Below is a news release from CBF Tennessee:
Knoxville, TN – CBF Tennessee is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Betty Galloway Advocacy for Women in Ministry Award, marking an unprecedented year with three honorees representing Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. The awards will be presented on October 3, 2025, during the combined meeting of the three states’ CBF organizations, known as TAG Assembly (Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia). This year’s recipients are:
Passport Camps of Birmingham, Alabama – This transformative ministry has consistently created spaces where young women and girls encounter female ministry leaders, providing powerful examples of women answering God’s call to vocational ministry. Through intentional programming and leadership development, Passport Camps has inspired countless young women to consider their own calling in ministry.
“From its inception, Passport has given women a voice and a platform, empowering them to serve in every aspect of the ministry. Whether it is preaching, leading worship, teaching or guiding campers in discipleship, women have always been welcomed and affirmed at Passport,” said Rev. Naomi Brown of Knoxville.
Rev. Dr. Stephen Cook of Memphis noted, “Across more than three decades of ministry with and among young people, Passport has been an incubator of calling. Beyond their remarkable summer camp experiences, the culture they have cultivated is a living illustration of what it looks like when all voices are valued and attention is paid to the Spirit’s work in the lives of all God’s children.”
Rev. Devita Parnell of Lilburn, Georgia – A former longtime employee of CBF now serving as pastor of First Baptist Church in Morrow, Ga., Rev. Parnell has been a tireless advocate for women in ministry throughout her career. Her leadership and mentorship have opened doors and created pathways for women to pursue their calling in ministry across the Southeast.
“Devita has been one of the constants in CBF life for me since I was first introduced to our Fellowship. Every time I see her, I feel her encouragement and her investment in me, and I know so many other Baptist women in ministry feel the same way,” said Rev. Laura Stephens-Reed.
Rev. Ruth Perkins Lee added, “Devita Parnell has been a steadfast champion of women in ministry, advocating not only with her words but through the witness of her life. With a spirit of encouragement and the gift of asking thoughtful, probing questions, she helps women reflect on their callings in ways they might never have considered.”
Rev. Dr. Christine Jones of Tullahoma, Tennessee – In her former service as assistant professor of religion at Carson-Newman University and now as associate pastor at King’s Cross Church, Rev. Dr. Jones has been instrumental in advocating for women’s voices in ministry and creating opportunities for women and girls to see themselves as called to serve God in leadership roles. Her pastoral ministry and advocacy work have made lasting impacts on her community and beyond.
“Dr. Jones’ calling and advocacy are interwoven with many former Galloway award recipients. I alongside so many other former students and mentees have been shaped and formed by her wisdom. She’s right in the midst of all the messy and miraculous making sure that no one is left out or forgotten,” said Jaime Fitzgerald.
Rev. Ellen DiGiosia reflected, “Christine Jones has been an advocate and role model for women in ministry for many years. I observed first-hand her influence on students in places where women called to ministry were sometimes marginalized. Christine is a strong, steady voice for women in ministry.”
The Betty Galloway Advocacy for Women in Ministry Award, established to honor those who champion women in ministry, recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to empowering women and girls by profiling women in ministry and actively advocating for women to listen and respond to God’s call in their lives.
“This unprecedented recognition of three recipients reflects the collaborative spirit of our TAG gathering and celebrates the rich tradition of advocacy for women in ministry across our region,” said a spokesperson for the CBF Tennessee Coordinating Council. “Each recipient has demonstrated exceptional commitment to ensuring women’s voices are heard and valued in ministry.”
These recipients join a lengthy list of Galloway recipients that include four men, 13 clergy women and eight churches. CBF Tennessee has had the privilege of naming the recipient of the award since 2003. Tennessee Baptists Encouraging Women in Ministry conceived the award in 2000. Since that time, 25 individuals and churches have received the award named in honor of the first Southern Baptist female deacon ordained in the state of Tennessee. Betty Galloway served as missionary in China and Thailand before serving at CBF partner congregation First Baptist Church of Oak Ridge, Tenn.
These presentations will take place formally during the TAG Assembly on October 3, 2025. For more information about the Betty Galloway Award, visit tn.cbf.net/betty-galloway-award, or to register for TAG, visit tn.cbf.net/tag.
CBF Tennessee is a fellowship of Baptist Christians and churches who share a passion for the Great Commission and historic Baptist principles of faith and practice. CBF partners with individuals, churches, and other groups to advance God’s mission around the world.
Media Contact: Rick Bennett, rbennett@cbf.net