I never knew one yes would lead me into a statewide sisterhood of leaders, mentors, and friends. It began with a desire to serve the women in my own church well. The need for fresh ideas from other leaders was great. So, I reached out to Oklahoma Baptists for information about their Women’s Ministry Roundtables. I intended to show up and learn quietly, but God had a bigger plan.
What I didn’t expect was how clearly God would show me that collaboration shapes calling. And He grows ministry through connection, not isolation. A week after signing up, a call came from our State Leaders asking if our church would host a roundtable. I quickly said yes! And it brought ministry leaders from across Northeast Oklahoma into our building. They brought helpful resources, but even more, they brought connection. As we shared burdens, ideas, and hopes for the women in our churches, relationships naturally formed. And it opened doors I never imagined.
Several months later, I got invited to a weekend gathering of women’s ministry leaders from across the state. That weekend broadened my understanding of missions and what women’s ministry could be. I also met the Native American LINK sisters, and we formed friendships that later led to opportunities to teach at the Indian Falls Creek Women’s Conference. Along the way, leaders like Amy Cordova and Shelley Urton encouraged me, offered guidance, and invited me to pray for women in affliction at the Oklahoma Baptist Women’s Retreat. Another year, Amy asked me to share my testimony there. Those moments remain some of the greatest honors of my ministry journey.
Through these experiences, I learned that Oklahoma Baptist Women’s strength comes from the word cooperation. Their investment helped me discover how to equip women biblically in the local church while staying connected to the broader work God is doing across our state. Our own women’s group has continued that pattern of sharing resources with churches, helping them restart their ministries, and encouraging women to disciple younger generations.
The number of women’s ministries in our area has decreased since COVID. Leaders have grown discouraged, and discipleship has weakened. The issues weren’t due to a lack of resources, but from fear, isolation, and not knowing how to start over. This awareness led us to prayer, to God’s Word, and to rekindled relationships with sister churches and state leaders. It showed us that God keeps moving through women who are willing to link arms for His Kingdom.
This heart for collaboration is why we are launching the T235 Equipping Conference on February 7, 2026, in Northeast Oklahoma. Based on Titus 2:3–5, this one-day event will feature keynote messages from Kelly King and Courtney Veasey. The day will include practical breakouts, roundtable discussions to share ideas, and the creation of a personalized 90-day action plan to strengthen or restart women’s ministry. Our prayer is that this gathering will spark renewed discipleship and leadership development across our region.
I also want to encourage women statewide to join the Oklahoma Baptist Women’s Retreat, “Drawing Near,” April 17–18, 2026, at Falls Creek. This retreat brings powerful worship, biblical teaching, and great opportunities to connect with women from every corner of Oklahoma. Registration opens February 1, 2026, with details available on the Oklahoma Baptist Women website.
God still opens doors for women who are willing to grow, serve, and disciple others. He always multiplies one small step of obedience. May we continue to link arms, walk in unity, and faithfully pursue the calling set before us.
