“Pivot” is a new buzzword brought about by COVID-19, and it’s something every organization and ministry has had to do amid the global pandemic. The coronavirus has forced the cancellation, postponement, rescheduling or shifting of numerous events and conferences, and the impact has been felt by the Embrace women’s evangelism and discipleship ministry of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.
In response to these uncertain times, Embrace has also “pivoted” and made adjustments to some of its historic fall event options, namely the N.C. Baptist women’s retreat. While COVID-19 has resulted in numerous disruptions for everyone, some new opportunities for ministry have also been developed amid the uncertainty.
Following are four upcoming women’s ministry events for you and your church.
‘Engaging Women with the Gospel’
Monday nights in October, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
This new four-week virtual course will walk you through praying for lost people, sharing what Christ has done in your life, using the “3 Circles” evangelism tool, and being aware of how God is at work. The trainings will take place once a week from 7:30-8:30 p.m. on Mondays in October via Zoom conference calls. There is no cost for the entire series of trainings.
‘In the Secret’ At-Home Together Virtual Retreat
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, 9:30 a.m. to noon
COVID-19 forced postponement and rescheduling of the annual in-person fall women’s retreat (see below), so we’re offering a virtual option. Learn from worship speaker Missie Branch of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, worship leader Meg Barnes of Providence Baptist Church in Raleigh, and a host of other women’s ministry leaders in the areas of prayer, acts of righteousness, overcoming worry, the secret place and the kingdom, and the heart of worship. Also experience worship and hear testimonies from women across North Carolina about what God has taught them amid COVID-19. Cost is $8 per person.
‘One Day•One Focus’ Virtual Training
Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020, 5-9 p.m.
This unique virtual training event will bring together women’s ministry leaders, women in ministry, missionaries and church planting wives from around the globe. Designed, planned and led by women’s ministry consultants from multiple Baptist state conventions, this four-hour training will address the needs you have right now in your women’s ministry. Noted author, speaker and women’s ministry leader Susie Hawkins will be the keynote speaker, and worship will be led by Emily Rhyder from Providence Baptist Church in Raleigh. A host of other women’s ministry leaders will lead a variety of breakout sessions. Cost is $10 per person, and registrants will have access to all conference materials until the end of the year.
‘In the Secret’ N.C. Baptist Women’s Retreat
Friday & Saturday, March 26-27, 2021, Caraway Conference Center
Originally scheduled for Oct. 23-24, 2020, the annual Embrace N.C. Baptist Women’s Retreat was rescheduled for March 26-27, 2021, due to COVID-19. The retreat will encourage and challenge you to cultivate your relationship with the Lord through the study of His Word, time in prayer, and fellowship and encouragement with other women who are also seeking to know Him more. Missie Branch of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is the worship speaker, and Meg Barnes of Providence Baptist Church in Raleigh is the worship leader. Other women’s ministry leaders will lead a host of breakout sessions. The theme is based upon Jesus’ words in the Gospel of Matthew in which He encourages His followers to pray, give, fast and serve in the secret place. Visit the event page for details on pricing and housing options.
