We are still enjoying content from Thrive Collective, our one-day workshop for women's ministry leaders. In the first portion of today's episode, Andrea Lennon talks with Traci Smith about discipling women and the importance of focussing on biblical teaching and doing life with one another. The later half is Traci's session at Thrive with Lori McDaniel. We hope you are encouraged to continue this conversation in your churches!

Traci is wife to Ron, and mom to son Alex and daughter-in-law Amanda, and daughter Allison. Traci is a member of Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro and serves on the Women’s Ministry Leadership team. She is involved in Women’s Discipleship and is a Bible Study teacher. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in theological studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She enjoys playing piano, cooking, studying, gardening, and working out.

Traci grew up in a small church and loves the dynamics and community found there. Now as a member of a large church, her heart’s desire is to see women’s ministry in churches of all sizes come together in support of one another.

Several years ago, Traci was invited to be part of a D-group pilot program at her church and was hesitant at first. In her own words, Traci says, “Growing up on a healthy diet of women’s bible study, the thought of just my Bible, a journal, memorizing scripture, and praying with a small group of women didn’t seem as exciting. Reluctantly, I said yes. It is a ‘yes’ that has changed my life. It has changed the way I interact with God’s Word and has created a community of women committed to Bible study and the discipline of being in His Word consistently. Most of all, it has birthed a passion in me to lead all of our women to this lifegiving practice.”

Traci says she is looking forward to meeting the women of her region who are serving the women in their churches. “I pray that I pray our network is a gathering net for women’s ministry leaders and a source of information, encouragement, and support.”

If you are a women’s ministry leader in the Jonesboro/Northeast AR region, Traci would love to connect with you! You can contact her at tracibsmith1@gmail.com.

Registration for the annual Inspire is open now. Learn more at www.absc.org/inspire.