The threat of winter weather did not deter women from attending the Equip Conference at Bethel Baptist Church in Yorktown on Saturday, February 25. Over 400 women from 170 churches registered for the free one-day event.
Awaken, the theme for this year’s Equip events, was based on Isaiah 43:19a and set the tone for women to be awakened to all God has planned for them as new creations. Attendees were invited to start the day with a light breakfast and then gather for worship led by Bethel Baptist’s praise team members. Teaching from Jeremiah 20:9, keynote speaker Rachel Lovingood, a pastor’s wife and Lifeway trainer, used the acronym FIRE to encourage women to live like His Word is a fire in their bones. In addition to hearing from Lovingood, guests filled classrooms throughout the building to spend time in the Scriptures.
Designed for all women, not just those in leadership, Equip featured breakout sessions—small groups focused on particular topics. In addition to the sessions led by members of the SBCV Women’s Ministry Team, the event was enriched by teachers from the host church, Bethel Baptist Church.
New this year included representation from SBCV’s Kids Ministry (Cindy Middaugh) and SBCV Compassion Ministries (Cindi Melvin). Rounding out the sessions was a presentation by Jeff Mingee, SBCV regional strategist for the Southeast Region.
“I think it’s healthy for women to see that we all work together for the glory of the Lord,” said Dolly Mink, SBCV Women’s Ministry Team coordinator. “God has equipped our state convention with various ways to serve and to grow.”
The SBCV Women’s Ministry Team is already in the prayer and planning stages for the Equip events for 2024. ■
Resource: If you would like information on upcoming events or to register, visit sbcv.org/women.
