Arkansas Baptist Women Podcast

Today we are asking and answering the question, “Who is an Arkansas Baptist Woman?”  The answer. Women who worship, grow, connect, serve, and share... together! In this episode, Andrea shares 5 Keys for Effective Growth that can be applied to our individual lives and ministry settings. As you listen, consider which area of the ministry model will help you grow in faith and obedience. Download your free copy of the 5 Keys for Effective Growth at www.absc.org/abw.

Andrea is excited to welcome Tara Dew to the podcast. Tara is married to Dr. Jamie Dew (current president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary). Together, they have two sets of twins. Tara loves teaching women to know and love the Word of God. Tara joins Andrea on the podcast to talk about her new book, Overflowing Joy! Whether you’re facing the ordinary, daily pressures of squaring away today’s to-do list or an unexpected season of suffering that seems to have no end, it sometimes feels like Jesus’ promise of “overflowing joy” is simply not within reach for your real life. But it does not have to be that way! Tara shares three pathways to joy: God’s pruning, God’s presence, and God’s commands. All have the power to deliver not just a taste of joy as a fruit God is developing in you but an overflowing bushel of it! The question is, Are you willing? Let’s talk about it on today’s episode! Purchase your copy of Overflowing Joy through Lifeway or anywhere books are sold.

We are so excited to welcome Kelly King to the podcast and to Leadership Collective! Kelly brings a wealth of life experience not only as a women’s ministry leader in the local church, but also from her experience serving as the Women’s Ministry Specialist for Lifeway in recent years. She has also served as the past Women’s Ministry Specialist for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. Kelly has a heart for equipping women who serve in churches of all sizes and she shares practical and foundational principles for ministry in her book, “Ministry to Women: The Essential Guide for Leading Women in the Local Church.” On the podcast today, Kelly shares her leadership journey. You will be encouraged as you hear her story of God’s calling, provision, and work in and through her life. At Leadership Collective, Kelly will share helpful insights on the value that women’s ministry brings to the local church and also practical tips and principles on how to implement ministry objectives in your ministry setting. We are so glad to have Kelly spend the day with Arkansas Baptist Women’s Ministry Leaders! You do not want to miss out on Leadership Collective 2024! Join us on Saturday, April 20th at ABSC in Little Rock! Learn more and register and register today at absc.org/abwcollective.

Today, we wrap up our three-part series with Catherine Renfro from the North American Mission Board. In this episode, Catherine shares four important elements for creating a culture of evangelism. We need to examine, embrace, engage, and encourage! Learn practical ways to implement each step from this live teaching during the Women’s Ministry & Ministers’ Wives Lunch + Workshop at ECON. Connect with Catherine and download her free ebook at https://www.namb.net/resource/womens-ministry 

This week, Catherine Renfro from the North American Mission Board is back on the podcast! In this episode, Catherine shares with Arkansas Baptist Women during the Women’s Ministry & Ministers’ Wives Lunch + Workshop at ECON. Catherine’s teaching will inspire you as she challenges Arkansas Baptist Women to ask and answer two questions. “Why do we exist?” “Why do our ministries exist?” Asking and answering these questions will lay a solid foundation for creating a culture of evangelism in our lives and ministry settings. Connect with Catherine and download her free ebook at https://www.namb.net/resource/womens-ministry 

This week Andrea welcomes to the podcast Catherine Renfro. Catherine is a church planter’s wife, a mom, and serves as the National Director of Women’s Evangelism at the North American Mission Board. She and her husband, Chris Renfro, have two awesome kiddos. In 2021, they began the church planting journey and launched Hope Church in Alpharetta, Georgia, where Chris is the lead pastor. Catherine graduated from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2010 with a master’s degree in Christian Education and Biblical Counseling after being called to ministry at 22 and has served in full-time ministry ever since. She is passionate about seeing lost people come to know Jesus and for believers to live out their purpose of making Jesus known. In this episode, Catherine shares about her life and the importance of intentionally looking for simple ways to share Jesus with others. Evangelism is a privilege and responsibility. Catherine helps us understand this and not be afraid of gospel opportunities. Connect with Catherine and download her free ebook at https://www.namb.net/resource/womens-ministry 

