Archive for BGCO Women’s Events
Spiritual Battle Is For Keeps
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If you’re a women’s ministry leader (or really any kind of ministry leader), you can be assured that when you are planning a program, an event or a worship service, you are going to face spiritual attack.
Our office is one week away from our largest annual event. We are expecting more than 2,200 women for a weekend of meeting with the Lord. We have a keen understanding that many women arrive with lots of burdens and spiritual needs.
So why would we not expect to encounter struggles?
In the matter of two hours yesterday, our office felt the impact. There were three phone calls that involved conflict resolution. One of our key retreat team members was called for jury duty. One team member might need surgery. One team member has cancer. All I could say was, “God must be up to something great if the enemy is working this hard.”
If we’re to expect spiritual warfare as a leader, then how do we respond? Here’s some practical things to remember when you are under attack:
1) Prayer is an essential weapon. Yesterday, Kristin (my assistant) and I just stopped and spent time praying. One of my team members sent out an email to our leadership team and called on them to pray. Ephesians 6:18 in The Message says, ”In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.” Even in the midst of what was happening around us, prayer kept us focused and gave us peace. I loved a tweet I saw from Louie Giglio this week that said, “If we knew what was really happening when we pray, we would pray more.” Agreed.
2) Recognize your weakness and depend on God’s strength. God has a good way of humbling me and reminding me that I can’t complete tasks without depending on Him. When was the last time God asked you to do something bigger than you could do in your own power and strength? In the same passage in Ephesians, Paul says, “You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own.”
3) Be prepared before you head into battle. There are many things Godly leaders must do on a consistent basis to prepare themselves for spiritual battle. Spending time in God’s word and putting on the full armor of God happens before you go into the arena–not when the arrows are aimed straight at you. Paul begins Eph. 6:13 by saying two simple words, “Be prepared.”
4) What you do has eternal significance. I sometimes think ministry leaders don’t fully realize this. We battle for keeps. When you hear about conflict, struggles and unforeseen circumstances from others who aren’t in ministry, be mindful of the differences. While I don’t want to negate the struggles others go through, I think ministry leaders should recognize that the work of their hands has eternal value. I can’t say it any better than Paul did in this passage when he wrote, “This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.”
How are you handling spiritual warfare today dear ministry leader? Let’s get out the sword of God’s word and do battle for the Lord. I’m glad I’m on the Victor’s side.
Are You Brave Enough to Ask God Your Questions?
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If you’re like me, there have been times when you’ve asked God some pretty tough questions.
Where should I go to college?
Will I ever get married?
Why did my friends get divorced?
Why did my friend’s baby die so suddenly?
How fill God fulfill my calling?
I admit that many of my questions have had selfish motives, but for the most part, I have gone to God and genuinely asked because He was the only one who could answer. While I may not always like the answer, I’m always reminded that God’s ways are higher than mine and His thoughts are beyond mine.
I’m excited about our upcoming Oklahoma Ladies’ Retreat on April 13-14 at Falls Creek Conference Center. Our theme this year is “Brave: The Bravest Thing You Can Do Is Ask God the Question.” Asking God questions is not a sign of weakness. It is not a sign of being unspiritual. It’s actually the bravest thing you can do. One of the definitions for the word brave is, “to meet or face courageously”. Whatever you are facing or whatever is meeting you head on today, you can be courageous with God’s help and with answers from His word.
Today is the last day of our early registration price of $75. (special price for 9-12 grade girls at $40) We don’t want you to miss this opportunity. Special guests this year include Angela Thomas, Kelly Minter, The Skit Guys and The Skitzy Chicks. Matt Roberson will be leading our musical worship. Honestly, I can’t think of a time that we’ve had a better line up of special guests. You’ll have the opportunity to choose from 16 breakout seminars, participate in recreation or run in our first 5k run or experience our human exploitation experience. For a complete list of details, please visit our website. We’re adding new things to the website almost daily, so visit it often for updates. (and don’t forget to watch our promo video!) We can’t wait to see you in April!
