Breakouts
We are excited to offer something new at TGCW24—workshops!
In addition to the 7-8 breakouts still offered in every round, you will see a few options called “Workshops.”
Workshops are different from the regular breakout sessions we offer. They will be smaller in number with fewer participants, some will be longer than an hour, and they will be interactive (one of the workshops even has homework to do before you arrive!). We hope these workshops will allow participants to engage more with the content, the teachers, and the other women in the room. If you register for a workshop, please note whether or not you will be required to do work ahead of time and how long the workshop is (you will be unable to register for a breakout during that time slot).
Have more questions about breakouts or workshops? Check out our FAQs.
Wind and Fire: How the Whole Bible Leads Us to Long for the Power of the Holy Spirit
Nancy Guthrie
Jesus told his disciples it’d be to their advantage that he was going away, because if he didn’t, the Helper wouldn’t come to them. Then in Acts, we read about the descent of the Holy Spirit on believers. In this workshop, Nancy Guthrie will consider questions like these: How is our experience of the Holy Spirit today different from the way Old Testament saints experienced him? What are the advantages or benefits of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit? What does it look like to live by the power of the Spirit?
Out of the Nest: A Conversation for Parents and Teens About Preparing for Life in a Secular World
Michael J. Kruger
As parents, one of our biggest worries is whether our teens will keep the faith after leaving home. A recent Barna study showed that the ages of 18 to 25 are when many professing Christians will leave the church, especially as they transition to college life. This session will explore essential strategies parents (and teens!) can implement now to help teens navigate life in a secular world with their faith intact.
Vitally Important: The Ministry of Singles in the Church
Missie Branch, Ellen Mary Dykas, Elizabeth Woodson
Our churches need the vital ministry of singles in their midst. This panel will examine misconceptions surrounding singleness and highlight the unique perspectives and gifts single individuals bring to the church. Drawing from biblical examples and contemporary church practices, we’ll discuss the importance of seeing the body of believers as a family, the unique challenges faced by singles in the church, and the practical steps church leaders can take to foster an environment where singles use their gifts to serve.
Encouragement for Ministry Wives
Kristie Anyabwile, Christine Hoover, Glenna Marshall, Kristen Wetherell
Are you the wife of a pastor, elder, or seminary student? We want you to know you’re not alone in this unique calling. Join your fellow ministry wives for an encouraging conversation about loving Jesus and his church, supporting our husbands, and enduring faithfully in ministry.
The Lost Art of Blessing
Tina Boesch
All Christians are called to bless, but do we know what that call means and how it informs the way we relate to our family and neighbors? In this session, we’ll look at three aspects of blessing we find in Scripture, and we’ll trace the theme of blessing through key passages from Genesis to Revelation. We’ll consider the meaning of Genesis 12, a blessing God authored, and we’ll be encouraged to craft and incorporate blessings into our everyday life.
How Christianity Transformed the World
Sharon James
Many today claim Christianity is toxic, bigoted, patriarchal, Western, imperialist, and repressive. However, the biblical teaching that every human being is made in the image of God is the foundation for our regard for human dignity and freedom. This session will explore the profound ways Christians have influenced the world for the better in areas such as justice, philanthropy, health care, education, and the dignity of women.
The Military as Missionaries
Hunter Beless, Megan Brown, Lindsey Hutchinson
Whether you (or your spouse) are part of the military, or your church is near a military installation, join us as we discuss the distinctive needs of this unique community. We will look at the importance of getting connected in a local church as well as practical ways we can all partner with this community to fulfill the Great Commission as military families are sent around the world.
WORKSHOP | ROUNDS 1-3
Studying and Teaching the Bible: A Practical, In-Depth Workshop
Mary Willson Hannah, Kathleen Nielson
This tool-oriented, three-session workshop will help each participant make progress in teaching Scripture. Two sessions will feature instruction in reading and understanding the Word, and the final session will focus on applying and communicating the Word. Throughout the workshop, we’ll use two primary sample passages, which participants will have examined carefully in advance.
*Each participant will be required to complete a Preparation Packet that will be emailed prior to the conference (approximately 15 hours of work).
