Dr. Gina M. Stewart: Leading with Faith and Fierce Compassion
Born and raised in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. Gina M. Stewart is the senior pastor at Christ Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee.
Her life has been a testament to a spirit ignited by faith and a tireless dedication to service. From the pews of Christ Missionary Baptist Church where she nurtured her calling, to the pulpit from which she now delivers powerful messages of love and acceptance, Dr. Stewart’s journey is one of breaking barriers and leaving an indelible mark on both the religious and community spheres.
A Woman of Firsts:
Dr. Stewart’s path has been paved with historic milestones. In 1995, she shattered glass ceilings by becoming the first African American woman elected Senior Pastor of Christ Missionary Baptist Church, a landmark achievement that resonated far beyond the church walls. This pioneering spirit fueled her commitment to inclusivity and paved the way for greater female leadership within the church.
Educational Journey:
Bachelor’s to Doctorate:** Dr. Stewart’s academic path spans from a Bachelor of Business Administration at the University of Memphis to a Doctor of Ministry from the Interdenominational Center (The ITC). Along the way, she earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Trevecca Nazarene College, a Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary, and enhanced her knowledge at the Harvard Divinity School Summer Leadership Institute.
* **Current Pursuit:**
Currently, Dr. Stewart is actively pursuing a Ph.D. in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana.
**2. Foundation and Professional Roles:** * **Leadership at Lott Carey International:**
Dr. Stewart’s commitment extends beyond the pulpit as a Team Leader for the Pastoral Excellence Program at Lott Carey International.
* **Academic Roles:**
Her diverse roles include Adjunct Faculty at Memphis Theological Seminary, Visiting Adjunct Faculty at Ecumenical Theological Seminary (Detroit, MI), and a Faculty Mentor for the United Theological Seminary Doctor of Ministry Program.
* **Visiting Professorship:**
Currently, she holds the esteemed position of Visiting Professor of Practical Theology at the Samuel D. Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University.
**3. Recognitions and Contributions:** * **Inductions and Board Service:** Dr. Stewart’s contributions led to her induction into the Martin Luther King Board of Preachers in April 2018. She was elected to the National Board of the NAACP in February 2017 and serves as a Co-Convener for the Women in Ministry Conference (WIM) alongside Dr. Cynthia L. Hale. Additionally, she acts as a Trustee for the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Pastors’ Conference.
* **Founding Greater Works Inc.:
** Beyond academia, Dr. Stewart is the founder of Greater Works Inc., a non-profit dedicated to philanthropy and ministry development.
* **Book Release:** In September 2015, Dr. Stewart released her first book, “We’ve Got Next: HERstory in HIStory.”
**4. Awards and Recognition:** * **Living Legend Award:**
The Shelby County Commission honored Dr. Stewart with the Living Legend Award in February 2021, recognizing her outstanding leadership and service.
* **President’s Volunteer Service Award:**
In June 2021, President Joseph R. Biden bestowed upon her the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award and pin.
* **Women of Legacy Award:**
In May 2021, Dr. Stewart received the Women of Legacy award from the Preacher’s Network 901.
Leadership Role
Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention:** Currently, Dr. Stewart holds the esteemed position of President for the Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention, marking a historic achievement as the first female president in the organization’s history.
An Academic Pursuit of Faith:
While faith served as her compass, Dr. Stewart understood the importance of intellectual grounding. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, she delved deeper into the intricacies of leadership with a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision. Drawn to the depths of theology, she further honed her knowledge with a Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a PhD in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric. This constant pursuit of knowledge reflects her dedication to enriching her ministry with both spiritual wisdom and academic rigor.
A Voice in the Pulpit and Beyond:
Dr. Stewart’s gift for powerful, engaging preaching quickly garnered recognition. Her sermons, infused with a unique blend of womanist interpretation and a message of radical love and acceptance, resonated with diverse audiences. Her platform extended beyond the pulpit, as invitations to conferences and events made her a prominent voice within the religious community.
Beyond the Church Walls:
Dr. Stewart’s social conscience fuels her passion for community empowerment. She serves on the board of the NAACP,championing civil rights and justice. Her commitment to global development is evident in her role as President of Lott Carey Foreign Mission Society. And, closer to home, she contributes to the well-being of Memphis through her involvement with the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce.
Awards and Recognition:
Dr. Stewart’s tireless efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award. Her leadership and powerful voice have resonated with media outlets, securing her place as a sought-after speaker and writer.
A Legacy of Inspiration:
Dr. Gina M. Stewart’s story is far from over. It is a vibrant tapestry woven with faith, resilience, and a fierce compassion for humanity. As she continues to lead with unwavering dedication, Dr. Stewart inspires countless individuals to embrace their own journeys of service, to challenge social norms, and to live lives infused with meaning and purpose. Her legacy is one of breaking barriers, fostering dialogue, and reminding us all that the power of love and acceptance can truly transform the world.
Marriage, Husband and Children
Details about Dr. Gina M. Stewart marriage and husband is not in the public. As at the time of making this publication, we were not able to confirm if she is married, divorced or husband children. On her social media pages, we have not seen her celebrate her husband or children’s birthday , we have not also seen her celebrate her wedding anniversary so it’s hard to tell if talk about her marriage and family. However , once we have the full details and confirm everything , we shall update this post.
- Dr. Stewart’s birthplace and background in Memphis.
- Information about her mentor, Rev. Eddie L. Currie.
- The specific areas of focus in her theological studies.
- Examples of her community work beyond the church.
- The specific award she received from President Biden.
Dr. Gina M. Stewart Instagram handle
Her Instagram handle is
@drginamstewart
