguished herself from her contemporaries with her use of religious faith in her efforts to expand women’s rights. Brown was born the youngest of seven in Henrietta, New York to Joseph Brown and Abby Morse. Brown was recognized as highly intelligent as early as three years old. The preaching of evangelist Charles Grandison Finney from nearby Rochester led Brown's family to join the Congregational Church. After daring to inject a prayer into her family's religious observance, Brown was accepted into the church before the age of nine. Shortly after becoming a member of the congregation, she began to preach during Sunday meetings. In 1841 at the age of 16, after completing her requisite early schooling at Monroe County Academy, Brown taught school herself. She did not intend to spend her life teaching and so she set her sights on a degree in theology from Oberlin College and a career in the pulpit.

DR. JUANITA BYNUM

Juanita Bynum is an American gospel singer, author, and pastor, known for her ministry and television appearances. She was born on January 16, 1959, in Chicago, Illinois. Bynum is also a recording artist, author, actress, and motivational speaker. 
Bynum was raised in a Christian family and attended St. Luke Church of God in Christ in Chicago. She later attended Saints Academy of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) high school in Lexington, Mississippi, where she started preaching. 
Bynum has served as a minister in various churches, including Morning Glory Ministries, Global Destiny Church, and Juanita Bynum Ministries. She is a popular speaker at conferences and events, including "Woman, Thou Art Loosed!" and Women's Weapons of Power. She also founded the record label FLOW.

PRISCILLA SHIRER

Born December 31, 1974 is an American author, motivational speaker, actress, and Christian media personality, and evangelist. Her father is Dallas mega-church pastor Tony Evans. Priscilla grew up well acquainted with the Bible. As a freshman at the University of Houston, she interned with a Christian radio station. In 2013, Shirer was a speaker at the 2013 Women of Faith conference. In 2015, Shirer made her film debut in the Kendrick Brothers film War Room. In October 2016, Shirer was recognized as one of four prominent women of faith during the 10th anniversary of God's Leading Ladies Life Enrichment Program at The Potter’sHouse. Shirer also featured at the 47th GMA Dove Awards.

VICTORIA OSTEEN

Born March 28, 1961, is an American author and the co-pastor of Lakewood Church, in Houston, Tx. Her part of the service can be seen on a one-hour program broadcast on the DayStar Television and through a live Internet feed. Osteen's first book, entitled Love Your Life: Living Happy, Healthy, and Whole. It debuted at number 2 on the New York Times Bestsellers list. With 750,000 copies, the initial printing of Love Your Life was one of the largest by any US publisher in 2008.In January 2009, Osteen released children's books. Her other activities include a regular feature on Houston radio station 89.3 KSBJ. She also supports the organizations Fees The Children and The Bridge, a shelter for battered women.

JOYCE MEYER

Born June 4, 194 is an American Christian author, speaker, and president of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Meyer states that during an intense prayer while driving to work one morning in 1976, she heard God call her name. She was born again at age nine, but unhappiness drove her deeper into her faith. She got home later that day from a beauty appointment "full of liquid love" and was "drunk with the Spirit of God" that night while at the local bowling alley. Meyer founded her own ministry, initially called "Life in the Word." She began airing her radio show on six other stations from Chicago to Kansas City. In 1998, it was one of the first religious programs airing on KTBU. Her program, now called Enjoying Everyday Life is still on the air today. Her ministry is headquartered near the St. Louis suburb of Fenton, Missouri

