Lake Union Conference — More than 200 women attended the North American Division Passionate Leader training seminar, hosted by the Lake Union Conference and held at the Berrien Springs (Mich.) Village Church on Sabbath, May 15.

The all-day event focused on how women can be empowered for leadership in their communities or workplaces with a greater sense of purpose and confidence in God. The women gained practical skills to help them with their day-to-day tasks to develop a ministry that reaches others for Christ. The women attended seminars of their choice throughout the day, which was preceded with a devotional by Debra Brill, NAD vice-president.

Mentoring women, either in or out of the church, is one of the goals of women’s ministries. Charlotte Thoms, Atlantic Union women’s ministries and disabilities director, touched on the various skills needed to care for the many women who need a helping hand in so many ways.

“Sharing one’s knowledge, expertise, and philosophy with other women is an opportunity leaders are often called on to provide, but few of us have ever had even a chat about how to mentor others effectively,” Thoms said.

Mary Maxson, NAD women’s ministries director, explained in her seminar that, according to Matthew 28:18–20, women are required to disciple others. “Discipleship is the secret to, and the desired outcome of effective spiritual ministry,” she said.

The seminars are held every other year in a different area of the United States.

Marjorie Snyder, Lake Union Conference women’s ministries correspondent