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Women's Conference Coming To Idlewild

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By SARAH ROTHWELL

srothwell@tampatrib.com

Published: March 11, 2009

TAMPA - About 4,000 women are expected to pack Idlewild Baptist Church to hear from Christian speakers and entertainers headlining the Extraordinary Women's Conference, a traveling event.

The conference, which kicks off Friday night and continues through Saturday, will address topics ranging from living with purpose to single parenthood, all in the context of the Christian faith.

"A woman's role in society is complex," said Jodie Montgomery, Idlewild's women's ministry leader. "It's important for us to come together, to talk about our commonalities and grow in faith. That's what this conference is about."

Scheduled to appear are comedian Chonda Pierce, author Stormie Omartian, motivational speaker Angela Thomas and Candace Cameron Bure of "Full House" television series fame. Recording artists Natalie Grant and Kathy Troccoli will perform beforehand to get the crowds energized.

WJIS, 88.1 FM, The Joy FM radio station, a partner with EWomen Ministries, contacted Idlewild about hosting the event in spring 2008. Since then, volunteers have worked to prepare for the weekend. Volunteers will act as greeters and serve lunch. Montgomery considers the help a blessing.

"We've had about 110 women signed up to volunteer," she said. "We have a hospitality crew and a tech crew."

Women aren't the only ones volunteering. Husband and father Dana Hardee organized a team of men to help out wherever they will be needed. The husbands will taxi speakers to and from the airport, help with parking and handle behind-the-scenes work.

"Volunteering is our way of serving the Lord," Hardee said. "I don't know what condition my family and marriage would be in had we not attended conferences like this."

Hardee's wife, Susan, is excited to learn something new.

"I'm looking forward to hearing other women's testimonies," she said. "It's always encouraging to learn how others handle life's problems."

Montgomery hopes women will walk away from the conference feeling renewed and inspired.

"This is an opportunity for women to grow," she said.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Extraordinary Women's Conference

WHEN: 7 to 10 p.m. Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Idlewild Baptist Church, 18371 N. Dale Mabry Highway

HOW MUCH: $89 per person at the door

CONTACT: (813) 264-1515 or visit www.ewomen.net

Sarah Rothwell can be reached at (813) 948-4215.

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