By Kay Moll
“Unleashed . . . for His Glory!” is the theme of the 2011 NACC Women”s Conference, and the program is designed to inspire, encourage, and better equip women in their service for Christ.
Special Events
Two very special functions for women are planned. The Ladies” Luncheon on Thursday is always a highlight of the conference. The speaker will be Beth Guckenberger who with her husband, Todd, established Back2Back Ministries, which works with 12 children”s homes in Mexico, ministering to more than 500 children and 1,000 impoverished families. Back2Back is now also working in Nigeria and India. Beth is the author of Reckless Faith and Relentless Hope (which will be released by Standard Publishing in July).
The luncheon will be followed by An Hour with Anita Renfroe, a nonticketed event in the main arena that is open to both women and men. Anita has been described as a “triple shot of espresso in a decaf world.” Her inventive blend of musical comedy and inspiration leaves audiences with cheeks that hurt from laughter and hearts infused with humor and hope. Often featured at Women of Faith conferences and on television programs, such as Good Morning America, Anita is probably best-known for Momsense, her “William Tell” version of everything a mom says. Of her presentations, Anita says, “Laughter breaks down walls. It disarms people. It allows extraordinary truth to be communicated in unexpected ways.”
Because these sessions are back-to-back, there will be reserved seating at the Anita Renfroe event for those who attend the Ladies” Luncheon.
Workshops
The leaders for this year”s workshop sessions are top-notch and offer topics designed to appeal to a broad range of interests and needs.
In “The Best Game Plan for Marriage,” Ruth Williams and her husband, Pat Williams (who is cofounder of the NBA”s Orlando Magic), will offer unique insights for those facing the incredible challenges, unpredictable moments, and everyday trials of married life””even when that marriage includes 19 kids!
Humorist Sally Baucke will offer help and encouragement to busy, stressed, and multitasking women in “Thank God for Girlfriends!” She will explain that going it alone is not necessary, healthy, or fun. Her brilliantly funny presentation will remind women that having girlfriends, as well as being girlfriends, is both a privilege and a must in today”s busy world.
In “Fit Moms, Fit Kids,” Olympic beach volleyball player Annett Davis will help us connect our physical bodies with our spiritual lives. She will show how to build stronger families and establish a lifestyle of fitness, while having fun along the way.
Dr. Jeanene Reese (faculty member and director of the Center for Women in Christian Service at Abilene Christian University) and Karen Alexander (founder and executive director of Come Before Winter) recognize that being in ministry can be a cold and isolating experience, even for the most seasoned worker. But God desires that the hearts of those who minister be encouraged and filled so that they can be unleashed to minister to others. That”s the message of their workshop, “Encouraging Women in Ministry to Unleash Them for Ministry.
In “Getting Past Your Past,” Cara Walter and Tracie Gorham (cofounders of the Drawing Water ministry) will use drama, teaching, and testimonies to encourage women and help them come to a place of both recovery and healing. Cara and Tracie also will be featured at the Seniors” Luncheon on Wednesday.
In addition to speaking at the Ladies” Luncheon, Beth Guckenberger will also present a workshop and, through her own experiences, describe how God can work in incredible, healing ways. No matter what the current circumstances, she”ll show how the story he”s writing isn”t over yet.
Claudia Mitchell and Kim Goad will present “Raising Girls Who Can Change the World.” Recognizing that in today”s ever-changing culture, it is critical to provide help for girls to become spiritually, emotionally, and physically strong, Claudia and Kim will offer practical ideas for helping girls overcome destructive cultural messages and find their calling in God”s kingdom. The goal? Empowering girls to realize that they really can change the world!
Fellowship and Networking
One of the best places for women to network at the 2011 NACC will be at the Ministry Networking Breakfasts on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Women have always been included in the early morning breakfasts, but this year”s convention will give an increased emphasis to topics pertinent to women. There will be three groups facilitated by women. It will be a great place to exchange ideas and meet other women involved in ministry.
More than 600 women stopped by The Gathering Place at the 2010 NACC, reflecting the fact that the GP has become an increasingly important part of the Women”s Conference. It is a comfortable, inviting area (with chocolate!) that will be staffed by women who are there to listen, encourage, or pray. Speakers and authors will come by after their sessions, and pertinent resources will be recommended (and will be available for purchase at the nearby Standard Publishing booth). It”s a perfect place to fellowship and to network.
Whether it is through special events, workshops, or networking opportunities, the 2011 NACC Women”s Conference will help many to be “Unleashed . . . for His Glory!” We hope you and the women in your life will be among them!
Kay Moll is director of women”s ministries and missions with Christ”s Church at Mason in Mason, Ohio.
By Kay Moll
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