Welcome to the Arkansas Baptist Women Podcast! This year, we are focusing on what it means to be Arkansas Baptist Women! Women who love the Lord, live on mission for the gospel, are trained and equipped to lead, and are sold out to Jesus. In the process, we are unveiling a new look, new names for our events, a new leadership team, and new website pages for our resources. I can’t wait to share all the exciting updates with you!  Arkansas Baptist Women Leadership Team Shari Edwards serves as our Arkansas Baptist Women Network Coordinator. Shari oversees our networking process, the 5 Keys training process, and the Leadership Collective event. Check out the vital work of the Networking Team HERE! Laurie Ormon serves as our Arkansas Baptist Women Conference Coordinator. Laurie gives vision and direction to Conference and organizes the details for the day. Serving alongside Laurie is Renee Bond, who organizes the hospitality portion of Conference. Check out the vital work of the Conference Team HERE! Vickie Lee serves as our Arkansas Baptist Women Ministers’ Wives Equipping Coordinator. Vickie oversees the development of Ministers’ Wives Fellowship Groups across Arkansas. Check out the vital work of the Ministers’ Wives Equipping Team HERE! Sara Mills serves as our Arkansas Baptist Women Ministers’ Wives Encouragement Coordinator. Sara oversees the planning of the Ministers’ Wives Luncheon in conjunction with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention Annual Meeting. Connect with the vital work of the Ministers’ Wives Encouragement Team HERE!  Network Gatherings At Arkansas Baptist Women, we want you to know you are valued as a women’s ministry leader. We want to come alongside you and invest in your leadership journey. One way we do that is through Network Gatherings that offer an opportunity for leaders to gather in regional groups to share ideas, discuss strategy, and get to know one another. Join the Network Gathering in your regional area on Thursday, February 8, 2024, and Thursday, October 10, 2024. Learn more and register to secure your spot HERE! Leadership Collective Once a year, women’s ministry leaders come together for a special time of training. Leadership Collective is a one-day workshop for women’s ministry leaders in Arkansas. It will occur on Saturday, April 20, at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. This will be a focused time for women's ministry leaders to receive ministry training as they connect with one another in an interactive setting. Learn more about Leadership Collective HERE! Arkansas Baptist Women Conference One of our favorite days is when we gather as Arkansas Baptist Women for Conference. You may notice the new name, but we promise the same great experience as in the past. Conference offers an exciting day for all Arkansas Baptist Women.

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 24th. 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 9th and October 12th 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 23rd! Enjoy the content from Inspire HERE and

This episode from Inspire On The Go was recorded at the 2023 Arkansas Baptist State Convention. Andrea Lennon spoke to pastors' wives at the Ministers' Wives Conference. In her talk, she shared what God's word has to say about being refreshed in life and ministry, encouraging these women to press on in ministry. You too can live refreshed through the life-givng power of Jesus during this busy holiday season.  If you want to hear more from Andrea during the busy holiday season, follow her daily adventure series called a Journey to Jesus. The journey highlights different characters in the Christmas narrative. Tracing their stories gives us the chance to celebrate how each one played an important and unique role leading to the birth of Jesus and God's plan of redemption. (Spoiler alert: We play an important and unique role, too!) The “Journey to Jesus" series is a resource to help you and your family focus on and celebrate Jesus. Enjoy the Christmas content on Andrea’s Instagram, Andrea Lennon Ministry Facebook, Andrea Lennon Ministry Website, and on the Girl on the Go Blog. (Links at www.andrealennonministry.org) The journey begins on Thursday, November 30! We can't wait to see you at next year's Arkansas Baptist Women Conference. You can learn more about Conference here.

In this episode, Andrea Lennon replicates what took place in the Connection Group Time at Arkansas Baptist Inspire. You can utilize this content in your ministry by incorporating the following questions and directives: Share your name and where you are from. Open your photo app on your phone and share a meaningful picture from 2023.   Share about an area of life that represents a challenging season, a lesson you are learning, or spiritual fruit being developed in your life. How is God using you to serve in this season of life, and how does that help you to flourish? What step of faith or obedience do you need to take so you can flourish? (This step may make you uncomfortable because you have to rely on God’s strengths!)       Close by praying for the women in your group. We can't wait to see you at next year's Arkansas Baptist Women Conference. You can learn more about Conference here.

In this episode, Andrea Lennon shares a panel discussion from Inspire. The Conference team talks about what the Lord has been teaching them and how they flourish through various seasons and challenges. Andrea concludes by discussing the rebranding of Inspire to Arkansas Baptist Women Conference. You can learn more about next year's conference here.

In this episode, Andrea Lennon shares session two from Inspire. During the conference, Cory and Stephanie Epps led in an encouraging time of worship. Dr. Tara Dew also gave an empowering message to those in attendance on how to allow Jesus to garden so they could flourish. Stay tuned for more from Inspire in the weeks to come!  

In this episode, Andrea Lennon shares session one from Inspire. During the conference, Cory and Stephanie Epps led in an encouraging time of worship. Dr. Tara Dew also gave an empowering message to those in attendance on how to allow Jesus to garden so they could flourish. Stay tuned for more from Inspire in the weeks to come!