AIMEE SEMPLE MCPHERSON

October 9, 1890 – September 27, 1944

Known as Sister Aimee or Sister, was a Canadian-born American Pentecostal Evangelist and media celebrity in the 1920s and 1930s, famous for founding the Foursquare Church McPherson pioneered the use of broadcast media radio with weekly sermons at Angelus Temple, an early megachurch. She conducted public faith healing demonstrations involving tens of thousands of participants. McPherson's first reported successful public faith healing session of another person was in Corona, New York in 1916. A young woman in the advanced stages of rheumatoid arthritis as brought to the altar by friends just as McPherson preached "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever". McPherson laid her hands upon the woman's head, and the woman left the church that night without crutches. McPherson's reputation as a faith healer grew as people came to her by the tens of thousands. McPherson's faith-healing practices were extensively covered in the news and were a large part of her early-career success. McPherson's faith healing demonstrations were extensively covered in the news media and were a large part of her early career legacy. James Robinson, an author on Pentecostalism, diverse healing and holiness traditions, writes: "In terms of results, the healings associated with her were among the most impressive in late modern history."

IDA B. ROBINSON

August 3, 1891 – April 20, 1946

was an American Holiness - Pentecostal. Pentecoastalal and She was the founder, first Senior Bishop and President of the Mount Sinai Holy Church of America Inc.Robinson formed the organization in response to her vision and Divine Call to secure an organizational home where women preachers would be welcomed and encouraged. Mount Sinai Holy Church of America is the only organization founded by an African-American woman that held consistent female leadership from its founding in 1924 until February 2001.

TASHA COBBS LEONARD

Born July 7, 1981 is an American gospel musician and songwriter. She released the extended play Grace in 2013 with the hit lead single "Break Every Chain.” The EP reached No. 61 on the Billboard chart. In 2006, she moved to Atlanta and became a charter member of the dReam Center Church of Atlanta under the leadership of Bishop William Murphy. She was ordained as an Elder and led praise & worship and managing the Worship and Arts department until 2020. In 2018, she appeared as herself in the film Sinners Wanted.[13]

In 2020, Cobbs-Leonard and her husband, Kenneth Leonard, founded The Purpose Place Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where they co-pastor. Bishop William Murphy continues to serve as Cobb-Leonard's spiritual father and mentor.

BETH MOORE

Beth Moore is a best-selling author, Bible teacher, and the founder of Living Proof Ministries. She is known for her Bible studies and books geared towards women, as well as her speaking engagements at Living Proof Live women's events. Moore's ministry focuses on guiding women to a deeper relationship with Jesus through Scripture. Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and raised in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, Moore's early life included working at her father's cinema and attending the Southern Baptist Church. She earned a political science degree from Texas State University. She founded Living Proof Ministries in 1994 to teach women to know and love Jesus through Bible study. Moore has authored numerous books and Bible studies, and her work has been translated into over 20 languages. She has also spoken out on various societal issues and is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, becoming an advocate for survivors. Moore's memoir, "All My Knotted-Up Life," details her life's journey, including her experiences with trauma, faith, and her eventual departure from the Southern Baptist Convention.

SUZAN JOHNSON COOK

Born January 28, 1957 is a U.S. presidential advisor, pastor, theologian,author, activist, and academic who served as the United States Ambassador -at- Large for International Religious Freedom under The Obama Administration from April 2011 to October 2013.She has served as a dean and professor of communications at Harvard University a professor of theology at New York Theological Seminary, a pastor at a number of churches, a television producer, and the author of nearly a dozen books. She was the first female senior pastor in the 200-year history of the American Baptist Churches USA, Mariners Temple Baptist Church in NYC and a close friend of Coretta Scott King.

SARAH JAKES ROBERTS

Born July 17, 1988. American author, motivational speaker, media personality, and pastor. She is the daughter of Bishop T.D. Jakes and co-pastor of The Potter’s House at One LA and Denver. She is known for her books, including "Woman Evolve” and "Power Moves” and her podcast, also titled "Woman Evolve”. Sarah Jakes Roberts is an accomplished author, speaker, and media personality. She has written several books, including "Lost and Found: Finding Hope in the Detours of Life," "Don't Settle for Safe: Embracing the Uncomfortable to Become Unstoppable.” In April 2025, T.D. Jakes announced that he was passing leadership of The Potter's House to his daughter and son-in-law, Sarah and Touré Roberts.

