Arkansas Baptist Women Podcast

Brooke Burgin shares about her and her husband's unexpected call to ministry. She offers encouragement for other Arkansas Baptist Women seeking to faithfully serve the Lord in whatever capacity we can.  Brooke and her husband Jonathan both serve at the Summit Church in Conway, AR.

Join us today as we learn about Hannah Zirbel's life and her work as college minister at Woodland Heights Baptist Church in Conway. This episode covers a range of topics from her marraige, her call to ministry, her philosophy of ministry, and her approach to discipling college students.

In this episode, we get to hear from Jennifer Francis about her life as a mom, wife, minister and follower of Jesus. She shares her perspective on how to stay balanced through it all - and how to cultivate a love for church in our children.

In this episode, we welcome special guest Tara Venable! Tara is a pediatrician, pastor's wife, and mother of four. Join us today as she shares her journey of balancing multiple roles while maintaining her faith at the center of everything. Episode Highlights: Meet Tara: Wife to Pastor John Venable of New Life Baptist Church, mother to four children (ages 3-12), and a pediatrician working in the NICU at UAMS and Arkansas Children's Hospital. Navigating Different Life Seasons: Tara discusses the challenges of parenting across different ages—from toddler tantrums to pre-teen emotions—and how she approaches each stage with intention. Authentic Spiritual Rhythms: Unlike the "perfect morning routine" many aspire to, Tara embraces her night-owl tendencies, spending time with the Lord in late evening hours and holding her schedule loosely to follow God's daily leading. Family Discipleship Made Simple: Tara shares how she and her husband teach biblical priorities to their children through everyday conversations, prayer, and modeling a life centered on loving God and loving others. Church as Family: Tara emphasizes the importance of finding community within the church and encourages listeners to "keep seeing people"—especially newcomers who might feel invisible. This encouraging conversation reminds listeners that serving God happens in all areas of life—whether at work, church, or home—and that faithfully showing up each day with trust in Christ is what matters most.

Mrs. Gina Green is a lifelong servant of the Lord who has filled many different ministry roles throughout the years. She seeks to be obedient to Jesus in whatever way that may look like. Be encouraged today as you hear about her deep love for the church that has carried her through a variety of seasons.

Katie Cheek joins the podcast this week and shares about her current season of ministry as a working mom.

In the episode, Morgan and Hannah sit down with Diane Nix to hear her share about her current season of ministry. For the past 17 years, Diane Nix has hosted the SBC Women's Expo, and for 20 years, Diane has served on the board to help plan the SBC Women's Monday Morning session held each year at the SBC annual meeting. She hosts free "Refresh Retreats" for ministry wives and is passionate about providing support for ministry wives to live well in the "glass house." Join the conversation as we enter into ministry and life with Diane.   Learn more about her ministry at: https://contagiousjoy4him.com/

Christen Kordsmeier has a heart for worshipping Jesus. As an associate worship leader, she helps guide many people into praise and adoration. In this episode, we get to hear about her life and the ways the Lord has led her to this point.

In this special episode, we sit down with Leslie Strobel to discuss her ministry and her support for her husband, Lee. She shares her testimony of coming to faith in Jesus - and what it was like to pray and contend for her athiest husband to come to trust Jesus as well. Her husband Lee eventually came to believe in Jesus and went on to author many different books that have shared Jesus with millions of people around the world. The couple now travel around to various speaking engagements and conferences. They are active in their church and cherish time together with their grandkids. Leslie and her husband, Lee, co-wrote a book called "Spiritual Mismatch" to help others in similar situations where one spouse is a believer and the other is not.

In this episode, Morgan and Hannah discuss what life is like for them in ministry right now. Stay tuned for future episodes with our upcoming special guests!   More info about your hosts: Morgan Fulcher is the Children and Women's Ministry Strategist for the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. Hannah Guinee is the Ministry Coordinator for the Evangelism + Church Health Team.