By the way, here’s a quick look at what your $75 includes:
3 General Sessions
3 Meals
Lodging and Conference Fees
3 Breakout Sessions
2 Great Give-aways
and a weekend of awesome memories!
Heaven IS For Real
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It’s been almost a year ago that my family said goodbye to our Mimi. Mimi was my husband’s mom, Betty. She was a wonderful and sweet woman. We continue to miss her. Christmas was harder without her goofy stocking gifts. And while we tried to replicate her famous brisket and baked beans, we all knew they weren’t lovingly prepared by her hands.
One of the books I read shortly after her death was the phenomenally successful, “Heaven Is For Real.” The book has sold millions. Colton Burpo, the subject of the book, has been featured many times on national television. But in the midst of the acclaim, I’ve noticed how the Burpo family has been criticized for exaggerating Colton’s experience or fabricating his story for monetary reward. Can I share some things I learned from the book and about this family?
1. A book about heaven can be the beginning of a faith conversation with an unbeliever. I’ve seen lots of people reading the book in various places. Just ask the simple question, “What do you think”? I promise you’ll get a response. Follow up by asking about their own eternity. This book just might be an opportunity to share the gift of salvation.
2. Public scrutiny can be hard. Why would we be surprised when unbelievers scoff at the story? That’s to be expected. What’s more surprising, is when I hear Christians bashing it. In their attempt to be theologically sound, it just comes off as jealousy or piousness. Besides, who are we to question the experience of someone else? My grandfather had a similar experience, and it changed his life for the better. Sometimes it’s easier to rally around people in their failure than to celebrate their success.
3. Have you had a conversation with the Burpos? I actually have. Why? Because I was encouraged to invite Sonja to speak at our upcoming State Evangelism Conference. Can I share something with you? I invite a lot of speakers to our events. The more “famous” a speaker is, the less likely I actually speak to them. It’s kind of a funny business, so to speak. When I decided to invite Sonja, it actually took me a few weeks to track her down. There was no family website. No official speaking invite. No agent who takes the first 10 percent. I finally did some investigative work through Twitter, tracked her down through the publisher of the book, and left my number. A few days later, I was shopping at Target. It was Saturday morning and I didn’t recognize the number on my caller ID. When I answered, I could hear children in the background and what sounded like a typcial family weekend breakfast. I was shocked when the caller said, “Hi Kelly. This is Sonja Burpo. I’m sorry it’s taken me a few days to call you back.”
After I picked myself off the floor of aisle 7, I stumbled around and began my conversation. I mentioned that the book had encouraged me during the loss of my mother-in-law. I shared with her my invitation to speak at our conference. She seemed hesitant at first, but then she answered. “I’m really not a speaker. I just love children’s ministry and working with kids. I’m not sure why God is doing this in our life and we can’t quite figure out why people have been touched so greatly by Colton’s story.” After a few minutes of conversation, she agreed to come to Oklahoma. I mentioned that our audience would include a lot of ministry wives. She was humbled because she felt like that was a group of women she could relate to. They are like her. They understand.
What I discovered in my short conversation with Sonja Burpo is that she is a woman who is not out to be famous. She was humble. She loves her family. Most importantly, she loves God and wants to share His love with others.
If you want to hear Sonja, she’ll be speaking during the Monday evening general session of the conference. On Tuesday, there will be a special women’s luncheon. She will be the keynote speaker. Tickets to the luncheon MUST be pre-purchased before January 24 and space is limited. For more information, visit the website here. Not only is heaven for real. But so is Sonja Burpo.
Finding Grace on the Lower East Side
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It’s November. A month where most of our thoughts turn towards Thanksgiving and the upcoming rush of Christmas mayhem. It’s easy to want to push the fast forward button on the calendar, especially when our office is preparing our final event. Why? While it’s one of our favorite events, it’s often overlooked. We can’t always publish the names or photos of our speakers because of where they serve. The event is on a Monday afternoon–not necessarily convenient for the masses. But if you miss this event, you will miss hearing from amazing Oklahomans who are living out Acts 1:8.