DR. NEICHELLE GUIDRY

Currently serves as the Dean of the Chapel and the Director of the WISDOM Center at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a spiritual daughter of New Creation Christian Fellowship of San Antonio, Texas, where the Bishop David Michael Copeland and the Rev. Dr. Claudette Anderson Copeland are her pastors and where she was ordained to ministry in 2010. She is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University (2007, BA, Lambda Pi Eta) and Yale Divinity School (2010, M.Div.), where she was the 2010 recipient of the Walcott Prize for Clear and Effective Public and Pulpit Speaking, and the 2019 recipient of the William Sloane Coffin Alumni Award for Peace and Justice. She is also a graduate of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary (2017), where she completed her Doctor of Philosophy in the area of Liturgical Studies with a concentration in Homiletics. She is the creator of shepreaches, a virtual community and professional development organization that aspires to uplift African-American millennial women in ministry through theological reflection, fellowship, and liturgical curation

DR. PRATHIA LAURA ANN HALL

(January 1, 1940 – August 12, 2002

Was an American leader and activist in the Civil Rights movement a womanist theologian, and an ethicist. She was the key inspiration for Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech. Hall was raised in Philadelphia, the daughter of Berkeley L Hall and Ruby Hall, née Johnson.[1] Her father founded Mount Sharon Baptist Church, an inner-city congregation in an under-served area of the city.[2] Her father was a Baptist preacher and a passionate advocate for racial justice,who regarded her as his successor. He inspired her to pursue religion and social justice.

BISHOP JACQUELINE E MCCULLOUGH

Born January 14, 1950 is the founder and Pastor of The International Gathering at Beth Rapha. Bishop McCullough is also an author and a gospel musician. Her first album, This Is for You Lord, was released by Zomba and GospoCentric Records in 1998. This was a Billboard magazine breakthrough release upon the Gospel Albums and Christian Albums charts. She pastors and founded, The International Gathering at Beth Rapha that is located in Pomona, New York, along with being the President and founder of a non-for-profit, JEM Ministries. McCullough serves as the Founding President of Beth Rapha Christian College and Theological Seminary, which is in Tampa, Florida. Bishop McCullough has authored 4 books: 105 Days of Prayer; Satisfaction of the Soul, a devotional entitled Daily Moments with God: in Quietness and Confidence; and her latest book, The Other Side of This, released in August 2012 from her own publishing company, Bright Light Publishing.

DR. GINA MARCIA STEWART

The Reverend Dr. Gina Marcia Stewart is a pastor, preacher, visionary, builder, mentor, adjunct professor, and daughter of Christ Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. She has led the congregation of Christ Missionary Baptist Church since March 1995. She is a native Memphian and "daughter" of Christ Missionary Baptist Church where she was baptized, and mentored for ministry by her predecessor and former pastor, the Rev. Eddie L Currie. On March 4, 1995, she was elected by majority vote to serve as the pastor of Christ Missionary Baptist Church. She is the first African American female elected to serve an established African American Baptist congregation in Memphis and Shelby County.

DR RENITA J WEEMS

Born 1954 is an American Protestant biblical scholar, theologian, author and ordained minister. She is the first black woman to earn a Ph.D. in Old Testament studies in the United States. She is the Dean of Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia. She was influenced by the movement in the last half of the 20th century which argues that context matters and shapes our scholarship and understanding of truth. She is best known for her contribution to womanist theology, feminist studies in religion and black religious thought. She is recognized as one of the first scholars to bring black women's ways of reading and interpreting the Bible into mainstream academic discourse. In 1989 she received a Ph.D. in Old Testament/Hebrew Bible studies from Princeton Theological Seminary making her the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in the field. Her work in womanist biblical interpretation is frequently cited in feminist theology and womanist theology.

