By Paige Gurgainers
Laughter, worship and the aroma of fresh coffee, provided by Broken Bean, filled the halls of First Baptist Church of Minden this past Saturday as women from across the parish gathered for the inaugural Grace Conference. Hosted by the church’s Women’s Mission/Ministry, the event was designed to give women a day to pause, connect and grow in their faith.
“Despite some hiccups leading up to Saturday morning, God showed up and showed out in all the details of the day,” said organizer Becca Wilder. “It was such a beautiful day of worship, fellowship, learning and encouragement.”
The day began with registration and a coffee bar at 8:30 a.m., followed by a full schedule of main sessions, worship and breakout classes that stretched into the afternoon.
The featured speaker was Christine Gill, a Mansfield native whose journey has taken her from serving as a missionary in Botswana to working as a Licensed Professional Counselor, and now as the Women’s Missions and Ministry Strategist for Louisiana Baptists. Gill brought her signature mix of warmth and wisdom to the conference, reminding women of the grace that carries them through every season of life (including the tedious, everyday stuff – like folding laundry).
Breakout sessions offered something for everyone, with topics ranging from Grace-Filled Motherhood to Grace in Grief and even Growing in Grace for teen girls. Leaders from across the community stepped up to share their stories and expertise, covering everything from overcoming trauma to walking through seasons of waiting.
“One of the coolest things was seeing how many ladies came who were not members of our church. That’s what it’s all about,” Wilder added. “Of course we want to reach and connect with the women of our church, but being able to also reach women outside our church was such a blessing.”
By the end of the day, women left not only with their hands full of swag bags but with their hearts full, too. Organizers said the response to the first Grace Conference was overwhelming and that plans are already underway to make it an annual tradition.
“The Women’s Missions and ministry committee is already beginning preparations for next year,” said Wilder. “My prayer is that this conference continues to grow and reach women all across our community.”