One of those is Taylor Field. A native of Enid, Field serves Southern Baptists as a North American Missionary in New York. He is the pastor of East Seventh Baptist Church-Graffiti in Lower Manhattan. Taylor will be the keynote speaker for this year’s Missions and Ministries Celebration.
I first heard Taylor at a conference at Ridgecrest. I had never heard of his ministry and wouldn’t have known about his Oklahoma roots had he not mentioned them. (there’s always a source of pride when featured missionaries are from your home state). What most impressed me was his passion to reach people who are often seen as outcasts. He and his wife have served in this area for almost 25 years, including being just blocks away from the World Trade Center attacks of 9/11.
Taylor onced described his neighborhood looking like Sesame Street. But the people are not named Elmo and Oscar. Rather, it is a block that includes homeless Tommy and Luis the pusher. Taylor described his call to this area to Leadership Journal, “The duty of delight has meant raising my two sons in an environment some people would flee if they had the money. This duty has meant confronting the dealers, embracing the users, feeding the homeless by the hundreds and growing to call a small church of the poverty stricken, who are often angry and sometimes violent, family–all in the name of Christ. ”
If you want to hear Taylor, I encourage you to attend this year’s Missions and Ministries Celebration on Monday, November 14 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the East Conference Center at First Baptist, Moore. There’s no cost to attend, but the encouragement you’ll get to live out your calling will be priceless.
Click on the following link and get a glimpse of how this church is impacting New York. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=lTLHGourGBo
Nametags, Signs and Other Details
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Our office is packing up for one of our most anticipated events of the year–SWEET Experience. We started our SWEET events six years ago and they have become one of our favorite ways to meet women and equip them for ministry. This year we’ve taken it to a completely different level–complete with lots of missional experiences women can learn and take back to their community and church. We can’t wait.
As we finish details on our end, it reminded me that some of the most important things in women’s ministry never make it to the headlines. They are the things you “expect” but may not consider as part of leadership development. What are they?
Nametags, signs and little details. We have a joke in our office that when we’ve spent too much time on a nametag design, we often remind ourselves, “It’s a nametag.” But, we also know that those minor considerations can add the final touch to your planning and eye for making everything say, “We thought about you when we put this event together.”
We also spend a lot of time making tons of signage. It’s another favorite joke around our office. We have a love affair with the laminator. But seriously, signs are something you may not consider important. But they are. Next time you go to church, pretend it’s your first time and you have no idea where things are. Is there adequate signage? Is your facility friendly to strangers?
And other details. Yep. We’ve thought of it all. We have water bottles with SWEET labels. We have cotton candy with stickers about our event. We even have Cracker Jacks that will be given out when women leave our event that say, “We hope you had a SWEET Experience.” We’ve made red-striped vests for our leadership team and I don’t want to give away my special secret, but suffice it to say, I will be pulling some fun things out of my Ringmaster ”hat” at the end of the event.
So today’s tip for leaders is think through the details. Women know when you’ve taken the time to care.
P.S. If you still want to attend the event, we have room for a few more. You can register on-site Saturday morning at FBC Moore. Details at www.bgco.org/women.
A Carnival With No Clowns
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As our office approaches the early deadline for our SWEET Experience event, I thought I would share some of the exciting speakers who will challenge and encourage you. While we are using a carnival theme, I can assure you there will be no clowns on stage–just women who are passionate about helping women change the world. (although I’d love to find someone who wants to come and make animal balloons for free.)
We’re calling the morning session, “Under the Big Top”. It will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Worship Center at First Baptist, Moore. You’ll be greeted by our amazing worship leader, Amy Hill. Amy has been speaking and leading worship at women’s events for several years and you will find that she will get you ready for a day of experiencing the Lord.
