Refreshed, Encouraged, Focused (Thrive 2025)

It is a wonderful privilege to work in ministry.

I have been involved with women’s ministry for the past 12 years and in September 2024, I joined the staff team at Christ Church Cambourne (near Cambridge) as a part-time Women’s Worker.

This marked a new season for my family and me, as we moved from West Sussex to Cambridgeshire in the summer of 2024. I left my full-time job as a teacher to focus more intentionally on ministry—something I had been praying about for the past 10 years.

Last November, I attended the FIEC Leaders’ Conference. While meeting other women in ministry, I heard about Thrive, a conference specifically for women serving in church ministry.

As soon as I learned about it, I knew I wanted to attend! The women I spoke with shared how deeply encouraged they had been by it in previous years.

When I finally went to Thrive, it was everything I hoped for and more. It was such a blessing and an encouragement to me. I came seeking connection, good teaching, and a renewed focus on the Lord—and I found all of that and more.

God is good. He is faithful and loving.

Here are just a few of the reasons I would wholeheartedly recommend Thrive to any woman involved in ministry:

1. Faithful Bible teaching

Lizzy Smallwood’s talks, helping us to study Haggai together, were both faithful to scripture and deeply encouraging. Her heart for the Lord and her passion for his word were contagious. The challenges and warnings in the book were presented in a way that pierced the heart.

The songs that accompanied the teaching enriched the experience and strengthened our focus on Jesus.

2. Fellowship in small groups

One of the most meaningful aspects of the conference was the time spent in small groups.

We were encouraged to pray and reflect on the teaching together. These moments allowed us to speak into each other’s lives and share testimonies of God’s goodness and grace—often in the midst of personal or ministry challenges.

Our time in prayer was particularly precious. There was no judgment or pressure—just women pouring their hearts out to the Lord in humility.

3. A friendly, refreshing atmosphere

The setting of the conference was beautiful and peaceful. We were given time not only to learn and connect but also to rest and recharge.

The food was delicious—especially when enjoyed in the company of new friends!

There were plenty of quiet spaces, both indoors and outdoors, for reflection and prayer.

It was a gift to step away from the everyday demands of life and ministry and be refreshed.

4. A fantastic bookstall

As a book lover, I was thrilled with the selection provided by 10ofThose. Their display did not disappoint!

There was a wide variety of resources to purchase and take home, along with insightful book reviews that made it easy to find helpful titles.

5. Encouragement through conversations

I was deeply encouraged by the conversations I had while sharing meals with others. It was lovely to hear stories from different churches and ministries and to see how the Lord is at work in people's lives.

Even the informal chats were intentional in pointing one another to Christ.

If I had to pick a favourite part of the conference, it would be the teaching. The challenge to consider what God is building—and the reminder that he is with us—made me pause and reflect on my own heart and calling.

As I serve the women in my church, this message inspired me to keep building the team and the ministry with confidence, knowing that God is the one building his kingdom. My role is simply to keep going, trusting him with all my heart.

I left Thrive feeling refreshed, encouraged, and more focused on the Lord than ever.

I’m already looking forward to next year’s conference!