More than 30 women who have been set apart by their churches for Christian ministry gathered in Worcestershire on 29 May for a conference called Thrive, organised by FIEC.
George and Ele Hawkins, from Beeston Free Church in Nottingham, led the main sessions with George speaking from the book of Ruth. Event organiser Elisabeth Smyth said: ‘As a Fellowship we want to support and promote the biblical ministry of women in our churches, and one way we can do that is through Thrive investing in those women whose godliness and gifting for ministry has been recognised. It was a particular joy this year to appreciate the diversity of role, church and background represented by those who joined us, and to hear many say that they were feeling blessed and refreshed as they returned to their churches.’
So grateful
Genevieve Jennings, pastoral worker at Eden Baptist Church in Cambridge, said: ‘It never occurred to me that Thrive could also be relaxing, but that is what it turned out to be for me! I’m so grateful to my church for releasing me for those three days. It’s great to see women’s ministry endorsed and encouraged as a part of seeing the body of Christ grow to be all that he intends it to be.’