In this "on the go" episode, Andrea Lennon comes to you from her car after ministering to students at Ouachita Baptist University. She asks listeners to pray in these days leading up to Inspire. Below are prompts for this week: Monday: Please pray for Cory, Stephanie, and Tara as they prepare to lead us at Inspire! Tuesday: Please pray for spiritual awakening among women and for renewed spiritual hunger. Pray for women to develop friendships with one another that will last. Wednesday: Please pray for the women attending Inspire to identify the areas of life holding them back. Pray for spiritual breakthroughs and spiritual progress. Please pray for the vital work of Deeper Still Arkansas. Thursday: Please pray for the staff and volunteers of First Baptist Church in Russellville. Pray for the Inspire Team, Arkansas Baptist Network Team, and women’s ministry leaders across Arkansas. Pray for God to empower them as they lead and serve. Friday: Pray that women would come to saving faith in Christ at Inspire. Pray that many lives are impacted by the gospel. “Lord, teach us to flourish in and through you!” Tickets for the conference will be available until they are sold out. Click here, to learn more about Inspire.

In this episode, Andrea Lennon talks with Courtney Beck of Deeper Still, which is this year's ministry project at Inspire. Deeper Still helps those who have had an abortion in their past experience emotional freedom and the forgiveness of Christ. Courtney goes into her work with Deeper Still and the impact this ministry is having on the state of Arkansas. You can read Courtney's bio. below: Jesus began healing my broken heart and spirit of a past abortion decision in 2013 when I attended a healing retreat hosted by a local pregnancy care center. That weekend changed my perspective and direction in life and solidified my belief in Jesus Christ. I then learned about Deeper Still and had a desire to serve in the ministry. Prior to serving with the Arkansas chapter, I attended my own Deeper Still retreat in 2018 where my healing and relationship with Jesus truly went deeper. It is my desire for all women and men wounded by an abortion decision to find their healing in Jesus Christ and to be set free from the prison of shame. As a wife, mom, daughter, friend and sister in Christ to many, I believe my life is a testament to this truth; thetruth that Jesus heals, forgives and brings new life.The Arkansas chapter seeks to serve the entire state of Arkansas and hosts retreats in various locations throughout the year. The Arkansas team members are well trained and honored to walk with you through your healing weekend. You will be welcomed with Southern hospitality and warm hearts. Don't miss this year's Inspire. Learn more and register for Inspire at www.absc.org/inspire.

Andrea Lennon wraps up our "summer of service" series by talking about the incredible work that Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries is doing through their Living Well Professional Counseling ministry. She encourages us to live daily for His glory, focussing on the importance of Biblical wisdom. She concludes by talking about the upcoming Inspire.  Learn more and register for Inspire at www.absc.org/inspire.

As we continue our "sumemr of service" series, Andrea is joined by Somer Colbert to talk about Connected Foster Care. Somer is a writer, speaker, and podcaster. After her own experience with adoption, Somer wanted to help other families in the process. They talk about this life-changing ministry and the work of Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries.

In this throw back episode, we continue our "summer of service" series as Andrea sits down with a friend from Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries, Debi Walker. Debi serves as the director of family care, whose personal story has impacted her day-to-day ministry. She tells her life story as she speaks about the hope that can only be found in Jesus. In 1999, Debi’s life trajectory changed in a way that she would not have chosen for herself. Within moments her identity changed from that of wife and mother to widow and single mother. She quickly realized she could not do this alone and upon reflection, realized that God put key people in her life to help encourage and point her to Him. Her journey has been one of growth, but also failures and learning experiences. Debi’s passion is to help others navigate through life’s stresses by encouraging them to deepen their relationship with God, while learning to depend on Him in a new way. God has blessed Debi with a wonderful family. She has two amazing daughters, one awesome son-in- law, and three precious grandchildren. Debi led Women’s Ministry at FBC Brinkley for 7 years before serving with Arkansas Baptist Children and Family Ministries. Before her current role, she served as Relief Houseparent for Paragould Emergency Receiving Home, as well as Resident Manager at Jonesboro Family Care Home. She is currently pursuing a M.A. in Biblical Counseling at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is the author of the Bible study, Desired Haven. Learn more and register for Inspire at www.absc.org/inspire.

Service is important even in the heat of summer! In this episode, Andrea Lennon talks with Tonya Larmoyeux, the Director of Community Outreach at the Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries. They discuss the life-changing work that is taking place there through adoption, foster care, counseling, and more. Tonya shares a bit of her story and about the difference one woman's devotion to Jesus can make! Inspire is September 23 at First Baptist Church in Russellville. Learn more at absc.org/inspire.

Andrea Lennon dives into the details of this year's Inspire on September 23 at First Baptist Church in Russellville. In this episode, she talks about all of the different opportunities women will have to fellowship and get to know one another through Connection Group Times. Learn more at absc.org/inspire.