PASTOR SHIRLEY CAESAR

Born October 13, 1938. American gospel singer. Her career began in 1951, when she signed to Federal Records at the age of 12. Throughout her seven decade career, Caesar has often been referred to as the "First Lady of Gospel Music” and "The Queen of Gospel Music". She has won eleven Grammy Awards, fifteen Dove Awards, and fourteen Stellar Awards. Caesar is the pastor of the 1,500-member Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Recently, she has cut back on preaching and has appointed an executive pastor at her church, and he provides weekly sermons to the congregation while Caesar serves as senior pastor, but Caesar continues to record and perform in concert all over the country. She continues to hold her annual outreach ministries conference. The outreach ministry provides food, clothing, shelter, toys for children, and financial assistance to those in need. She opened an eponymous store and uses the profits to help others during the holiday season.

REV DR. CHERYL A KIRK-DUGGAN

Born 24 July 1951 is a theologian, professor, author, poet, and an elder in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. She is Professor Emerita of Religion and Women's Studies and Director of Women's Studies at Shaw University Divinity School. She is the author or editor of numerous books, including the volume Women and Christianity in a series on Women and Religion in the World, published by Praeger. Kirk-Duggan earned a Master of Divinity degree from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She graduated with a PhD. in Theology/Ethics from Baylor in 1992.She is an ordained elder in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

From 1997 to 2004, she was the director of the Center for Women and Religion at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkley, California. She joined the faculty at Shaw University Divinity School in 2004, where she continues to teach. She is professor emerita of religion and director of women’s studies. In 2019–2020, she was the Crump Visiting Scholar and Black Religious Scholars Group Scholar-in-Residence at Seminary of the Southwest.

DR. CAROLYN ANN KNIGHT

Born and raised in Denver, Colorado. The Rev. Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight, a passionate professor and preacher, is committed to the integrity of the discipline of homiletics as a whole and particularly the best of the African American preaching tradition. For ten years, Dr. Knight served as assistant professor of homiletics at The Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, training seminarians in the art and craft of sermonic design, development, and delivery. In addition to her activities and responsibilities as a preacher, Reverend Dr. Knight has been signally honored for her outstanding career achievements, which include Outstanding Young Women of America; The Dunlevy-Milbank Youth Council’s Community Service Award; The Mary McLeod Bethune Award of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc.; The Community Service Award from the Laurelton Chapter of the Negro Professional Business Women’s Council; and the 1993 United Negro College Fund Alumni Award. In March 1996, Reverend Knight was inducted into the prestigious College of Preachers by Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. She was also cited by Ebony magazine in November 1997 as one of America’s 15 Greatest African American Women Preachers.

PAULI MURRAY

November 20, 1910 – July 1, 1985

An American Civil Rights Activist, advocate, legal scholar and theorist, author and – later in life – an Episcopal priest. Murray’s work influenced the civil rights movement. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Murray was essentially orphaned and then raised mostly by her maternal aunt in Durham, North Carolina At age 16, she moved to New York City to attend Hunter College, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1933. In 1973, Murray left academia for activities associated with the Episcopal Church. She became an ordained priest in 1977, among the first generation of women priests and the first African - American woman to be ordained as an Episcopal priest.

REV COURTNEY CLAYTON JENKINS

A visionary pastor and teacher representing a new generation of leaders, Rev. Courtney Clayton Jenkins serves as the Senior Pastor and Teacher of South Euclid United Church of Christ. Just months after a fire completely destroyed the church edifice, Rev. Jenkins made history when she became the first woman, first African American and the youngest pastor called to lead this special congregation. Under her leadership the church purchased a 10 acre campus and recently complete a renovation and brand new construction project that cost $8.15 Million. From 40 active members, to well over 450 active members, South Euclid United Church of Christ is experiencing exponential growth under her leadership and gaining recognition as one of the region's most dynamic congregations. A certified leadership coach and a church growth consultant, Rev Jenkins remains committed to breaking glass ceilings for women in ministry. She is the author of Stepping Back to Step Up: A Six Week Devotional to Refresh, Refuel and Recharge Women in Ministry. As a companion to the aforementioned, Rev. Jenkins just released a DVD small group curriculum and participants guide, a first in DVD curriculum targeting women of color. Rev. Jenkins holds a Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary with a concentration in Preaching and Congregational Ministry and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Spelman College.

