Beyond the Stained-Glass Ceiling Grant transports Philadelphia pastor Rev. Dr. Valerie Andrews to Liberia on a journey of faith and pastoral formation
VALLEY FORGE (03/11/2026)—The Beyond the Stained-Glass Ceiling Grant (BTSGC), offered by American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS), supports African American female clergy called to lead small congregations, many of which face financial struggles and cannot afford to pay their pastors a living wage. It was inspired by the reflections of Rev. Chris Smith, pastor of Restoration Ministries of Greater Cleveland Inc., who wrote “Beyond the Stained Glass Ceiling: Equipping and Encouraging Female Pastors” (Judson Press, 2013).
In 2024, a year with an unprecedented number of nominations, the grant was awarded to Rev. Dr. Valerie Andrews, the first female pastor called to serve Eternal Life Missionary Baptist Church, a Liberian congregation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It funded her first trip to Liberia, which served both as a spiritual pilgrimage and a pastoral formation experience.
During her visit, Andrews delivered a lecture at Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary and preached in the seminary’s chapel as well as at Providence Baptist Church in Monrovia. She emphasized the importance of cross-continental solidarity among women pastors during her numerous conversations with Liberian female clergy.
“We discussed our personal journeys, experiences in ministry, recommended advice to give to young women aspiring to become pastors, and the joy/challenges of ministry,” Andrews said. “Our time of sharing and self-disclosure was fulfilling, relational, and most welcoming as we all agreed we were not alone on our journeys.”
Andrews was moved by the Spirit to sponsor two students to attend the Ambassadors Academy (Nursery through 6th grade). Additionally, the Eternal Life Missionary Baptist Church donated 125 bags of supplies, which she distributed to the students of the Academy.
School supplies being distributed to students attending the Ambassadors Academy.
This pilgrimage was significant in many ways for the 2024 BTSGC awardee. She observed the impacts of civil war, generational educational gaps, and learned about the economic struggles of many Liberians, including children. She grappled with the reality that many children in the country cannot afford to attend school. However, she was also inspired to see how faith communities are publicly recognized. She also made new friends and expanded her professional network, discovering new ways to serve her Liberian congregation back home.
“I wish to thank the Beyond the Stained-Glass Ceiling committee for affording me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Andrews. “Never in my wildest imagination did I ever see the probability of visiting the country of the members of the church where I have been called to serve! My life will never be the same.”
This experience demonstrates how the BTSGC Endowment Fund supports much more than just the professional development of African American women pastors leading congregations smaller than 300. Its goal is to enable transformative ministry. Black women have long led without recognition, but this grant invests in their vision.
“To God be the glory for the great things He has done,” said Rev. Dr. Andrews.
Gifts to the Beyond the Stained-Glass Ceiling Endowment Fund help ABHMS support, encourage, and advocate for the well-being of Black female pastoral leaders by helping to alleviate the economic challenges and related stress they face in ministry.
By Rev. Dr. Anna Piela, ABHMS senior staff writer and editor of The Christian Citizen
