Growing In Jesus: 2023

What a year! Let’s celebrate all the ways God moved in 2023 as we focused on growing together. We slowed down, deepened our roots, and made space for spiritual growth in and through our lives. Along the way, we took advantage of resources and opportunities to grow in our leadership skills and networking opportunities. God showed up and moved in powerful ways. We give Him all the praise. Let’s look back and celebrate together!

ECON Ministers’ Wives and Women in Ministry Lunch + Workshop took place on Tuesday, January 24^th. Emily Freeman shared her story and encouraged us to grow during times of adversity. With remarkable transparency, Emily recounted the accident that nearly took her son’s life. Doctors gave Caleb little chance of survival. But when Emily and her husband, Jeremy, turned to prayer---and asked other believers to join them---God performed a miracle. Listen to the meaningful content in a two-part series on Inspire on the Go. Be encouraged in your challenging circumstance to know God and experience hope and healing no matter the outcome. Listen to the content HERE and HERE!  

2023 was an exciting year of networking for women’s ministry leaders across Arkansas. On February 9^th and October 12^th Network Gatherings took place with over 200 leaders in attendance. Meet our amazing Network team HERE!

On April 22, Thrive Collective took place. Thrive Collective is a one-day interactive workshop for women’s ministry leaders. Thrive Collective offered leaders encouragement, ideas, inspiration, and friendships. Session topics included: creating ministry environments for women to thrive (Lori McDaniel), creating pathways for young leaders to thrive (Shari Edwards), and an interactive women’s ministry panel. We also heard leadership stories about thriving in discipleship from Traci Smith and reaching the next generation from Emily Watson. Enjoy the content HERE and HERE and HERE!

Arkansas Baptist Inspire was an exciting day for Arkansas Baptist Women! This one-day conference designed for women of all ages and stages of life is a highlight each year for Arkansas Baptist Women. There is something special about a sold-out event filled with women who are ready to worship and grow in the Lord. Cory and Stephanie Epps led our time of worship. Dr. Tara Dew opened God’s Word with us. Tara shared from John 15 about flourishing in Christ. The day was special as we talked about God’s willingness to prune as we persevere in Him. The outcome? We will grow! The times of connection were meaningful as we enjoyed conversations around the table with sweet friends from across Arkansas. We celebrate 70 life-change decisions made on September 23^rd! Enjoy the content from Inspire HERE and HERE! Enjoy the recap video here!

On October 24^th and 25^th, Arkansas Baptist gathered for a time of business, inspiration, and celebration of God’s faithfulness at Annual Meeting. On Monday, October 23^rd, the Ministers’ Wives Conference took place. Once again, Cory and Stephanie Epps led a special time of worship. Then, it was my honor (Andrea Lennon) to open God’s Word and share about God’s hope, peace, and power from Romans 15:13. Enjoy the content from the day HERE! Check out all the great resources for Ministers’ Wives HERE! If you would like to start a Fellowship Group in your area, be sure and contact Vickie Lee, Ministers’ Wives Equipping Coordinator.