Lunch Discussion Groups
Are you looking for an additional opportunity at the conference to dialogue and network with other women about a specific area of interest or ministry need? Topical discussion groups offered during the lunch break provide an informal and intimate setting for getting to know one another and sharing ideas.
Alumni Luncheon
Hosted by Dr. Jerry Lawrence
If you’re a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, please join us for an intimate gathering during the lunch hour. You’ll have the opportunity to fellowship with other alumni, mingle with DTS staff and faculty members, and re-connect with old friends. We look forward to seeing you!
Dr. Jerry Lawrence just celebrated twenty years of service at Dallas Theological Seminary, and currently serves DTS alumni and students by helping them find places of service and then encouraging them in their various ministries. Jerry earned her master’s and doctor’s degrees at DTS, where she teaches Children’s Ministry courses as an adjunct professor in the Christian Education Department. She has over twenty years of experience developing and overseeing children’s ministries in small, medium and large churches. Jerry loves spending time with her large family as well as traveling overseas and equipping and training those who minister to children and families.
Mixed Ministry: Working Together as Brothers and Sisters
Moderated by Dr. Sue Edwards
Powerful ministry is accomplished when men and women work together as sacred siblings. But what does that partnership look like? What are appropriate bridges and boundaries? How should we interact in personal conversations, meetings, and group outings? Join Dr. Sue Edwards, author of Mixed Ministry, and other ministry leaders to explore and dialogue about these complex and thorny questions. We guarantee it won't be dull.
Dr. Sue Edwards loves to see women of all ages and stages thrive in community and bond around God's Word. She brings over 35 years of experience as a Bible teacher, director of a women's ministry, and counselor to women training for ministry. As associate professor of Christian Education, specializing in Women's Studies, at Dallas Theological Seminary, Sue has the opportunity to equip men and women for future ministry all over the world. Married for 39 years, Sue and David are the proud parents of two married daughters and five grandchildren.
Young Leaders Connection (for women under age 35)
Moderated by Lesa Engelthaler, Deb McCormick, and Julie Pierce
Are you in the first 10 years of your professional career? Are you looking for support and encouragement from women in a similar stage of life? Join other young leaders (and a few seasoned coaches) in a “so what does this mean for me?” leadership debrief of All about Influence topics.
Lesa Engelthaler, Senior Associate for Victory Search Group in Dallas, Texas, assists nonprofit organizations to recruit executive leaders. As a journalist she has written for such publications as The Dallas Morning News, Christianity Today and Discipleship Journal. Lesa is a member of the Redbud Writers Guild and can be found online at redbudwritersguild.com. Lesa is passionate about empowering women, and in recent years she led a team to work with an NGO in Nicaragua helping women and girls leave sex trafficking. Lesa earned her Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies from Columbia International University. She is married to Mark, Executive Pastor at Woodcreek Church in Richardson.
Deb McCormick is founder of TEAMed UP, a consulting firm designed to help teams think and work more effectively together. She has been a consultant for over 16 years and has authored several handbooks on team leadership. Deb is the daughter of a pastor and delights in helping ministry teams become as healthy and highly functioning as possible.
Julie Pierce has one big dream: to empower women leaders to change the world. She serves in executive leadership at Irving Bible Church, has led the ministry to women for the past 8 years, and recently became the Directional Leader of Communication. In addition to her role at IBC, Julie also just launched her own company: Empowered by Pierce, where she provides coaching, consulting and communication services for leaders and organizations. She is especially excited about an offering called The Leadership Intensive: a 5 month collaborative experience specifically for young women leaders. She has been married to the love of her life for 14 years and has two “little superheroes” that call her mom.
What Are You Doing with the Rest of Your Life? (for women over age 50)
Moderated by Dr. Gail Seidel and Susie Hawkins
God's call on our lives does not lessen as we get older. Instead, he offers those in the "second half" of life the opportunity to find fresh purpose and dream new dreams. Your second-half journey may not bring you an updated resume, but it may surprise you by strengthening your soul. Come discuss and examine ways to find spiritual purpose, meaning and joy in the later stage of life.
Dr. Gail Seidel currently serves as Mentor Advisor in the Spiritual Formation and Leadership Department and Adjunct Professor in D.Min. studies at Dallas Seminary. A native of Texas and graduate of the University of Texas, she started seminary after returning from serving in Eastern Europe and Russia with her husband, Andy. Gail recently completed a D.Min. in Spiritual Formation from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She and Andy have two married children and six grandchildren.
Susie Hawkins lives in Dallas and has been actively involved in women’s ministry as a pastor’s wife, teacher and volunteer. She has served as the Director of Women’s Ministry at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, and has taught a weekly Bible study for business women in downtown Dallas. Susie speaks at women’s events and is also a contributor to various publications, such as Voices behind the Veil and The Women's Evangelical Commentary: Old Testament. Susie is the author of From One Ministry Wife to Another. She is married to O. S., and they have two married daughters and six grandchildren.
Walking with Women through Times of Change
Moderated by Dr. Joye Baker
Ever wondered how to guide and care for those who are walking through major life changes? Join us for an open dialogue related to helping women navigate through times of transition brought on by the loss of a loved one or friend, a new baby, a job loss, an empty nest, health issues, divorce, church issues, etc. Bring your questions and personal insights as we interact about effective ways to support and encourage women when circumstances in their lives change.
Dr. Joye Baker earned both her Master’s degree in Christian Education and her Doctor of Ministry degree with an emphasis in women’s ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary. As Adjunct Professor and Women’s Adviser in the Christian Education Department, she advises and mentors women students, teaches CE courses, serves on the staff of the Spiritual Formation small group program, and team-teaches the D.Min. Women in Ministry cohort. Joye has been a widow for twenty-two years, has three adult children, and a one-year-old grandson.
Ministering to Those in a Marriage Crisis
Moderated by Mary Walls
With the divorce rate at record levels in our churches, ministering to those who are struggling in their marriages can be a daunting task. Whether the issues are infidelity, pornography, emotional affairs or communication issues, finding a healthy process for women to engage in is imperative. Join our conversation on how to practically minister to these women and help them focus on their own healing and building their relationship with God in the midst of disappointment, betrayal, and devastation.
Mary Walls is the Adult Pastor at The Met Church in Keller, Texas, and equips, empowers and encourages people to find their gifts and passions and use them for the kingdom of God. She graduated from Southwestern Theological Seminary with a Master's degree in Christian Education. Mary has been married for 24 years and has a 19-year-old son and a 17-year-old daughter.
