My Problem With Christian Women’s Conferences

Image by Lisa Krantz

I love conferences. Conferences exist for almost every topic imaginable – sales/marketing, writing, theology,  and the most recent craze, blogging. (Which I will be hopefully be attending for the very first time this year!)

Although conferences may differ on workshop titles or keynote sessions, you will find common themes throughout the weekend. They will usually,

• Teach you new techniques.
• Encourage you.
• Help you make social connections.
• Give you an opportunity to promote your brand.

These are all well and good, but my problem with conferences arises when we dabble in the spiritual. Here’s why: Most, if not all Bible-based conferences targeting women are located on opposite ends of the spectrum. Meaning, they are either super theological and geared towards women ministry leaders in the church, or they hold about as much content as a jar of marshmallow fluff.

Let me give you my two examples:

1. The Gospel Coalition Conference.

This conference reaches men who are pastors, youth leaders, worship leaders, missionaries, and other influential men in the church. Speakers range from Mark Driscoll to John Piper, and the deepness of their discussions are destined to leave your brain spinning. (You can watch keynotes live and download audios of the workshops.)

This year will be the first year The Gospel Coalition has a conference specifically for women. Featured speakers include Mary Kassian, and Carolyn Mahaney, with music by the Gettys. Plus its in Orlando. Anyone want to sponsor my trip? It’s fate, I tell you.

But, like I said before, many of the workshops focus on women in ministry, and would probably not interest the average laywoman.

2. The Women of Faith Conference.

I attended one of these conferences last year – for free, so I can’t knock it too much. WOF encouraged me spiritually, but I cannot say I was challenged spiritually.

Please don’t misunderstand what I am about to say. I know many women who thought the weekend was exactly the sort of pick-me-up they needed, but that was all WOF did. The speakers promoted happiness, tugged on emotional heartstrings, and only pulled gravel out of the Bible instead of nice-sized nuggets of information. I wasn’t asking for a thesis on eschatology, but I was expecting to know more about the Bible going out than I did going in.

So, this leads me to my problem, and to a couple questions.

Why are these conferences such polar opposites? Can TGC not pull in enough numbers if they “dumb down” their workshop topics? And will WOF not fill their arenas without making women feel overly good about themselves?

Where are the conferences that will teach women deep truths about the Bible, yet give them enough practical applications so they can implement what they have learned?

May I go so far as to suggest women may enjoy emotional appeal over mind stimulation? We are very emotional creatures – we have feelings, wants, desires, and empathy is the best friend another woman can give us. But when it comes to learning, where is the passion for consuming the deepness and richness of God’s Word? Perhaps the answer to these questions can be found in a little self-exploration and discussion.

Your Turn:

What has been your experience at Christian conferences for women?

Do you know of any conferences that merge the two extremes?