Andrea Mullins will be one of the featured speakers under the Big Top. From the first time I met Andrea, I knew she was one sharp lady. She has been with WMU for several years, and although she leads a team of people who accomplish incredible work, one of her interesting passions is her love for Olympic ministry. She’s attended several Olympics over the years with the mission of sharing the Gospel. She heads up the WorldCraft ministry at WMU, a ministry offering small business owners in developing countries the opportunity to sell their products. WorldCrafts is a fair trade ministry that offers hope to women and men who struggle with poverty, disease and human trafficking. She also serves as the publisher for New Hope, the publishing arm of WMU. Some of the best missional authors are represented by New Hope. I love this publisher’s ability to not just publish books that sell, but books that are impacting missional living.
Our final speaker under the Big Top is Jaye Martin. Jaye is no stranger in the world of women’s work. Many of you may be familiar with her resource, Heart Call, which was produced by the North American Mission Board. She is currently the Director of Women’s Leadership at The Southern Seminary in Kentucky. She is respected and admired for her passion to help women connect their calling to their spiritual gifts.
This is just the Big Top! In addition, there are more than 20 Side Shows offered in the morning. All of them will be led by women who are experts in their field. (not the bearded lady) I can’t wait for you to be a part of this exciting day of women’s leadership development. Are you coming? Are you bringing other women? Don’t forget the early registration deadline is August 8. We’re looking forward to serving you.
Where Conference Meets Carnival
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Are you a woman who wants to make a difference in her world? Most of the women I meet will tell you “yes.” They want to make a difference in their family, their church and in their community. In fact, most women I know hope that deep down inside of them they have the influence to make the world a better place–even if it’s something as simple as choosing to buy things that are environmentally friendly or as complex as fighting poverty.
If this describes you, then you’re the kind of woman our office wants at our upcoming SWEET Experience event on Saturday, August 27, at First Baptist, Moore. SWEET stands for Statewide Women’s Enrichment and Education Training. While we have been conducting SWEET events for six years, this year we’re bringing a new twist to the one-day conference. The morning will be filled with a general session and breakout sessions (we’re calling them Side Shows), but the afternoon will be turned into a huge Midway carnival where women can connect to several ministries, experience missions and take back ideas they can implement in their women’s ministry.
Registration is open and the cost is only $35 if you register by August 8. For more information, visit our website at www.bgco.org/women.
Soul Surfer: Go See The Movie
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Last night I had the privilege of seeing the upcoming movie, “Soul Surfer.” It’s the story of Bethany Hamilton, a surfer who lost an arm in a shark attack. Bethany’s faith in the Lord and her story of perseverance is an incredible story that deserves to be told.
Our office also has a special interest in the film because Carrie Underwood is making her film debut portraying Sarah Hill, Bethany’s youth minister. Sarah will be coming to the Oklahoma Ladies’ Retreat April 15-16 at Falls Creek. This is a special opportunity for you to hear more of the real story and Sarah’s own incredible journey of faith.
While I’m not a professional movie critic, I do want to offer some thoughts as you consider attending the movie that begins playing nationwide on April 8.
1) Movies that have a strong faith theme sometimes get labeled “cheesy” or that the acting is sub-par. I found the movie to be very professional in all ways, including acting by well known celebrities such as Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt and Anna Sophia Robb. Carrie Underwood did a pretty good job for her first try on the big screen too.
2) The faith message was not watered down. Unlike so many movies today, Soul Surfer portrays a family who is loving and supportive. It shows the struggle of questioning in God in a tough situation and finding out that our purpose is much bigger than our talent or abilities.
3) What about bikinis and modesty? So, I’m a huge modesty geek (ask the high school girls of my youth group and my strict camp rules) But, I think it would have been ridiculous to portray surfers in Hawaii in a one-piece tank. I just don’t think it would have been as realistic. And, in the surfing competition scenes, girls wear surfer shirts. Let’s not get too legalistic on this issue if this is causing you to not attend the movie.
4) The shark attack was handled well. The movie producers did not shy away from the terror and shock, but it is not something most people will have problems watching. (there’s a lot worse on prime time television)
So, go see the movie. Your support of films that have a good message are important. And it’s important to go the first weekend it is out. We need more films like this and without your attendance, Hollywood just won’t get the picture.