WORKSHOP | ROUNDS 1-2
How to Write Curricula, Articles, and Proposals
Lydia Brownback, Christine Gordon, Megan Hill
Do you want to serve the church or reach the world with your words? Join three seasoned writers and editors to learn how to craft content that will minister to its readers. Covering curriculum, article, and book proposal writing, this two-hour session will include blocks of direct instruction as well as workshop segments that will allow you to practice and receive feedback on what you’re learning.
The Bonds of Friendship: Why Ministry Partners Are Better than Instagram Friends
Courtney Doctor, Melissa Kruger, Ruth Chou Simons, Ann Voskamp
True friendship is a gift from God. However, in our digital age, it can be difficult to foster meaningful friendships. In this breakout, we’ll discuss the blessings of partnering together in ministry as we consider Paul’s words to the Philippians: “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (Phil. 1:3-5).
Rehearsing Truth: Why What We Tell Ourselves Matters
Amy Gannett, Gretchen Saffles, Mary Wiley, Elizabeth Woodson
You’ve likely heard it said, “What is repeated is remembered.” How much more true this is when it comes to our inner lives! This raises a question: Are we rehearsing the truth? And if not, how do we begin? This panel discussion will explore the theological reasons to speak truthfully in your inner person and will unpack practical ways to speak the truth to yourself every day.
Divided Families: How to Talk About Politics in an Election Year
Collin Hansen, Rebecca McLaughlin, Kori Porter, Bri Stensrud
They say politics and religion will ruin any family gathering. So how might you turn a contentious fight about social media and cable news into an encouraging, in-depth discussion about Jesus and God’s Word? In this panel, we’ll explore how to love our neighbors, especially the ones in our own families.
Big Little Lives: Practical Help for Parenting in the Early Years
Ginger Blomberg, Betsy Childs Howard, Emily Jensen, Laura Wifler
Tantrums. Screen time. Sleep. Discipline. None of us has parenting completely figured out, but we can all learn from each other. Join us as we talk about the high highs and low lows of raising young children and rejoice together that God’s strength is made perfect in our weaknesses.
Redeeming Vision: A Christian Guide to Looking at and Learning from Art
Elissa Yukiko Weichbrodt
We’re formed by the images we view. From classical art to advertisements and from news photos to social media, the images we look at shape what we expect of ourselves and affect how we love God and our neighbor. But what if there was something more we could do with images beyond consumption or critique? In this session, we will learn what it means to have a way of engaging visual culture that’s embodied, loving, and transforming.
Loving Your Trans Neighbor
Winfree Brisley, Rachel Gilson, Sharon James
Loving our neighbors well has always called for wisdom, but as our culture increasingly embraces a nonbiblical sexual ethic, many of us struggle to apply the gospel in uncharted territory. When the same-sex couple next door gets married, the child down the street begins a gender transition, a colleague asks us to refer to her by male pronouns, or our sibling comes out as gay, what does a loving response sound like? In this breakout, we’ll consider how we can move toward our neighbors who identify as LGBT+ with the love of Christ.
Building Cross-Cultural Competence Through Holistic Discipleship
Vanessa Hawkins
Loving others and communicating respectfully across differences isn’t an easy task—often not even a desired task! It’s much easier to communicate in our circles of sameness than to move toward those with different beliefs, political views, priorities, and preferences. In this session, we’ll learn how building cross-cultural competence aids us in our ability to communicate respectfully across cultural differences as a matter of spiritual formation.
Invitations to Abundance: Understanding the Feasts of the Bible
Alicia Akins
Throughout the Bible, God used feasts to reveal himself to his people. Feasting calls us to commemorate God’s mercy, delight in his grace, and commune with him and with each other. In this session, we’ll see how to leave a scarcity mindset behind and learn about the everyday abundance God has for us.
WORKSHOP | ROUNDS 1-3
Studying and Teaching the Bible: A Practical, In-Depth Workshop
Mary Willson Hannah, Kathleen Nielson
This tool-oriented, three-session workshop will help each participant make progress in teaching Scripture. Two sessions will feature instruction in reading and understanding the Word, and the final session will focus on applying and communicating the Word. Throughout the workshop, we’ll use two primary sample passages, which participants will have examined carefully in advance.
*Each participant will be required to complete a Preparation Packet that will be emailed prior to the conference (approximately 15 hours of work).
