

Encouraging the Heart,
Woman to Woman Ministries


ETH Gatherings
For more than twenty years, Encouraging the Heart, Woman to Woman Ministries has gathered women from near and far for a life-changing experience of faith, fellowship, and transformation. Each year, the Lord continues to show up mightily, meeting women right where they are and drawing them closer to Him.
With every new theme, women are strengthened, restored, and empowered—discovering deeper levels of faith, healing, and authenticity. These conferences have become sacred spaces where hearts are renewed, dreams are reawakened, and lives are forever changed.
Here, you’ll find highlights from our past gatherings, powerful moments of worship, sisterhood, and spiritual growth that reflect the heart of our mission: to empower, educate, equip, and encourage women to live authentically as the women God created them to be.

BE WELL SEMINAR
The Bee Well Seminar, hosted by Pastor Betheena Baker in Albany, GA, was both educational and inspirational, empowering women to prioritize their health and well-being, mind, body, and spirit. The workshop was thoughtfully divided into five key focus areas designed to minister to the whole woman: Know Your Numbers – Physician Assistant Carla Johnson emphasized the importance of understanding vital health numbers and how they impact long-term wellness. Eat Well – Dietician Yvette Ponder guided participants in making healthier food choices and understanding how proper nutrition supports both physical health and sustainable weight management. Move Well – Personal Trainer JerNay Wright got the women up and moving, encouraging them to find joy in physical activity and make movement a daily priority. Mental Wellness – Counselor Trebla Bennett shared practical insights on nurturing emotional health and maintaining mental balance as a believer. Seasons of Life – Master Coach Dr. Connie Bivens helped attendees identify which season of life they are currently in and how to embrace it with purpose and grace. To top off the day, participants enjoyed a healthy lunch, connected with local vendors, and gained valuable tools to take charge of their health in every area of life. The Bee Well Seminar was more than an event, it was a reminder that caring for ourselves is a form of worship and stewardship. The women left empowered to live their best life, whole, healthy, and thriving.

Positioned to Influence
The Positioned2Influence Conference was nothing short of amazing! Under the leadership of Pastor Connie Bivens and Encouraging the Heart, Woman to Woman Ministries, in partnership with Pastor Kenneth Bivens and Men Moving Mountains, men and women came together for a powerful joint conference weekend centered on the same inspiring theme, Positioned2Influence. While both groups shared one unified message, each ministry tailored its workshops to meet the unique needs of men and women. The men facilitated sessions designed to strengthen leadership, accountability, and spiritual growth, while the women were perfectly positioned to receive empowerment from the Word of God through the women of God. Throughout the weekend, every woman was reminded that: God’s hand is on her. God has positioned her. God has chosen her. God has empowered her to overcome. The foundational scripture for the conference came from Genesis 50:20 (NLT): “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” This truth echoed throughout the sessions, affirming that even the most painful parts of our journey can be used by God for a greater purpose. The women also learned that influence requires intention, it can build or break, uplift or discourage, and as believers, we are called to use our influence to glorify God and impact others positively. The Positioned2Influence Conference reminded every attendee that when you walk in purpose and allow God to guide your influence, you become a vessel of transformation, hope, and divine impact.

Defining Your Purpose - Fulfilling Your Destiny
The 2016 Encouraging the Heart, Woman to Woman Ministries Conference was a powerful gathering themed “Defining Your Purpose – Fulfilling Your Destiny.” Hosted in Atlanta, GA, this conference drew women from all walks of life who arrived with great expectation, ready to gain new insight on what it means to live a victorious life through faith empowered by the Holy Spirit. It was yet another unforgettable opportunity for women to experience spiritual renewal through the presence and power of an awesome God. The weekend began with Fit for His Kingdom, a fun and faith-filled exercise session designed to emphasize the importance of taking care of the body God has given us. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, energy, and encouragement as women embraced the call to honor God through wellness. Throughout the weekend, attendees were poured into by a lineup of anointed speakers and sessions: Pastor Connie Bivens and Pastor Betheena Baker delivered two inspirational morning messages, setting the spiritual tone for breakthrough and growth. Elder Vanessa led a Health & Wellness Presentation, offering practical wisdom and biblical encouragement for healthy living. Friday evening opened with Praise & Worship led by Minister Shmeka (Rackard) Coleman, ushering the women into a powerful time of worship and surrender. The evening continued with uplifting Encouraging Words from Minister Kesha Gibson, reminding every woman of her worth and divine assignment. Day Two continued in that same spirit of empowerment and renewal, featuring more encouraging words from Minister Shmeka (Rackard) Coleman, heartfelt worship, and moments of connection that left every woman inspired to pursue her purpose. The 2016 Conference was a divine reminder that when women come together in faith and unity, destinies are awakened, and purpose comes alive.

