Photo Courtesy of Gulf States Conference
Photo Courtesy of Shirley Scott
Carolina Conference
Photo Courtesy of Shirley Scott
Photo Courtesy of Florida Conference
Photo Courtesy of Florida Conference
Photo Courtesy of Southeastern Conference
When God plants a dream, He will bring it to life in His Time.
God planted DREAMS in my heart decades ago. I could see it so clearly, a vision to empower women, to help them discover purpose. For years, the acronym DREAMS has appeared in our mission and on our website, present, but never fully released. Though it remained in the background, its meaning has always carried weight. A vision quietly waiting for its moment.
As a dreamer, the Lord has stirred ideas, burdens, and possibilities in my heart for decades, especially the desire for women to step boldly into the purposes God has placed within them. DREAMS emerged from that place, not as a slogan, but as a framework shaped over time through prayer, leadership, and lived experience.
Thanks to the encouragement of the Southern Union Department of Communication, we are stepping into the season where DREAMS can shine in its fullness: discipleship that grounds us, restoration that heals us, evangelism that connects us to others, affirmation that strengthens identity, mentorship that bridges generations, servant leadership that reflects the heart of Christ.
These words capture the heartbeat of the Southern Union Women’s Ministries mission and vision. DREAMS is a reminder that when God places something within us — an idea, a passion, a burden — He waters it, and, in His time, it springs forth. Habakkuk 2:2-3 emphasizes that God’s promises arrive at the appointed time and call us to wait faithfully.
Today, we introduce DREAMS; not as something new, but as something finally awakened: a vision that has matured; a calling that is ready; a ministry that has been shaped to empower women to disciple, restore, evangelize, affirm, mentor, and servant-
lead women in the Southern Union Conference and beyond.
Discipleship: Growing Together in Christ
Jesus said, “If anyone wants to be My disciple, she (he) must deny herself, take up her cross and follow Me,” Matthew 16:24, emphasis added. That’s our invitation to women … to follow Jesus. We do it by hosting a podcast, conducting Bible studies, fellowshipping with small groups in real time, and meeting one-on-one. We extend the invitation to follow Jesus at our retreats, Camp Meetings, and leadership conferences.
We also do it through virtual ministries like Sabbath Manna. In 2020, Southern Union Women’s Ministries created a weekly sacred space for spiritual growth through prayer, praise, and the Word of God. In a virtual community of more than 30 women, we gather to worship, intercede, and reflect on Scripture. Each month, a Bible text shapes our devotional thought, guiding us to apply God’s truth in practical ways. This rhythm builds spiritual habits, fosters community, and equips women to disciple others. Discipleship here is not a program, it’s a lifestyle of growth and multiplication. Throughout the Union, discipleship in women’s ministries comes in many different packages, all pointing to Jesus Christ and the Gospel commission.
Discipleship lays the foundation, but some women need healing before they can grow. That’s where restoration begins.
Restoration: Renewing Hope for Wounded Hearts
Restoration is about bringing women back to wholeness, especially those who have stepped away from church because of hurt or feelings of unworthiness. Women’s ministries creates safe spaces through retreats, ladies’ nights out, and fellowship events away from the traditional church setting. These environments allow women to breathe, heal, and experience God’s love without judgment. Service projects like feeding the homeless, making quilts and blankets, and supporting women in shelters also open doors for reconnection. Restoration often leads to renewed commitment, and sometimes even re-baptism, as women rediscover grace and hope in Christ.
To help us with the ministry of healing and restoring hearts, we use virtual and in-person platforms to address mental and emotional wellness, self-care, leadership development, cancer and other diseases, and our spiritual growth and development. Platforms used include Facebook Live, YouTube, and Zoom, Teams, Instagram, and the good old reliable phone. For those who are unable to use the social media platforms, the phone is still the best way to get a message out.
When women are restored, they are ready to embrace the joy of sharing Jesus with others. That’s where evangelism begins.
Evangelism: Sharing the Good News
Evangelism is the heartbeat of mission. Women’s ministries actively engages in outreach that lead women to Christ. In 2025, we had more than 60 women publicly declare their faith through baptism, a testimony that evangelism transforms lives. Through Bible studies, community engagement, and personal witness, women are fulfilling the Great Commission in powerful ways.
Because of the strong stance for evangelism by our Union leadership, we have had lots of training in preaching the Good News. Women’s ministries look at evangelism as a mandate from God, and our retreats and other activities are evangelistic in nature.