WORKSHOP | ROUNDS 1-2
How to Write Curricula, Articles, and Proposals
Lydia Brownback, Christine Gordon, Megan Hill
Do you want to serve the church or reach the world with your words? Join three seasoned writers and editors to learn how to craft content that will minister to its readers. Covering curriculum, article, and book proposal writing, this two-hour session will include blocks of direct instruction as well as workshop segments that will allow you to practice and receive feedback on what you’re learning.
Journeywomen Live: Why We Should Study Revelation, with Jen Wilkin
Hunter Beless, Jen Wilkin
The book of Revelation might stir up a number of emotions in you—from curiosity and fascination to fear and even dread. In this breakout session, Jen Wilkin will help us cut through the confusion so we can better understand this beautiful, oft-neglected letter. You’ll see how it can help us gain a bigger view of God’s awe-inspiring character, his eternal promises to his people, and his glory both now and in the age to come.
Why We Need Women in Ministry
Michael J. Kruger
The body of Christ functions best when all members are valued and encouraged to use their gifts. This session will explore the need and necessity of the ministry of women in the church, as well as the theological, biblical, and historical reasons why women play such a vital role in God’s kingdom.
Wisdom for Families Affected by Divorce
Wendy Alsup, Blair Linne, Jen Oshman, Vaneetha Risner
Divorce can feel final and defeating whether you’re part of a couple or are the child or loved one of a couple pursuing a split. But our stories aren’t over yet, and divorce doesn’t have the final say. In Christ there’s hope for the days ahead. Come learn from the wisdom and joy of women affected by divorce and be encouraged that God is at work, even in this.
The Emotional Life of a Teen: Understanding Adolescent Anxiety, Depression, and Mental Health
Betsy Childs Howard, Sandi Taylor
We’re living through a teen mental illness epidemic, as adolescents self-report record levels of sadness, loneliness, and anxiety. And teens growing up in Christian homes aren’t immune to this epidemic. In this session, Betsy Childs Howard will interview Sandi Taylor, a mental health counselor who specializes in working with adolescents and their parents. We’ll talk about the causes of anxiety, the role social media plays in teen mental health, and the difference the gospel can make in the lives of teens—and their parents.
Loving the Church When You’ve Been Hurt
Winfree Brisley, Karen Hodge, Ruth Chou Simons, Irene Sun
Whether it’s a public scandal captured in the headlines or a private offense held closely in our hearts, many of us have been hurt by others in the church. In this panel discussion, we’ll consider various kinds of church hurt and how to navigate them both practically and spiritually. We’ll hear from women who have walked through hurt and are still convinced the church is worth loving—because the church is the body of Christ.
Relational Wholeness: How Jesus Helps Us Love People Rather Than Crave or Worship Them
Ellen Mary Dykas, Rachel Gilson
Codependency, dependent personality disorder, and toxic relationships—we’ve either experienced them or walked with someone who has. In this breakout, Rachel Gilson and Ellen Mary Dykas will show how God’s Word addresses these common-to-man temptations. We’ll see how to diagnose relational idolatry in our lives, bring real help and healing to those around us, and take steps of faith toward relational wholeness—which is also relational holiness and freedom.
Theology of Rest
Amy Gannett, Gretchen Saffles
Many of us know we need to rest but aren’t sure how to incorporate a rhythm of rest that reflects biblical teaching. In this breakout, we will discuss the theology of rest and how a right view of God shapes the way we view ourselves and receive the rest he supplies. We’ll unpack a biblical theology of rest by tracing the overarching theme from Genesis to Revelation as we seek to apply God’s unchanging truth to our everyday lives.
WORKSHOP | ROUNDS 1-3
Studying and Teaching the Bible: A Practical, In-Depth Workshop
Mary Willson Hannah, Kathleen Nielson
This tool-oriented, three-session workshop will help each participant make progress in teaching Scripture. Two sessions will feature instruction in reading and understanding the Word, and the final session will focus on applying and communicating the Word. Throughout the workshop, we’ll use two primary sample passages, which participants will have examined carefully in advance.
*Each participant will be required to complete a Preparation Packet that will be emailed prior to the conference (approximately 15 hours of work).
WORKSHOP | ROUND 3
Sharing the Gospel Through Bible Study
Felicity Carswell, Sharonda Cooper, Joanna Kimbrel
Do you desire to share the gospel with your neighbors, coworkers, or friends? Are you unsure how to approach evangelism in a fruitful and relational way? Join us for this hands-on workshop as we walk through how to lead an evangelistic Bible study in one-on-one or group settings.
