By Carl Stagner

Each March, the annual observance of Women’s History Month reminds us that the influence of women on church and society is indisputable and indispensable. Sadly, the damaging influence over time of some voices in church and society has muted the voices of multitudes of women designed by God to speak up and speak out. As the Holy Spirit has distributed gifts within the body of Christ, many women are among those who haven’t realized or fully embraced their gift of leadership. A first-of-its-kind women’s event, intended to call out the leader within, is taking shape in Tampa immediately before Convention 2023 and General Assembly, practically and spiritually “setting the stage” and spiritual tone for the biannual gathering of the Movement.

It’s called Lead-Her PowerUp, and it’s unlike any other women’s leadership experience the Church of God movement has ever seen. A few days (June 21–22) of focus on women, their gifts, their call, and their impact in the community and world characterize the objective of the event planned and carried out by Christian Women Connection (CWC). In conjunction with the Church of God Convention, a special joint event rate is being offered to encourage attendance at both Lead-Her PowerUp and Convention 2023. Bundle and save!

“I’m most excited about for the opportunity to call out the leadership gifts of women,” Kimberly Majeski, executive director of CWC, explains. “We have a lot of women who are leading groups, doing the hard work gathering women, using curriculum, etc. in ministry. But the next step is helping women understand they are persons who carry influence, who can have an impact on women in their communities. That’s a valuable commodity! I excited about the opportunity to bring these people together to have intentional programming around helping them understand themselves as leaders, while bringing in great women leaders who can teach about leadership.”

Among these great women leaders slated to teach about leadership are Jo Saxton, Alecia Swoope, and Jennifer Stanley. Jo Saxton, main session speaker for Convention 2023, is best known for her podcasts, books, and extensive ministries specifically honing the leadership gifts of women everywhere. Alecia Swoope, daughter of the late longtime pastor and General Assembly chairwoman Diana Swoope, serves as chief operations officer for Church of God Ministries, leading with excellence in a variety of capacities at the office and across the Movement. Jennifer Stanley is a certified health coach, Enneagram guide, and business owner; she is the founder of Living Well, a company committed to helping people achieve optimal health in order to experience fulfilling, authentic, purposed lives.

Kimberly Majeski anticipates hearing each guest leader speak, but looks forward most to the effect the experience will have on women in attendance.

“I want women to leave empowered, having a better sense of their gifts and calling, and knowing how they can impact their community. We’ll think together about how we grow as women in leadership for the building up of the kingdom, for accomplishing the mission of the gospel, and how we can do that through CWC. All of this while coming away glad to have sat at the table with sisters in Christ to figure it out together!”

Register for Lead-Her PowerUp (June 21–22) and Convention 2023 (June 22–25) together for a limited-time-only rate of $225. Early-bird rate available through March 31. Lead-Her PowerUp will convene at the Westin in Tampa. All guests who register to attend Lead-Her can choose to stay at any of the five hotels that Church of God Ministries has secured for Convention 2023 and General Assembly. There are also available rooms at the Hotel Tampa Riverwalk. To make hotel reservations for Tuesday and Wednesday, please contact your preferred hotel in Tampa. Visit https://christianwomenconnection.org/lead-her-power-up/ for more information and to register.

“He’s got the whole world in his hands.” What an encouraging reality! Be inspired by it, be challenged by it, and experience it firsthand at Convention 2023 and General Assembly, June 22–25 in Tampa, Florida. Learn more and register at www.chogconvention.org.

Feature (top) photo: Kimberly Majeski speaks at Convention 2021 (file image).