For several years, WNAC weathered the transition, adjustments, and financial struggles. Meanwhile, leadership was praying and planning strategically to meet needs of all women. Relevant topics for Treasure, the Bible study guide, addressed current cultural issues from a biblical worldview.
Joining the ONE Magazine family in the spring of 2011, allowed women’s ministries to have articles and news items in the denominational magazine. This publicity expanded the exposure and outreach of WNAC.
With a burden to reach younger women, WNAC began offering Laughter & Latte, an informal fellowship time at the annual convention. Light refreshments, networking, laughter, and fellowship highlight this evening.
Beginning in 2015 with a grant from the FWB Foundation, Shine! Conferences began. Designed for girls ages 12-18, the goal is to help them realize their worth and identity is in Christ and in Him alone. Youth leaders and moms are taught to navigate the technologically saturated world of their girls.
Students from our mission fields and international partnerships began coming to Free Will Baptist colleges in the United States for their education. Their need for financial assistance birthed the Miley International Student Scholarship. Several recipients have been approved for service with IM, creating full circle stories.
Many of our women are not privileged to attend the seminars and events offered at the national convention each July. Thus, Flourish events are being hosted regionally. Relevant topics will be addressed as we seek to mentor, come alongside, and help women live victoriously and serve faithfully. Fellowship and networking will be important aspects as Free Will Baptist women from all of our churches gather.
Beginning with the winter issue (2019-2020), Treasure, our Bible study guide, will be an on-line resource. Each woman can access the guide, share with her friends, as well as download the Bible studies for print. Becoming an on-line resource broadens the reach of Treasure and is a wiser use of our funds.
Another season of transition comes as we seek to broaden our outreach in the denomination. Funding will take different forms and not be limited to dues.
FWB Women’s Ministries is asking two major questions. First, what can we learn from various local women’s ministries? Second, how can we be of service to and empower these local groups? It is exciting to experience growing pains once again.