If you’re like me, I’m winding down things for 2019 and beginning to think about all that lies in front of me for 2020. As a ministry leader, maybe you’re thinking about ways you can become a better leader—not just for your organization, but because you desire to personally be a leader who is a learner.
Maybe you’ve attended a Lifeway leadership event in the past, but it’s a great time to consider how Lifeway can be your leadership cheerleader for 2020. If that’s you, here are a few things to consider as you make plans for the new year. And, of course, even though we believe our leadership events will be good for your personal development, consider bringing a leadership team or a younger leader who needs to be encouraged and equipped.
Ongoing Leadership Resources
If you’re reading this blog, this is an ongoing resource that can be delivered to your inbox three times a week. Make sure you are subscribed to the blog as well as the monthly e-newsletter. Easy links are on the sidebar of this site. Consider some of our leadership resources as well, like the book Ministry to Women: The Essential Guide to Leading Women in the Local Church, Disciple Her, or Show Her the Way. Another ongoing resource is Ministry Grid, an online training course where you can go through several short courses on being a better ministry leader.
If you’re looking for a way to peruse new studies, consider subscribing to Bible Study Insider. Twice a year, you’ll receive all the new short-term resources from Lifeway. It’s a great way to find the perfect study for your group, and the best part is that included in each box is a $50 certificate that can be applied to your next purchase. Leaders should also consider Lifeway Women’s online Bible studies as a way to do the study in preparation for your church.
Looking for a way to minister to women on a continual basis and get them in God’s Word? Consider offering Journey devotional magazine as a ministry tool to women who might need a daily dose of Scripture and inspiration. Discounts are available for bulk orders, and many churches provide these for the women in their congregation.
Leadership Events
There are several opportunities for new leaders as well as seasoned leaders. Our Essentials conference is for new leaders who are serving as the women’s ministry leader in their local church. These are limited to 25 women and offered twice during the year. If you would like more information about these specialized conferences, please contact Catherine Inman at Catherine.inman@lifeway.com.
Our most popular leadership events, called You Lead, are offered several times throughout the year in various cities across the country. Even if you’ve attended a You Lead in the past, consider attending one again because there are always new trainers and new topics offered at each event. They are one-day events offered in front of Lifeway’s enrichment events such as Living Proof Live with Beth Moore and Going Beyond Live with Priscilla Shirer. Visit the website for a list of dates and locations. Not only is You Lead a great day of personal leadership development, but you’ll receive resources, and your lunch is included.
For more than 23 years, Lifeway has offered the Women’s Leadership Forum in Nashville. This won’t change for 2020 as we are already planning next year’s Forum that will be held November 12-14. We’re working on updating the website, but next year’s special guests include Lisa Harper, Jamie Ivey, Angie Smith, Ruth Chou Simons, Ben Mandrell, Dorena Williamson, and Kadi Cole. Travis Cottrell and the Living Proof Live band will lead worship during this event.
Because the Nashville event has sold out for the past three years, 2020 is a year for a new Women’s Leadership Forum on the West Coast. It’s a shorter version of the Nashville event that will be held February 20-21 at Mariners Church in Irvine, California. It is connected to a Living Proof Live event, so you’re encouraged to make it a long weekend and enjoy both! Besides leadership breakouts, you’ll hear from Jen Wilkin, Kelly Minter, Ruth Chou Simons, Shari Rigby, and Eric Geiger. Time is running out to sign up for this event, and our registrations are already exceeding initial expectations. For more information and registration, visit the website here.
I’m getting excited already planning and praying for Lifeway’s leadership events in 2020. I hope you’re going to join us!
Kelly D. King in the Manager of Magazines/Devotional Publishing and Women’s Ministry Training for Lifeway Christian Resources. You can hear Kelly speak at You Lead events that are held in various cities throughout the country each year. She is also the author of Ministry to Women: The Essential Guide to Leading Women in the Local Church. You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter @kellydking.
