In Octoberof 2009, the National Board of Women of the Church of God met for the annual meeting. The National Board, comprising the Board of Directors and state presidents, unanimously voted to become the Christian Women Connection. This action speaks volumes about the unity of thought and purpose of those in attendance. This historical moment in the life of the church was the fruit of months of prayer, fasting and preparation.

In 1932, Nora Hunter’s vision for women in the Church of God birthed the Women’s Home and Foreign Missionary Society of the Church of God. In 1946, the name was changed to National Women’s Missionary Society. In the 1970s, seeking ways to address the needs of the day, we became Women of the Church of God. Today, we are excited and filled with anticipation of new ministry opportunities under the banner of Christian Women Connection.

The journey towards Christian Women Connection began in 1932 and has continued through the years. In 2008, Women of the Church of God conducted the Relevance survey and asked women and pastors in the Church of God about the needs of women and how we can meet them. We recognized that we needed to do something different if we were to be an effective ministry that worked toward life transformation for the kingdom of God. We prayed over the survey and sought honest feedback from the women and churches we serve. We formed a Relevance committee to use the data from the survey to strategize for the future and develop a proposal to meet the ministry needs of today’s women. We prayed during the meetings and the conversations as we sought God’s direction for our future. We believe Christian Women Connection was an inspiration from God for women’s ministry in the Church of God.

God’s blessings continued beyond the name change. We also proposed a new ministry focus \\that was accepted. Under the umbrella of Christian Women Connection, we will provide a national resource center that will equip state and local women’s ministry. Mission work will always be a primary goal, attained through personal, spiritual and relational development.

The mission of Christian Women Connection is to serve Christ through serving women and equipping them for ministry. To accomplish our mission, the Christian Women Connection will provide women’s ministry resources to the Church of God for connecting women through relationships, spiritual formation, and service.

The Connect One Campaign was also introduced at the National Board Meeting. The Connect One Campaign will help us finance resource development, connection opportunities, and service projects. The board members were so excited and passionate about the Christian Women Connection that we raised over $3,000 at the board meeting for the Connect One Campaign.

God’s vision for his people will always bridge a gap between the past and the future. Nora’s vision began as a women’s group designed to promote missionary work at home and abroad. Today’s vision for the future is built on that premise, yet we believe each one of us is called to take an active role within our sphere of influence. Kevin Ford says in his book Transforming the Church, “We have the ability to influence the culture and shape the future. We have an important life-changing message to share. But we must find a way to remain relevant, to change where needed yet still hold true to our essential values.” The Christian Women Connection will provide those necessary changes while remaining connected to our past as we march into our future.

The Christian Women Connection is about connecting: connecting to God, connecting to women, and connecting to service.

In the Christian Women Connection, there will be a place for every woman and every woman will take her place. There is a place for you!