The "When She Leads" summit, held December 8-10, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona, welcomed over 800 women leaders from around the globe, marking the largest gathering in the event's history. This three-day conference brought together pastors' wives, ministry leaders, church planters, and women serving in various leadership capacities within the church.

A Powerful Gathering

From the opening worship session to the closing prayer, the presence of God was tangible throughout the summit. Attendees were equipped with practical tools for ministry leadership and encouraged through powerful testimonies of God's faithfulness in the lives of women serving around the world.

Keynote Speakers

The summit featured inspiring messages from accomplished women in ministry:

• Rev. Sarah Johnson: "Leading with Grace and Truth" - Navigating the challenges of ministry leadership while maintaining biblical integrity
• Dr. Maria Rodriguez: "The Power of Mentorship" - Building a legacy through investing in the next generation
• Pastor Jennifer Lee: "Balancing Ministry and Family" - Practical wisdom for women juggling multiple responsibilities
• Dr. Rachel Thompson: "Biblical Womanhood in Ministry" - Understanding and embracing God's design for women in church leadership

Workshop Sessions

Over 30 breakout workshops provided practical training in areas including:

• Women's ministry programming and outreach
• Biblical counseling and pastoral care
• Teaching and preaching skills
• Leadership development and team building
• Cross-cultural ministry and missions
• Social media and digital ministry
• Self-care and preventing burnout
• Navigating difficult conversations
• Fundraising and resource development
• Church planting for women leaders

Testimonies of Impact

Attendees shared powerful testimonies of how the summit impacted their lives and ministries:

"This summit renewed my passion for ministry and reminded me that I'm not alone in the challenges I face. The connections I made here will last a lifetime." - Pastor Emily, California

"I came feeling burned out and discouraged. I'm leaving refreshed, equipped, and ready to serve with renewed vision and purpose." - Michelle, Texas

"The practical tools and biblical teaching I received here will transform how I lead our women's ministry. I can't wait to implement what I've learned!" - Lisa, Florida

Networking and Community

Beyond the formal sessions, the summit provided numerous opportunities for women to connect, share experiences, and build lasting relationships. Regional gatherings, meal times, and informal coffee breaks facilitated meaningful conversations and the formation of support networks that will continue long after the summit concluded.

When She Leads Initiative

The summit is part of CGN's broader "When She Leads" initiative, which exists to encourage, equip, and connect women in ministry leadership. The initiative includes:

• Annual Summit: The flagship event bringing women together for training and fellowship
• Weekly Podcast: Featuring interviews with women leaders and practical ministry insights
• Regional Gatherings: Smaller, local events throughout the year
• Online Community: A private forum for ongoing connection and support
• Coaching Program: One-on-one mentorship for emerging women leaders
• Resource Library: Curated materials for women's ministry and leadership development

Looking Ahead

Plans are already underway for the 2025 summit, scheduled for December 7-9 in Dallas, Texas. Based on feedback from this year's attendees, next year's event will include:

• Extended workshop sessions for deeper learning
• More opportunities for small group discussions
• A special track for pastors' wives
• International speakers representing diverse cultural perspectives
• Pre-summit intensive training for emerging leaders

Get Involved

If you're a woman in ministry leadership or aspiring to serve in this capacity, we invite you to join the When She Leads community. Here's how:

• Register for the 2025 summit (early bird rates available now)
• Subscribe to the When She Leads podcast
• Join our online community for ongoing support and resources
• Apply for the coaching program
• Attend a regional gathering near you

For more information about When She Leads or to register for upcoming events, please contact us or visit our Connect page.