The Wisdom of Wrinkles: Aging in a Culture Obsessed with Youth
Courtney Doctor, Vanessa Hawkins, Melissa Kruger, Laura Wifler, Jen Wilkin
At a time when we typically live longer than any generation before us, it seems all we want to do is preserve our youth. From hair dye to microblading, antiaging creams to botox, we negotiate with age through products, surgeries, and even downright denial. But Scripture tells us that wisdom is with the aged and gray hair is a crown of glory—so why are we so age-averse? Join us for a panel conversation on a biblical perspective of aging and why we don’t have to fear the years.
Hope and Help for the Doubting and Deconstructing
Collin Hansen, Rebecca McLaughlin
How can you be a Christian given the church’s record on race? How can you believe what the Bible says about sexuality when Christians have acted so hatefully? Questions like these have caused many to doubt and even deconstruct their faith. How can followers of Jesus help those who are deconstructing? How can we find help when we feel racked by doubt? Join Collin Hansen and Rebecca McLaughlin as they explore these questions and offer hope and help.
How to Study the Bible and Nourish Your Hungry Soul
Raechel Myers, Kristen Wetherell, Amanda Williams, Elizabeth Woodson
Have you ever felt discouraged or guilty about your engagement with the Bible? You’re not alone. Even if we know how to study God’s Word, most of us don’t always feel like doing it. Would you like to grow in both your desire and your ability to read it? Join us as we talk about how to cultivate a hunger for God’s Word as well as practical strategies to study the life-giving Scriptures.
Complementarity: Serving as Brothers and Sisters in the Church
Wendy Alsup, Megan Hill, Blair Linne, Sandy Willson
Conversations around complementarity can be divisive. However, men and women in the church are meant to be united by familial bonds—as mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters. Join us as we explore the local church as the household of God and God the Father as its reference point. When we do, we can flourish as the spiritual brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, and mothers and fathers that he intended.
Parenting Through Adoption
Christine Gordon, Lauren McAfee, Jen Oshman, Mary Wiley
Everyone’s story is different, and these four adoptive moms will honestly share about the beauty, joy, and struggles that have accompanied theirs. If you are—or might be—an adoptive mom, join us! (Note that this session will not be recorded)
A Theology of Women and Work
Tina Boesch, Missie Branch, Elissa Yukiko Weichbrodt
Christian women sometimes feel conflicted about work. Is work an aspect of what it means to be made in God’s image? What sort of work is suitable for women? Does work conflict with family responsibilities? How do we work in a way that’s aligned with God’s mission, becoming good stewards of our working hours? We’ll grapple with questions like these in a conversation enlivened by real-life experience and illuminated by Scripture.
Why Reading Literarily Matters
Kristie Anyabwile
The Bible is the inerrant, inspired Word of God that transforms hearts by unfolding God’s epic story of redemption. This story is intentionally presented to us through varied literary forms. Even though the Bible is more than a book of literature, we’ll better understand it if we have a working knowledge of stories, poetry, speeches, legal codes, and prophecies—so we might better know, love, and worship Christ our Redeemer.
Finding Hope When Life Falls Apart
Vaneetha Risner
How do we move forward when life falls apart? How do we hold on to hope? Drawing from her own experience of losing an infant son, losing her marriage, and being diagnosed with a debilitating disease, Vaneetha Risner will share the questions she asked God in suffering, the beautiful ways God answered her, and the three anchors that have given her hope and grounded her faith.
WORKSHOP | ROUND 4-5
The Principles and the Practicals of Memorizing Scripture
Hunter Beless, Bev Berrus, Glenna Marshall
We want to meditate on God’s Word day and night, but practically speaking, how do we do that? Through Scripture memory, we can know and love God more. Memorizing his Word enables us to combat sin with the sword of the Spirit, salts our speech, and empowers our evangelism. In this session, we’ll discuss biblical principles and explore tools and tips in order to hide God’s Word in our hearts.
WORKSHOP | ROUND 4-5
Women’s Ministry 101
Karen Hodge, Christine Hoover, Courtney Reissig
In this session, seasoned church leaders share the essential building blocks for creating and expanding a women’s ministry that helps women grow in their knowledge of God’s Word, develop deep community, and become skilled laborers for gospel work. Participants will leave equipped with practical ideas and proven strategies for leadership, Bible study, discipleship, and women’s gatherings.