Soul Surfer Coming to the Ladies’ Retreat
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A few years ago Bethany Hamilton was on top of the surfing world. Little did she know how her life would change and her faith would grow following a shark attack that left her without one arm. Bethany’s inspirational story is coming to film this April and our office is excited to let you know that Bethany’s youth minister, Sarah Hill, is coming to speak at this year’s Oklahoma Ladies’ Retreat.
Sarah will be portrayed in the movie Soul Surfer by Oklahoma’s own Carrie Underwood. As I spoke with Sarah yesterday to confirm details about the retreat, I was struck by her own testimony and heart for the Lord. After her own ordeal of breaking her neck in a surfing accident, she told me how God’s word was the foundation that got her through her. She quoted several verses from 1 Corinthians 12, especially verses 9 and 10 which says, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
We’re excited Sarah will be joining us on Friday evening, April 15 at Falls Creek. If you haven’t gone to the retreat website recently, we are constantly updating our information. The early registration deadline is March 15 and you can registrater online.
Ten Reasons to Scout the Divine
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Like most of you in Oklahoma, our offices are closed due to the snow. We’re enjoying a “snow day” at home, but I couldn’t help but list a few reasons why your women’s group should come this year to the Oklahoma Ladies’ Retreat. The early deadline is March 15, so you’ve got about six weeks to get the best price!
10. It’s a great opportunity to build community among the women in your church. There’s nothing that says “bonding” like staying at a Falls Creek Cabin and sleeping on a bunk bed.
9. Three opportunities to go to a breakout seminar this year! We’ve heard from you–more breakouts! So this year you’ll have the opportunity to hear three seminars based entirely on scripture passages. No cutesy titles, just women who are passionate about teaching God’s word. These women are some of Oklahoma’s best teachers, including popular news personality Robin Marsh and former Miss America, Lauren Nelson.
8. The Green Collection! During the day on Friday, attendees will have the opportunity to use one of their seminar times to visit the Chapel and see a traveling exhibit of biblical artifacts, ancient scrolls and Bibles dating back to the time of the printing press. Hobby Lobby has been acquiring these items for their new Bible museum and you have one of the first opportunities to see some incredible history.
7. Amazing food! Just think–three meals you do not have to cook for yourself or your family! I can’t imagine cooking for 2,000 women, but Adventures in Catering is always up to the challenge. (hint–we’re bringing back the ever popular sopapillas!)
6. Concert with Jami Smith! Jami’s newest CD, Verse, is taken right off the pages of scripture and each participant will receive a free copy of the CD. Her concert of “Verse”, will be performed on Friday evening after the general session.
5. Special Ministry Wives Track! If you’re a woman who is married to someone in the ministry (pastor, worship leader, youth leader, etc.), we are inviting you to attend two special afternoon seminars geared especially for you. To top it off, Thomas and Jessica Thompson, will be speaking at a special dinner for this group on Friday evening.
4. Super Seminar on Saturday morning! Speaking of Thomas Thompson, he will be leading a Super Seminar on Saturday morning that will focus on the authenticity of God’s word and why it’s important for us to understand how we have the Bible of today.
3. Incredible general sessions! Margaret Feinberg, author of “Scouting the Divine”, will be our keynote speaker during the Friday evening and Saturday morning general sessions. Margaret is known as one of the top communicators in the country and you will learned incredible truths from God’s word during these times. She is also the author of “Sacred Echo” and “Organic God.”
2. Great value and price! While we know you have lots of choices when it comes to women’s events, if you sign up by March 15, the price is only $65. This includes your lodging, food and program.
1. The number one reason for you to attend this year’s Oklahoma Ladies’ Retreat is because every woman should have the opportunity to pull back from her regular routine and hear a fresh word from the Lord.
The dates are April 15-16. For more information and registration information, visit our website.
I am the Women's Missions and Ministries Specialist for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. Our purpose is to encourage women to embrace and echo God's heart for the world.
