Called & Capable Women’s Conference

They came to Sighisoara, Romania, by car, by bus, by train, by plane – 81 women from 19 countries in Western and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and as far as America, Scotland and India. They came for a conference organized by the Eurasia Region of the Church of the Nazarene for women in leadership: pastors, professors, and directors of NGOs. While the majority of participants were Nazarene, there were also Methodist, Wesleyan, and Salvation Army participants. It was the first conference of its kind – a time of encouragement and inspiration through times of worship and teaching, fellowship and prayer. Many of these women live and work in countries where it is not easy to be a woman and a leader in the church.

Singing was in many languages and translation equipment allowed for simultaneous translation of the worship services. Stories were shared, there were many opportunities to pray for one another in small and large group settings and workshops focused on topics of Biblical Principles of Ministry, Theological Reflection, Ethical Finance, Networking to Fight Human Trafficking, and Living with Balance and Harmony.

Free-time activities included a concert, hikes, and van excursions to neighboring towns of Viscri and Tigmandru where the Nazarenes have developed ministries with the primarily gypsy populations in these villages. The Nazarene Center in Tigmandru is helping the community through greenhouses, a sewing workshop, parenting classes for teenage mothers, and weekly programs for children and adolescents that involve Bible teaching, music education, recreation, and hot soup.

“Called and Capable” was the title of the conference. May all women of faith know that they are indeed called by God and capable of bringing the Good News to all they encounter, wherever they are called to serve.

Click here to read an article from the "Where Worlds Meet" Newsletter about the Women in Ministry Conference.

Adapted from Sheri Hartzler's blog.