JULIA FOOTE

Born May 21, 1823 in Schenectady, New York November 1901. Julia A. J. Foote was born to parents who were both former slaves. Her family moved to Albany in 1836. She was ordained as the first woman deacon in the African Methodist Episcopal Church the second to be ordained as an elder. She was a leader in the Wesleyan - Holiness movement, preaching the doctrine of entire sanctification throughout pulpits of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion connexion. She preached as an itinerant minister and Holiness evangelist for over fifty years. Her life is recounted in her autobiography, A Brand Plucked from the Fire: An Autobiographical Sketch. In 1878, Foote preached before an estimated 5,000 people at a holiness meeting in Lodi, Ohio. Church leaders such as Bishop Alexander Walters, Cicero R. Harris, and William Davenport wrote about her influence on the Holiness movement, on their spiritual development, and on their families as she was a dearly beloved evangelist, mentor, and friend. In 1894, Foote was ordained as the first woman deacon in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. In 1900, she was the second woman to be ordained as an elder.

PASTOR T. RENEA GLENN

The pastor of Restoration Church of Prayer and a bold prophetic voice to this generation. She is a teacher of the scriptures, strongly emphasizing on value prayer and holiness. Pastor T. Renea Glenn is the pastor of Restoration Church of Prayer and a bold prophetic voice to this generation. She is a teacher of the scriptures, strongly emphasizing on value prayer and holiness.

Kathryn Kuhlman

1907-1976

was a renowned American evangelist and faith healer, best known for her healing crusades and charismatic ministry. She held large-scale healing services across the United States and internationally from the 1940s to the 1970s, attracting significant attention for the reported miracles and healings that occurred during these events. Kuhlman's ministry was marked by her emphasis on the Holy Spirit and her ability to connect with audiences on a personal level, which helped bridge denominational divides and introduce many to the Christian faith.

CORA JAKES

Passionate about living a life of purpose and fertility (the ability to produce). She is a preacher and best-selling author. The eldest daughter of Bishop T.D. and Serita Jakes, Pastor Cora oversees various ministries and serves in many capacities at The Potter's House of Dallas. She is a highly sought-after speaker and mentor who is driven to release the sound faith, a ferocious faith! In the words of her father, "Cora has redefined what it means to fight like a girl! Cora now posts weekly messages and speaks out about her battle with faith and infertility in the hopes of building a global support group for all people who are fighting for, not just a baby, but their ultimate promise that the Lord has spoken over them. She received her ministerial license from the Potter's House School of Ministry, and plans to continue to encourage people worldwide through her blog, books, and speaking platform where she will encourage you to fight for your dream no matter what obstacle you are facing.

She not only a compassionate warrior for young women battling infertility, she has a heart for all people who are trying to get and reach their promise.

MARILYN HICKEY

Marilyn Hickey is a prominent name in the world of televangelism, recognized for her longstanding career as a preacher, teacher, and host of the eponymous television program Marilyn and Sarah. Her ministry, which she co-hosts with her daughter Sarah Bowling, has been a fixture in religious broadcasting for decades, extending its reach to global audiences. Known for her in-depth Bible teachings and faith-healing services, Hickey has cultivated a vast following through her accessible approach to scripture and her emphasis on the loving and transformative power of God's word.

Apart from her television presence, Hickey has garnered respect for her extensive missionary work, particularly in countries where Christianity is not the predominant faith. She has been particularly active in regions like Pakistan, where her healing crusades have attracted sizable crowds, reflecting her commitment to spreading her message across cultural and religious boundaries. Through her efforts, Hickey has worked to foster interfaith dialogue and understanding, while her books and international speaking engagements have solidified her reputation as a tireless advocate for her faith. Her impact on the landscape of religious broadcasting and global evangelism has left an indelible mark, influencing future generations of female religious leaders.