Releasing Our Past - Realizing Our Purpose - Reaching Our Destiny
10th Anniversary Celebration – Releasing Our Past, Realizing Our Future, Reaching Our Destiny The Encouraging the Heart, Woman to Woman Ministries 10th Anniversary Celebration was a momentous occasion marking a decade of faith, growth, and sisterhood. What began as a small gathering of women with a shared desire to live authentically has blossomed into a powerful movement impacting lives near and far. To commemorate this milestone, we released a special 10th Anniversary Magazine, featuring Pastor Connie Bivens on the cover, an inspiring reflection of vision, perseverance, and purpose. The magazine not only celebrated the ministry’s journey, but it also included an inside account of the ministry and the call on the life of Pastor Connie. Our theme, “Releasing Our Past, Realizing Our Future, Reaching Our Destiny,” set the tone for a weekend of breakthrough and renewal. Evangelist Ayanna Foster Kelson delivered a powerful message that spoke directly to the hearts of women, reminding us that true freedom begins when we let go of what was and embrace what God is doing now. Her dynamic subtopics—“Getting Beyond the Stuff,” “Who Am I, Getting to Know Me,” and “Moving Forward”—guided us on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Each message reinforced the truth that in order to step into destiny, we must release the weight of our past and make room for the future God has prepared. The 10th Anniversary Celebration was not just a milestone, it was a reminder that our best days are still ahead, and as we continue to grow in faith, we are becoming women who release, realize, and reach for everything God has promised.

Positioned2Influence Workshop
The Positioned2Influence Tour made a powerful stop in Jacksonville, North Carolina, where Minister Denise Singleton gathered women for a weekend filled with purpose, empowerment, and sisterhood. The weekend began Friday evening with an interactive Self-Defense Workshop, reminding women of their strength, awareness, and ability to protect both their physical and spiritual space. Laughter, learning, and connection set the tone for what would become an unforgettable experience. On Saturday, the women came together for a beautiful Empowerment Brunch, where they enjoyed delicious food, shopping with local vendors, and connecting with one another in an atmosphere of faith and fellowship. The highlight of the day came as Pastor Betheena delivered a powerful word that stirred every heart, challenging each woman to unlock the power of purpose and influence in her own life. This stop of the Positioned2Influence Tour reminded every woman that when she embraces her God-given influence, she becomes a light that inspires others to rise.

ETH 20th Anniversary Celebration
A Virtual Experience of Faith and Fellowship Encouraging the Heart Empowered Woman Conference – COVID Year Edition Even in the midst of a global pandemic, Encouraging the Heart, Woman to Woman Ministries remained committed to creating a sacred space for women to connect, grow, and be refreshed. When the world paused, our faith pressed forward, and the Lord continued to show up in powerful ways. That year’s Empowered Woman Conference took place entirely online, transforming living rooms into sanctuaries and computer screens into windows of worship. Each registered woman received a special swag package delivered right to her home, a tangible reminder that she was still seen, valued, and part of a larger sisterhood of faith. The virtual experience included three dynamic workshops, spirit-filled worship, and exciting fellowship moments, including the giveaway of a 55-inch Smart TV that added a little fun to our faith-filled weekend. As always, the conference was designed to minister to the whole woman, body, soul, and spirit. Pastor Betheena Baker led us in a joyful time of physical exercise to kick off the weekend. Elder Vanessa inspired us with a practical and powerful health nugget to remind us to care for the bodies God has blessed us with. Minister Shmeka (Rackard) Coleman ushered us into the presence of God through heartfelt worship. And our Care Team Members poured into the women through three transformative workshops, offering wisdom, encouragement, and tools for authentic living. Though distance kept us apart physically, the Spirit of God drew us together, reminding every woman that no matter where she was, God’s presence could still meet her right at there.