Evangelism spreads the Gospel, but women also need encouragement to thrive. That’s why affirmation matters.
Affirmation: Speaking Life into Women
Words have power, and so do actions. Women’s ministries affirms women by creating spaces where they feel valued and supported. Beyond verbal encouragement, we invest in their future through scholarships for undergraduate women, providing financial assistance since 2019 to help them achieve their educational goals. Affirmation builds confidence, combats isolation, and fosters sisterhood, reminding women that they are seen and celebrated. Kennedy Tatum, a recipient of our Emerging Women Leaders Scholarship, gladly testifies of how the assistance with her tuition and books has taken a burden off her family, and made it possible for her to concentrate on her studies.
Our scholarship funds are limited; however, we encourage and assist women in applying for the North American Division Women’s Ministries scholarship funds.
Affirmation strengthens identity, but growth requires guidance. That’s where mentorship steps in.
Mentorship
Mentorship is discipleship in motion. Through ministries like the Legacy Women Team and one-on-one relationships, experienced women invest in emerging leaders. They share wisdom, model faith, and provide support for navigating life and ministry. Mentorship bridges generational gaps and ensures that leadership is passed on with grace and strength.
In 2018, at our Advisory Summit, we had a virtual meeting with five young women to ask, “How can we help?” There were two resounding answers that echoed: financial support and mentoring. That is the goal of the Legacy Women Team, mentoring young women as they lead and make an impact for the Kingdom of God … not sometime in the future … NOW!
Each month, the team meets to connect, plan, and implement ministries that are relevant today. These ministries include women of all ages, races, and cultures. Inclusiveness is the goal. My responsibility is to be present, along with their advisor, to guide them as they build generational bridges, connect with their peers virtually or in-person, and impact the Kingdom of God using their gifts and talents in leadership roles.
Mentorship equips women to lead; however, leadership in God’s Kingdom looks different from leadership in the world, as it is rooted in humility and service. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 20:28, “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…”
Servant Leadership: Leading Like Jesus
True leadership is not about position; it’s about posture. Women’s ministries champions servant leadership, leading with love, compassion, and a heart to serve. Whether organizing events, supporting communities, or guiding ministries, women model Christ’s example of humility and care. Servant leadership transforms not only organizations but hearts. Conference directors have received in-depth training through our Servant Leadership training: The Art of Evangelism, Organic Mentoring, Intentionality of Creating an Environment for All Women, How to Write a Bible Study, Conflict Resolution, Leaning on Your Strengths, Emotional Intelligence, and more. In addition to receiving in-depth leadership skills training, our conference directors have presented to their peers at our annual leadership trainings in April and November. This is another way of further strengthening their leadership skills.
A Heartfelt Thanks
We give all glory to God for DREAMS. What He planted in my heart decades ago has become a living, breathing movement that is helping women find their purpose. Through these six pillars, women can discover who they are in Christ, and step boldly into their calling. Every testimony, every transformed life is a reminder God is at work. As women’s ministries director, it is humbling to see His vision unfold in countless women across our Union. Thank God for the dedicated conference directors and their teams who pour themselves into ministering to the women in their territory and beyond.
What dream has God given you? Is it to lead a Bible study? Mentor a young woman? Serve your community? Share the Gospel? Whatever it is, don’t let it stay hidden. Write it. Believe it. Pray over it. Expect God to move.
Women’s ministries serves more than 180,000 women across the Southern Union, and we are unable to do this alone. The mission is too big, and the need is too great. We need women like you, women who are ready to step into their calling and make an eternal impact.
We also need men who support women’s ministries. Mordecai is one of the strongest biblical examples of an opposite‑gender spiritual mentor, and his influence shaped Esther into a courageous, wise, and Spirit-led leader. His mentorship helped Esther in a time that was crucial for their nation.
Men can mentor women effectively when the relationship intent is purposeful, not personal; mission-driven, not emotionally entangled; spirit-led, not ego-led; accountable, not secretive; and honoring, not controlling.
In these conditions, men can be catalysts for the growth of spiritually strong, emotionally mature, impactful women leaders, just as Mordecai was for Esther.
We invite you to join the movement. Contact your conference director and get involved. Live the vision. DREAMS really do come true — when you say yes to God’s purpose for your life. Believe. Pray. Expect.
Southern Union | March 2026
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