God is so good at knitting hearts and lives together for His amazing purposes! We are talking about that on toady’s Arkansas Baptist Women episode. In her final episode, Andrea Lennon shares a heartfelt goodbye with the women of Arkansas and shares some very exciting news. Morgan Fulcher was recently hired as the Children and Women Strategist for Arkansas Baptists!  Morgan brings vast experience in children’s and women’s ministry. Morgan loves the local church and will be a friend and encourager to many. She previously served as children’s minister at First Baptist Church in Benton before taking on the women’s minister role at the church.  Morgan desires to see kids grow not in just their understanding of who God is but in a loving relationship. Additionally, Fulcher wants to help equip women to partner in Kingdom work in their current context, empower women to live and share the Gospel in the ordinary moments of life, and help women to cultivate communities around the presence of Jesus. Morgan is committed to the mission of training the church to serve others with biblical wisdom and ministry skills, and sound doctrine, with a desire to build relationships and help form constructs to meet the needs of local church ministry both internally and externally.  Morgan is a 2013 graduate of the University of Central Arkansas, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Family Consumer Science. She graduated with her Master of Theological Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2023.  She and her husband, Luke, have two daughters. They are active members at First Baptist Church in Benton.  The addition of Fulcher follows the departure of Andrea Lennon, who after 10 years of serving with the ABSC as a women’s ministry specialist transitioned to a role with Lifeway Christian Resources, and Emily Smith’s recent transition from ABSC children’s specialist to abuse prevention + response consultant.   You can connect with Morgan at mfulcher@absc.org. If you would like to stay in touch with Andrea, please follow Lifeway Women’s Marked Podcast. You an also follow Andrea on her current socials and at www.lifewaywomen.com.

We are excited to bring you Session Two from the Arkansas Baptist Women Conference! If you were in the room, you know it was a special time together as we talked about More of Jesus and Less of Me!    Cory and Stephanie Epps led our time of worship as we sang about the victory that is ours in Christ. Then, Rachel Lovingood opened God’s Word with a powerful teaching about walking in the “more” God provides.    At the end of the session, Andrea Lennon shared her love and gratitude to God and Arkansas Baptist Women for the privilege of serving as the Women’s Ministry Specialist for the past ten years. As Andrea transitions to a new role at Lifeway as Director of Women, Andrea wants Arkansas Baptist Women to know that God loves them, He has a good plan for their lives, and they can trust Him.

We are excited to bring you Session One from the Arkansas Baptist Women Conference! If you were in the room, you know it was a special time together as we talked about More of Jesus and Less of Me!    Cory and Stephanie Epps led our time of worship as we sang about the victory that is our in Christ. Then, Rachel Lovingood opened God’s Word with powerful teaching about what we need to ask God to remove from our lives.    As you listen to this episode, think about the poisonous areas of life that you need God to transform. Friend, He will do it!   

What a special time at the Arkansas Baptist Women Conference! We gathered with women from across Arkansas for powerful worship, dynamic teaching, and meaningful times of connection. The day included three inspiring testimonies of God’s healing, redemption, love, mercy, and grace.   The first story is from Susie Everett. Susie shares how God has been more in her life from the very beginning. Then Susie walks us through her life and talks about her cancer journey, purchase of a car dealership, and serving others. Susie’s story reminds us that God will never leave or forsake us! To learn more about Christian Women’s Job Corps, visit www.absc.org/wmu.   The second story is from Lindsey Ray. Lindsey shares how to experience more of Jesus when the “perfect” life is no longer perfect. With transparency and grace, Lindsey opens up about a devastating divorce and how God healed her heart and provided just what she needed. Lindsey’s story reminds us that God makes all things new!   The third story is from Tagel Muqtasid. Tagel shares how a season of doing her own thing led to feelings of shame and guild. She had no idea how an encounter with her earthly father would teach her about the forgiveness of her Heavenly Father. Tagel’s story reminds us that God loves us and forgives us.   Be sure and come back and enjoy more content from Arkansas Baptist Women Conference!

We love Cory and Stephanie Epps, and we love that they are serving as our worship leaders at Conference! In this episode, Andrea enjoys a candid conversation with Cory and Stephanie about life and ministry. You will hear about how they were raised and how that impacts how they are raising their kids. You will also love the story about how Cory and Stephanie met and how they try to balance life and ministry with two kiddos. During the conversation, Cory and Stephanie talk about their theology of worship which involves so much more than singing and music. They also share about the importance of the words we sing. One thing is certain. You will be excited about spending your day at Conference after listening to this episode.       Here is their official bio: Cory & Stephanie Epps have been leading worship together for over ten years. They currently reside in Jonesboro, AR with their two children. Cory serves as the Worship Leader at Central Baptist Church. They’ve released a worship EP, “Greater Still,” and a Christmas EP, “Love Has Come To Save”. In addition to their work with the local church, Cory & Stephanie lead at various conferences and camps around the country. Cory & Stephanie are passionate about leading others in authentic, God-honoring worship. They lead with transparency and emphasize singing biblical truths. Cory & Stephanie’s desire is to see the Church join together as one in a real encounter with Jesus Christ.   Hers is the Conference Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3hahJbx0pIb2Sk2a2WaZxr?si=E8EWpweVSXSTosIp78hibA&pi=u-CTOxDleKQ1WF&preview=coverart&nd=1&dlsi=f46c4613e3eb4f74   Only a few tickets remain for Conference. Register today at www.absc.org/abwconference

