Eighty women attended the women's ministry leaders seminar on Nov. 1, 2003, in Chico, Calif. “This is a first for Women's Ministries in the Northern California Conference,” said Darlys Robertson, director of women's ministry for the conference.

The guest speaker for the seminar was Bonnie Riemers, former women's ministry director of the interdenominational Neighborhood Church in Chico. With the theme of "Loving, Learning and Leading," Reimers spoke about listening to God as a leader and giving Him the opportunity to work within each individual to become the loving leaders that He has called them to be.

Other speakers included Laura Mert from the Carmichael Church and Suzan Williams from the Secretariat in the Northern California Conference.

Williams shared her ideas on how to be an effective servant leader by following Jesus' example. “Jesus had constant demands on His time, energy and resources,” she said. “He dealt with turnover, betrayal and lack of understanding by friends and family, but he had a clear sense of purpose and direction that caused people to want to follow Him.”

In addition to the messages presented by the speakers, part of the seminar included time for participants to brainstorm and share ideas with each other on ways to promote their ministry in their own communities. “This was a highlight of the day for many of us,” said Williams. “It is great to be able to talk to other people and hear what they are doing in their churches.”

Because of the success of the event, organizers are making plans for another seminar to be held sometime next year. “We are so delighted with the good response,” said Robertson, “and are already laying plans for another training event in 2005.”