Gratitude: A Dare to Cultivate Joy
Ann Voskamp
How is joy always, always, always possible, right where you are? The most important way to prepare for the crises we’ll face is to learn how to grow our gratitude muscle. Even when we don’t know what’s coming, we can cultivate a daily habit of giving God thanks—not because of how we feel but because of who he is. What if you could be handed practical tools to grow a habit of opening your eyes to ordinary, amazing grace right where you are; learn how to live abundantly; and discover how to practice becoming present to God in a way that brings deep and lasting joy—no matter what your days hold?
Risen Motherhood Live: Parenting with Hope—Raising Teens in a Secular Age
Emily Jensen, Melissa Kruger, Laura Wifler
If there’s one universal feeling in motherhood, it’s our sense of insecurity as we wonder, Am I doing this right? Moms want to love their children well, but few of us are confident about what that looks like. If you’re on the threshold or in the middle of mothering in the teen years, join Emily and Laura as they chat with Melissa Kruger about gospel hope and practical tips for this stage of parenting.
Why Are People Leaving Church and What Can We Do About It?
Jim Davis, Michael Graham
Most of us know someone who used to but no longer goes to church. We’re currently living through the largest and fastest religious shift in U.S. history, with 40 million people having left houses of worship mainly in the last 25 years. We invite you to come hear about four vastly different types of people who’ve left evangelical churches, why they left, and why more than half of them are willing to return!
Pro-Life for All of Life
Missie Branch, Portia Collins, Lauren McAfee, Bri Stensrud
Join us for this panel as we discuss the concept of being pro-life from womb to tomb. We’ll consider the importance of human dignity as we seek to develop an all-encompassing approach to valuing life. We invite you to participate in this conversation centered on compassion, respect, and protection for human life from conception to natural death.
Why Diversity Matters
Kristie Anyabwile, Soojin Park, Kori Porter, Mark Vroegop
Most of us tend to stick with the familiar, stay in the comfort of “our own,” and be near those who are most like us. But the gospel beckons us to embrace and celebrate diversity. This panel will discuss why diversity—in age, gender, ethnicity, politics, culture, and more—is both beautiful and necessary in the church and in our lives.
52 Weeks in the Word: How Daily Reading Helps Us Delight in God and His Word
Trillia Newbell
In this breakout, we’ll explore the what, when, where, and how of Bible reading. We’ll look at different approaches to reading, studying, and applying God’s Word, as well as strategies for effective studying and memorization. Whether you’re a seasoned believer or someone who’s just beginning to explore the Bible, this session is designed to meet you where you are, take you deeper into what God has to say to us, and cultivate a genuine lifelong delight in God’s Word.
Materialism, Money, and Me Culture: Being Content with What You Have
Jen Oshman
Do you feel overwhelmed by the barrage of images and messages you see every day of things you must have, must do, or must be? How do we discern what’s good, bad, or just too much? Is it possible to be content with what we have and love the lives we’ve been given? This breakout will encourage and equip us to practice the reality that Jesus is enough.
Caring for Aging Parents
Kathleen Nielson
More and more adult children are trying to figure out how to care for aging parents. How do we honor parents well while stepping in to oversee their well-being? How can followers of Jesus honor him as we honor our elders? The Bible has a surprising amount to say on this subject. We’ll aim to listen and respond wisely as children in biological and church families.
(Note that this session will not be recorded)
WORKSHOP | ROUND 4-5
The Principles and the Practicals of Memorizing Scripture
Hunter Beless, Bev Berrus, Glenna Marshall
We want to meditate on God’s Word day and night, but practically speaking, how do we do that? Through Scripture memory, we can know and love God more. Memorizing his Word enables us to combat sin with the sword of the Spirit, salts our speech, and empowers our evangelism. In this session, we’ll discuss biblical principles and explore tools and tips in order to hide God’s Word in our hearts.
WORKSHOP | ROUND 4-5
Women’s Ministry 101
Karen Hodge, Christine Hoover, Courtney Reissig
In this session, seasoned church leaders share the essential building blocks for creating and expanding a women’s ministry that helps women grow in their knowledge of God’s Word, develop deep community, and become skilled laborers for gospel work. Participants will leave equipped with practical ideas and proven strategies for leadership, Bible study, discipleship, and women’s gatherings.