Courageous Baptist Women: Free Children’s Curriculum in English and Spanish
Free six-session resource connects Baptist women’s stories with children’s faith, gifts and callings
TUCKER, Ga. — The Baptist History & Heritage Society, in partnership with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, has released Courageous Baptist Women, a free children’s curriculum that explores the lives of six women who helped shape Baptist life through education, ministry, service and advocacy for religious freedom and justice. Available in English and Spanish, the resource helps congregations introduce children to Baptist history while encouraging them to recognize their own gifts and put faith into action.
The six sessions feature Helen Barrett Montgomery, Nannie Helen Burroughs, Edna Lee de Gutiérrez, Prathia Hall, Barbara (Babs) Baugh and Diana Garland. Their stories bring together different generations, cultures and experiences, showing children how women responded to God’s call, challenged injustice and created opportunities for others to learn, lead and serve.
Designed for Sunday school, missions education and other church gatherings, each lesson combines Scripture, a biographical story, discussion questions, prayer and activities. Student handouts and a separate collection of bonus activities give teachers additional ways to connect the women’s experiences with children’s lives. Games, preschool activities and mission projects extend the lessons into practical opportunities for learning and service.
For the Baptist History & Heritage Society, the curriculum advances its commitment to sharing the untold and overlooked stories of Baptist life. By placing women’s stories at the center of children’s learning, Courageous Baptist Women connects this history with the everyday work of congregations and helps children explore the many ways people live out their faith.
Six stories of courage and faith
Helen Barrett Montgomery (1861–1934) — Prayer, Perspiration and Patience
Helen Barrett Montgomery championed women’s education, translated the New Testament into accessible English and became the first woman president of the Northern Baptist Convention (now American Baptist Churches USA). Her session connects prayer and perseverance with practical service, encouraging children to consider how their own efforts can help others.
Nannie Helen Burroughs (1879–1961) — Specializing in the Wholly Impossible
Nannie Helen Burroughs, an educator and advocate who confronted discrimination, founded a school that expanded opportunities for Black women and girls. Her story challenges children to recognize everyone’s gifts and explores the roles of education, courage and trust in God in pursuing difficult goals.
Edna Lee de Gutiérrez (1934–2008) — Pioneering Faithfulness
Edna Lee de Gutiérrez, a Mexican pastor and international Baptist leader, encouraged women’s leadership and helped organize relief following Mexico City’s 1985 earthquake. Her session invites children to identify their God-given gifts and consider how they can respond to the needs of their neighbors.
Prathia Hall (1940–2002) — Freedom Faith
Prathia Hall, a preacher, teacher and civil rights leader, challenged racism and barriers facing women in ministry. Her story connects faith with the work of justice and encourages children to think about speaking up for others, serving their communities and following God’s call.
Barbara (Babs) Baugh (1942–2020) — Baptist Freedom
Barbara (Babs) Baugh expressed her faith through music, encouragement and generous support for Baptist ministries. As president of the Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation, she championed religious freedom and women in ministry. Children explore how generosity and joy can support others’ gifts and opportunities to lead.
Diana Garland (1950–2015) — Faith Through Service
Diana Garland, a social work educator and Baylor University’s first social work dean, brought Christian faith and service together, prepared students to work with families and advocated for people harmed in churches. Her session helps children connect compassion with justice and the courage to help others.
Free access for churches and families
The complete curriculum is available to read online and download at www.thebhhs.org/courageous. The page includes the English edition and the Spanish edition, Valientes mujeres bautistas, along with separate downloads for each session and the bonus activities. This format allows teachers to use the full series or select individual sessions for their congregation’s needs.
The curriculum is also available through the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship at www.cbf.net/courageous. Congregations seeking more information or wishing to share how they are using the resource may contact Aaron Weaver at aweaver@thebhhs.org.
Production team
Courageous Baptist Women was written by Jessica Asbell Oravec and edited by Aaron Weaver, with Meg Rooney serving as assistant editor. Amy C. Cook and Jeff Langford designed the curriculum, and Melissa Rodriguez provided the Spanish translation.
About the Baptist History & Heritage Society
The Baptist History & Heritage Society is a nonprofit organization with members worldwide. It bridges the worlds of the academy and the congregation and shares the Baptist story through print and digital publications, conferences, seminars and teaching resources. Learn more at www.thebhhs.org.
Media contact: Aaron Weaver, Executive Director
Baptist History & Heritage Society
aweaver@thebhhs.org | 254-640-1168
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