Harding University is set to host the 19th annual WINGS (Women in God’s Service) Conference. The conference, sponsored by the Department of Marriage and Family Therapy, will be held this weekend on Feb. 22–23.
The weekend will be full of spiritually uplifting events such as singing, guest speakers and break-out sessions. One of the aspects of the conference that makes WINGS so unique is that it is led and put on by women for women.
Sherry Pollard, assistant director of the Harding University Counseling Center and professor in the Marriage and Family Therapy program, was the original founder of the WINGS Conference 19 years ago. According to her, the weekend is a fantastic way for women to be spiritually uplifted.
“We believe the conference is important because it is a spiritually rich program designed to meet women where they are,” Pollard said. “We have textual studies and practical application (and) inspiring speakers who are capable women. Many congregations do not have the man power or funds to have a day or weekend for women, so they can come to WINGS as a road trip and bonding experience.”
The theme for the conference this year is “Fingerprints of God.” According to Terri Rine, the overall director of the 2013 WINGS Conference, the theme is very applicable to women everywhere today.
“Our theme this year is ‘Fingerprints of God,'” Rine said. “We are incorporating speakers, various activities and testimonials to help the attendees recognize God’s fingerprints in all aspects of our lives.”
Anessa Westbrook, program chairman of the conference, said the theme is not just for helping women see God playing an active part in their lives, but also training them to help others do the same.
“We hope that we will be able to help people recognize how God is working in their lives, and since these women tend to be ministry-oriented we hope that they will learn how to help others do the same,” Westbrook said.
Westbrook said one of the best aspects about the conference is the fellowship with Christian women all across the nation. She described it as one of the high points in her spiritual walk that she looks forward to every year.
“Any time women can get together and be an encouragement to one another, it is great,” Westbrook said. “Getting a chance to worship with other women and spend a weekend focusing on God and our own spiritual development makes this one of the ‘mountain top’ events that we need to have every once in a while.”
Female students may attend and can receive one hour of college credit.
