As GA 2024 approaches, the Office of the General Assembly extends a warm invitation to all the women within the EPC community to join us in Memphis. Rev. Hannah Attaway, Assistant Pastor and Women’s Ministry Director at Hope Church, shares her heartfelt invitation to women to attend special events planned specifically for them during the Assembly in Memphis this June.
Rev. Attaway, herself a pastor’s wife and church planting wife in rural New York State and Kentucky, understands the unique challenges and joys of women in ministry. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and equipping the many unseen Gospel servants within the community.
“In my previous roles as a pastor’s wife and church planting wife, my husband and I have always been a ministry team. It is only now that we are both able to serve in full-time ministry,” she says.
Hope Church is grateful for the opportunity provided by the General Assembly to gather, thank, and equip those who work tirelessly to make much of Christ. We have partnered with them to plan a series of events specifically for women, including gatherings hosted by Hope Church’s Women’s Ministry and other organizations within the EPC.
“Many of the most unseen Gospel servants are women,” Rev. Attaway adds. “We want to take time to let you know about the events we have planned especially for the women of the EPC, and encourage you to look for these events on the schedule and in registration when you sign up.”
The events planned aim to empower and equip women in their various ministries within the EPC community. It’s an opportunity for women to come together, network, and find support in their respective roles. Check out the schedule below to learn more details about the opportunities for women at GA this year!
Tuesday
Women Pastors’ Lunch
Sponsored by EPC Effective Biblical Leadership – hosted by Annie Rose
Intended for women pastors
Time: 11:45 am – 1:00 pm
A time for women Teaching Elders, Commissioned Pastors, and Candidates to connect and pray for one another.
Lunch provided: Humdingers Restaurant Catering
Wednesday
Women in Ministry Dinner
Sponsored by Women’s Ministry at Hope Church – hosted by Karen Ellis
Intended for all women
Time: 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Topic: “Becoming Undistracted and Undistractable as Kingdom Women”
Mrs. Karen Ellis is the Director of the Edmiston Center for the Study of the Bible and Ethnicity in Atlanta, Georgia. She’s passionate about theology, human rights, and global religious freedom. Mrs. Ellis is the Canada Fellow for World Christianity at Reformed Theological Seminary. She holds a Master of Art in Religion (MAR Theological) from Westminster Theological Seminary, a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the Yale School of Drama, and is a Ph.D. candidate in World Christianity and Ethics at the Oxford Center for Mission Studies in England. Additionally, Mrs. Ellis has authored several books including Wisdom’s Call: 100 Meditations for a Life in Christ.
Dinner provided: pre-purchased ticketed dinner provided by the Hope Kitchen
Ministry Wives Networking Lunch
Sponsored by Alongside Ministry Wives – hosted by Coletta Smith
Intended for pastors’ wives
Time: 11:45 am – 1:00 pm
Topic: Curiosity: “Developing the Link Between Your Journey and Another’s”
Your story matters because it is how you fit into God’s plan. But it’s not just about your story. The women that you are pouring into have stories that matter, too, and your story can be the bridge that helps these women see God’s hand in their lives. We aren’t always granted admission into others’ stories, especially in a generation taht is highly skeptical and cautious – so how do we allow our story as pastors’ wives to be something that God uses to connect us with others? We will dig into intentional mentoring and how to develop a heart of curiosity that builds a bridge to those God brings to our shores. This gathering contains intensely practical and meaty tools wrapped in great conversation.
Lunch provided: Box Lunch
Thursday
Pastors’ Wives’ Luncheon
Sponsored by Women’s Ministry at Hope Church – hosted by Jaqueline Smith, First Lady of Hope Church
Intended for pastors’ wives
Time: 11:45 am – 1:00 pm
Topic: “A Job Description for the 21st Century Pastor’s Wife: Bringing to Contemporary Life the Ancient World of Scripture”
There is nothing new under the sun, including the work of the pastor’s wife. Using biblical wisdom, First Lady Jaqueline Smith will appropriate Scripture to the work and life of the modern pastor’s wife. Time will be given for building relationships and prompting conversation between new and experienced ministry wives.
Featuring music by AngelStreet, an organization that develops girls as creative leaders through musical training and mentorship in Memphis.
Lunch provided: pre-purchased ticketed lunch
Women’s Enrichment
Sponsored by Women’s Ministry at Hope Church – hosted by Karen Ellis
Intended for non-commissioned women
Time: 1:15 pm – 2:45 pm (during Business Session 3)
Topic: “Helping Women of Your Church to Answer Wisdom’s Call and Discover Life-Giving Beauty and Power”
Sweet treats and coffee will be provided