PAULA WHITE

Paula White is a televangelist and non-denominational preacher who has made her mark in the world of religious broadcasting through her role as the senior pastor of City of Destiny and her television show Paula White Today. With her message centered on prosperity and personal success as hallmarks of a devout life, White has secured a place among the more recognizable faces in televangelism. Her work is rooted in the prosperity gospel, a theological belief that financial blessing and physical well-being are the will of God for his followers, and faith, positive speech, and donations to religious causes can increase one's material wealth.

In addition to her ministry work, White has garnered additional media attention for her political involvement, particularly her close ties with former President Donald Trump. Serving as the chair of the evangelical advisory board during Trump's presidency, she provided significant spiritual guidance and became a key religious figure in the political sphere. This role brought both support and scrutiny, as it placed her at the intersection of faith and politics, challenging her to navigate the complexities of her public persona both as a spiritual leader and a political figure. White's influence is also evident through her authorship of numerous books where she discusses her interpretations of Christian faith and how it applies to personal growth and empowerment.

BIMBO ODUKOYA

Bimbo Odukoya was a renowned Nigerian televangelist and pastor who garnered widespread recognition for her ministry focused on marriage counseling and family life. As the co-pastor of the Fountain of Life Church, a megachurch based in Lagos, Nigeria, she was a highly influential figure in the country's Christian community. Her television program, Single and Married, along with her seminars and numerous publications, made her an authority on relationships and marriage in Nigeria and across Africa. Odukoya's messages often aimed at empowering women within their marriages and stressing the importance of wisdom, fidelity, and communication between spouses.

Tragically, her life was cut short in 2005 in a plane crash, yet her impact on Christian teachings about marriage and relationships continues to resonate. Odukoya's pragmatic and loving approach to handling marital issues won her the hearts of many, and her work has lived on through her church, her husband who continues the ministry, and her many admirers who continue to spread her teachings. She authored several books that provided guidance for people at different stages of their relationships, from singles to married couples, solidifying her legacy as a passionate advocate for strong, healthy, and spiritual family life.

Bernice King

Born March 28, 1963 is an American lawyer, minister, and the youngest child of civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. King was elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 2009. She was the first woman elected to the presidency in the organization's history. At the age of 24, Bernice decided to become a minister, and she earned a Master Of Divinity and a Juris Doctor Emory University in 1990. On May 14, 1990, King became the second woman to be ordained at Ebenezer Baptist Church. She said that it was "the most humbling moment for me in my life."

Katie Geneva Cannon

Katie Geneva Cannon (1950–2018) was a trailblazing Womanist theologian and the first African American woman ordained in the United Presbyterian Church (UPCUSA). Born in segregated Kannapolis, North Carolina, she was one of seven children and grew up in a family deeply rooted in faith and resilience.

Cannon earned degrees from Barber-Scotia College, Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary, and Union Theological Seminary, where she completed her Ph.D. Defying convention, she pursued a Master of Divinity—rare for women at the time—and was ordained in 1974.

She taught at several prestigious institutions, including Harvard Divinity School and Union Presbyterian Seminary, where she helped found the Center for Womanist Leadership in 2018. A prolific writer and editor, her work, Katie’s Canon: Womanism and the Soul of the Black Community, helped shape the field of Womanist theology.

Throughout her career, Cannon received numerous awards and honors, including the Excellence in Theological Education Award shortly before her death from leukemia in 2018. Her legacy continues through the Katie Geneva Cannon Digital Collection, preserving over 450 of her sermons, lectures, and writings.

