“Mark your calendar for this leadership event. Our girls’ ministry team is going!” The year was 2014. I had been in ministry for a few years up to that point, but I was still very green. I was excited about attending a leadership conference but was also quite intimidated even by the name of the event—You Lead. I thought to myself, “Me? A leader? Ahh. No way!” Our girls’ director encouraged our team of interns to look at the website to see what topics would be covered at this event, and each of us chose three breakout sessions that we would attend. We were able to customize our experiences based on our passions and what we wanted to grow in.
The day finally arrived. I walked into the church where the conference was being held, grabbed a cup of coffee, and met up with the rest of my team. As we got to our seats, I looked around and realized I was surrounded by women from all walks of life. Next to me, there was a woman who had been in ministry for decades and another woman who ran a pregnancy crisis center. I still couldn’t believe I was at a leadership conference sitting among women who were high-level leaders.
The morning started with worship. Goosebumps ran down my arms as I looked around at a room of women worshipping God. It was such a holy moment and a reminder that even our flesh has to bow down to a holy God. The event coordinator got on stage and told us what to expect for the day. During that time, she explained that everybody has influence, which meant we were, by default, all leaders. That moment changed my perspective of leadership forever. Man, I guess I really am a leader. I thought to myself. We finished worshipping and went to our breakout sessions. One of my favorite memories was how approachable and accessible the trainers who were teaching the breakouts were. I remember that after one particular breakout session, I actually sat down with the trainer and got to ask her a few questions. There was no rush to hurry me away. She sat and patiently listened and even gave me her email to follow-up with her after the event was over. She truly cared about equipping me.
You Lead is a leadership event where you are seen and known, empowered and equipped.
Are you a leader? Before you over-analyze that question like I did, the answer is yes! You have influence, which means you are a leader wherever God has placed you. Influence is you pointing your friend back to the Bible. It’s you chasing around a little one while folding laundry and cleaning dishes. It’s you pouring into your team. It’s you leading a small group of younger women.
Influence is powerful. How you use it is important! That’s why You Lead is essential to your leadership journey.
You Lead is a women’s leadership training pre-conference event before Going Beyond Live and Lifeway Women Live. When you come to a You Lead, you will have the opportunity to customize your experience by choosing from a long list of powerful breakout sessions. These breakouts fall under three categories—General Leadership, Personal Equipping, and Biblical Literacy.
Not only will you be able to attend these breakout sessions taught by experienced trainers, you’ll also have the opportunity to network with other women just like you. Many times, leaders are so busy serving others that they don’t allow themselves the time to be recharged. This event gives you space to rest, learn, and grow.
Join us at You Lead for spiritual refreshment in prayer, worship, and community to live out your calling to its full potential. Learn more about You Lead here.
Catherine Inman is the Event Project Coordinator for Women’s Leadership Training Events at Lifeway Christian Resources. Prior to her current role, she served as Girl’s Ministry Director at Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, TN and Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA . She also was a missionary in Europe, Africa, and Asia serving in various ministries. Catherine is passionate about biblical literacy and equipping women to reach their full potential in Christ. She aspires to minister to ladies, while cultivating rawness and vulnerability. Catherine enjoys spontaneous road trips, conversations with friends over a cup of coffee, spending time exploring nature, and watching sports!