One of the best parts of Conference is featuring a ministry project that impacts lives right here in Arkansas. This year Conference is partnering with Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries and the Toy Express! That is right. We have a chance to donate toys to children in need.   On today’s episode, Andrea is joined by Tonya Larmoyeux and Heather Noel to talk about all the amazing things God is doing right here in Arkansas through Arkansas Baptist Children and Family Ministries. You will learn about the vision of the ministry and the newest addition of the Toy Bus Express. You will be moved by the amazing stories of God’s loving pursuit and how He is working in the lives of children and families. You will also learn how you and your church can be involved!     At Conference, we are having a toy drive that has the potential to change lives. Please bring any of the items listed below and donate them at the Toy Express Bus. The bus will be parked in front of First Baptist Church in Benton. You can also bring any new toy that will bless a child in need! Toys and gifts for teens Shave kits for teen boys and girls Gift cards to Walmart & Kroger for initial placements VISA gifts cards for children's hair appointments & clothes Weighted blankets and vests Sensory sheets Diapers and pullups Formula Laundry & dish detergent (pods only) Trash bags   Tickets for Conference are selling fast! Learn more and register at www.absc.org/abwconference. Be sure and connect with Tonya and Heather at Conference or at www.arkansasfamilies.org.  

We are excited to welcome Rachel Lovingood to the podcast! Rachel is our keynote speaker at Arkansas Baptist Women Conference happening on Saturday, September 21, 2024. The theme for the day is More of Jesus!   In this episode, Rachel shares about her family, ministry, and love for Arkansas Baptist Women. (We go way back!)  Rachel also shares her take on the theme of More of Jesus and gives insight into what she will be teaching at Conference. (It’s going to be so good!) The episode concludes with Rachel sharing her prayer for all Arkansas Baptist Women. She is praying for our freedom and victory in Christ. Please pray for Rachel as she spends time in God’s Word and for protection over her family.     Learn more and register for Conference at www.absc.org/abwconference.   Rachel’s Bio: Rachel has been doing ministry with her husband Jeff for 30 years. They have 3 grown children and 3 who married into the family. When you add the 5 littles, it is a big family with lots of joy. Rachel is an author, speaker, and teacher with a knack for teaching biblical truths in a simple, fun, and relevant way so that the truth can be applied to everyday life. Her passion is to see lives transformed by the Word of God which is what happens when Scripture is applied to our lives.  Rachel serves as a Women’s Ministry leader at her home church of First Baptist Church in Cleveland, TN.

We LOVE Conference and we want YOU and YOUR friends to join us! If you are wondering why Conference is special, listen to this week’s Arkansas Baptist Women Podcast. Andrea Lennon and Laurie Ormon share ten reasons why you and your friend should join us at Conference. In this episode, you will hear about some of the new features at Conference that will make this year better than ever. If you have additional questions about Conference, visit the Conference website and click on the FAQ document.  Registration for Conference is open so invite your friends and join us on September 21, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Benton. Please pray for First Baptist Benton as they prepare to serve as the host church for Conference. Learn more and register at www.absc.org/abwconference.

On this episode, enjoy the final session of Leadership Collective with Kelly King as she shares groundbreaking research from Lifeway Christians Resource regarding the impact of ministry to women in the local church. The numbers tell the story! This information will help you and your church prioritize what impacts women and enhances their spiritual journey. It is exciting to know that we really can make a Kingdom impact in the places where we live and serve! Arkansas Baptist Women Conference will be here soon. Registration is open. Join us for a special day as we learn about more of Jesus and less of me! Learn more at www.absc.org/abwconference.

We are excited to bring the second session of Leadership Collective to you! In this episode, Kelly King shares practical nuts and bolts of leadership for ministry to women. Topics include:    1.    Ministry Surveys    2.    Ministry Covenants    3.    Running an effective meeting     4.    Leadership Assessments    5.    Budgeting This information will help you to lead with efficiency and excellence. If you are looking for a budget-friendly way to invest in the women in your church, please bring a group to Arkansas Baptist Women Conference! We are excited to gather on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Benton for a day of powerful worship, dynamic teaching, and meaningful times of connection. Learn more and register at www.absc.org/abwconference.