Women’s leaders gather for training, inspiration
Women's leaders enjoy a bottle of Jones Soda with a
custom-printed label announcing next year's theme.
By Darla Knoth
The national Women’s Department held an annual training event for district women’s directors here in Orlando, beginning Saturday evening, August 1, through Monday, August 3, at the Orange County Convention Center.
Sixty-six district leaders were inspired by the training they received on a variety of topics relating to ministry to women in the local church, by the resources recommended by national office staff, and by sharing ministry ideas and fellowship with each other.
As a highlight of the seminar, directors received complimentary copies of Secrets: Transforming Your Life and Marriage by author Kerry Clarensau, who is a staff member in the national department. Clarensau reported that she is hearing testimonies of women’s marriages being changed across the nation as a result of this Bible study which released in April this year. Clarensau joined with well-known author Dr. Gary Smalley to complete the writing of this study for wives, available through Gospel Publishing House.
Author Amy Nappa also joined the group for a devotional time on Sunday morning. Amy has authored several books, written many articles, and is the cofounder of nappaland.com, a Web site to strengthen families. Amy will be partnering with the national Women’s Department for a resource for next year’s theme.
Other guest speakers included Frank Vice, AG World Missions, concerning the group’s assistance to missionaries. Dr. Richard Dobbins, Jenny Lynch from Paraclete Press, several of the district directors and national staff also spoke to the leaders.
Several ministries presented needs and ministry opportunities to the group, including Rural Compassion, MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Convoy of Hope, Cissy Padgett, Healthcare Ministries and Latin America Childcare.
“One of the most exciting pieces of information we shared with our directors concerned the launch of our new Web site,” explained Arlene Allen, national Women’s Director. The national department is planning to revamp its current Web site to include three layers. The first layer will offer resources for any woman, and an area called “Real Life. Real Women. Real Answers.” where women can find answers to their questions on a variety of topics. The second layer will include free resources, downloadables and helps for women leaders. The third layer will be a membership-based area for leaders, including leadership development units and more. The membership will be $29.99 annually.
Allen encourages General Council attendees to visit the Women’s booth inside the AG Bookstore for more information on the exciting changes coming to the Women’s Web site, and other resources.