LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas Baptist women’s ministry leaders from across the state will gather Feb. 7 in Little Rock to be encouraged and refreshed in their leadership journeys.
At Leadership Collective, a one-day workshop for women’s ministry leaders in Arkansas, attendees will not only receive training to help serve the women in their church but will also find encouragement and support from other women’s ministry leaders around the table as they engage in intentional ministry conversations together.
“Our attendance has grown significantly in the past five years, and we have seen such a positive response from women’s ministry leaders across the state,” said Shari Edwards, who currently serves as the Women’s Ministry Network coordinator for Arkansas Baptist Women. “We want churches to know that we are here to serve your women through resources, training, and encouragement as they serve in these roles. One of the hallmarks of Leadership Collective is the way the day is designed with a spiritual focus, practical takeaways, and opportunities for women to have intentional interaction around issues that will strengthen and encourage them as they lead.”
The keynote speaker this year is Lesley Hildreth, Women’s Discipleship director at Summit Church in Durham, North Carolina. She is responsible for the discipleship of over 6,000 women spread over thirteen campuses and spends the majority of her time developing and equipping leaders who share the task of making disciples.
In Session One, “Fruitful Leadership Through Abiding in Christ,” Hildreth will share from John 15 and lead the group in examining the passage and identifying what is necessary for leadership that produces lasting fruit. True disciples of Jesus will bear fruit because of their union with Christ.
In Session Two, “Multiplication Through Empowerment/Discipleship,” Hildreth will share her insights as the group explores the biblical foundations that guide their decision making and ministry goals that lead to multiplication and ongoing discipleship. This session will offer practical takeaways and opportunities for great discussion time around the tables.
This year, in addition to the general sessions, there will be three breakout options.
- “The Life Cycle of Leadership Development,” led by Mollie Duddleston, director of Ministry Operations and Women’s Ministry for Cross Church in Northwest Arkansas. Participants in this breakout will reflect on their current stage of leadership, as well as identify next steps for personal and organizational growth. This session will conclude with a discussion of how a healthy leadership culture creates a sustainable pipeline for the future of teams and organizations.
- “Nurturing Your Soul While Leading Others,” led by Morgan Fulcher, who serves as Children and Women’s strategist for the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. This session will equip participants with practical tools and rhythms to nurture their soul as they lead, abiding in Christ as their ministry flows from faithfulness, wisdom, and with grace without burning out.
- “Foundations for Ministry to Women,” led by Edwards. In this session, participants will explore how ministry to women exists to fulfill the purpose of the local church, grounded in God’s Word and focused on ministry that is Gospel-centered and disciple-driven.
The day will end with a panel discussion on ministry trends, challenges, and resources.
Janelle Shell, Women’s Ministry leader at Compass South in Batesville, who has previously attended the event, called Leadership Collective “an incredibly valuable and encouraging experience.”
“It created a meaningful space for women’s ministry leaders from across the state to connect, share, and learn from one another,” Shell said. “One of the greatest takeaways was realizing that many of us face similar challenges—and that together, we can also offer real solutions and encouragement from what we’ve learned along the way.”
She went on to say there was a powerful sense of unity in the room.
“We were reminded that we are not alone in our desire to lead women toward genuine connection with one another and a deeper walk with the Lord. The event was thoughtfully planned and beautifully timed, providing just the right balance of teaching, conversation, and reflection,” Shell said. “I left the Leadership Collective feeling refreshed, encouraged, and equipped with fresh ideas and renewed vision. I would highly recommend this gathering to anyone involved in women’s ministry. It is truly well worth the time and investment.”
Leadership Collective is Feb. 7 at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention office in Little Rock. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. The event will conclude at 3 p.m.
Event is sold out.
To learn more about Arkansas Baptist Women’s Ministry and upcoming oppportunities, click here.