Dr. Teresa Hairston

In 1989, Hairston established Gospel Today Magazine, with an investment of only $300, while working two jobs and being a single (divorced) mother to three young children. During her tenure, she has interviewed some of the world's greatest faith leaders, celebrities, athletes, and recording artists, and Gospel Today grew to become the longest-running and most widely-distributed Urban Christian Lifestyle magazine in history. In 1994, Hairston established 'The Gospel Heritage Foundation,' a vital nonprofit organization that educates worship leaders and musicians to continue gospel music's legacy in communities and churches. Ordained as an elder in 2011 by Bishop Liston Page, Sr., and active as a gospel minister and speaker at venues like “Woman! Thou Art Loosed” and major gospel conventions

She is a Certified (John Maxwell) Coach and Mentor that develops emerging leaders through seminars/webinars and one-on-one counseling.

Amanda Berry Smith

1837–1915

Amanda Berry Smith was born into slavery in Long Green, Maryland. Widowed twice, she found faith after the death of her first husband and was later ordained a deacon at Mother Bethel AME Church. Inspired by the he Iffd oliness movement, she became a powerful evangelist, preaching across the U.S., England, India, and Africa. Her ministry drew support from key figures like Bishop Thoburn and Frances Willard. In her later years, she ran an orphanage for African American children in Illinois and supported the early NAACP. Her legacy paved the way for women in ministry within the AME and Methodist churches.

Florence L. Crawford

Florence L. Crawford was a pioneering Pentecostal evangelist and founder of the Apostolic Faith Church in Portland, Oregon. Despite health struggles in childhood and being raised by atheist parents, she was converted early in life and experienced sanctification, healing, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit during the 1906 Azusa Street Revival. Her passion for holiness, evangelism, and Spirit-filled living was widely documented in the Apostolic Faith newspaper, where her testimonies inspired thousands globally.

Separated from her husband over her newfound faith, Crawford devoted her life to ministry. She helped lead revivals across the U.S. and Canada, where many were healed, delivered, and filled with the Holy Spirit. Following a break with William Seymour after internal conflicts at Azusa Street, she established an independent work in Portland in 1907, taking the Apostolic Faith mailing list and expanding the movement’s influence worldwide.

For over 30 years, she served as general overseer, upholding strict holiness doctrine. Though the denomination remained small, her leadership left a lasting impact on global Pentecostalism.

Dr. Mattie Nottage

Dr. Mattie Nottage is an internationally recognized prophetess, pastor, author, and recording artist. She co-founded Believers Faith Outreach Ministries International (BFOMI Global) in Nassau, Bahamas, alongside her husband, Apostle Edison Nottage, in 2000 .

A dynamic conference speaker, Bible teacher, and "chain‑breaker," she hosts large-scale events focused on prayer, spiritual revival, and transformation—often titled Breaking the Chains. Her bestselling book 12 Minutes to Breakthrough Prayer Strategy and appearances on networks like CBN and CTN highlight her emphasis on powerful intercession and spiritual empowerment.

Dr. Nottage is celebrated for her prophetic ministry, practical teaching on faith and holiness, and dedication to equipping believers through her Bible college programs and global outreach initiatives

Pastor Jessica Kayanja

Pastor Jessica Kayanja is a Ugandan pastor, author, speaker, and visionary leader dedicated to women’s empowerment. She is the founder of Girl Power Ministries International, a dynamic organization that mentors and equips women through prayer clinics, conferences, vocational training, and outreach initiatives. Pastor Jessica also serves as CEO of Robert Kayanja Ministries and Channel 44 Television, working alongside her husband, Pastor Robert Kayanja, at Miracle Centre Cathedral in Kampala, Uganda. Together, they lead the internationally followed 77 Days of Glory revival movement.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Makerere University and earned both a Master of Arts in Theology and a Doctor of Ministry from Life Christian University. A respected voice across Africa and beyond, Pastor Jessica is also an accomplished author of several books including Girl Power, Through It All, Heritage, and The Altar. Married since 1992, she is a devoted wife and mother to three children: Robert Jr. and twin daughters Kirstein and Kristiana.

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