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When She Leads Conference

EQUIPPING, ENCOURAGING, AND CONNECTING WOMEN SERVING IN MINISTRY

October 17-18, 2025 | Murrieta Hot Springs Resort | Murrieta, California

When She Leads Conference 2025 is designed for every woman who leads and serves in all areas of life. This year’s theme, “The Time Is Now,” will feature our executive team and other influential teachers.

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and

delivered me from all my fears.”

Psalm 34:4 (ESV)

Price

Early Bird: $109*

Standard: $129

  *Early Bird ends August 8th!

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Brenda Leavenworth

Brenda Leavenworth is an author and speaker based in Temecula, California. Her passion is
to help women grow in their knowledge and understanding of Scripture as they pursue
Christian maturity.

Brenda Leavenworth is an author and speaker based in Temecula, California. Her passion is to help women grow in their knowledge and understanding of Scripture as they pursue Christian maturity. She enjoys traveling the globe to share God’s Word and has written
several in-depth Bible studies, including her 2016 release of Proverbs 31 study, Far Above Rubies. Brenda holds a master’s degree in Biblical Studies with an emphasis in Christian Leadership from Calvary Chapel University and has joined their staff as an
adjunct professor. As the host of When She Leads podcast, Brenda actively and passionately discusses the complexities and realities of leading ministry as a woman. Married to Ted Leavenworth, who serves as the Senior Pastor of Reliance Church,
together they share three adult children and ten grandchildren. Brenda currently serves and loves her community as the Director of Women’s Ministry at her home church.

Kelly Bell

Kelly has been the Director of the Women’s Ministry at Calvary for about 38 years and loves what she does. She has a passion to see women grow in their faith and become doers of the Word, not hearers only.

Kelly has been married to Brian, Senior Pastor of Calvary Murrieta, for 41 years. They have two children and five wonderful grandchildren! She loves being a wife, mom, and grandma, and feels privileged to have the opportunity to serve Jesus full time.

Kelly has been the Director of the Women’s Ministry at Calvary for about 38 years and loves what she does. She has a passion to see women grow in their faith and become doers of the Word, not hearers only. She is a Bible teacher, a devotional writer, and author of a Bible Study series called “Reasons to Rejoice.” She also enjoys being part of the Leadership team of When She Leads.

Concerning Human Trafficking and other injustices, she has a passion to advocate for the rights of the oppressed and exploited, and to “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” Kelly feels compelled to do whatever she can to help “ensure justice for those being crushed.” (Proverbs 31:8-9) Kelly volunteers for various anti-human trafficking non-profits whenever possible, and oversees the Justice Ministry at her church, working to help people figure out how to use their gifts, talents, and finances in fighting this battle. For the last 15 years, she has overseen “Justice Matters” Sunday, which helps educate people on human trafficking and find ways to help. She also loves to serve in her community and volunteers with various other organizations, including Rebirth Homes, California Family Life Center, and the Murrieta Food Pantry.

As far as hobbies go, Kelly loves to run, cycle, hike, and anything else that burns calories! She loves to read, eat, play with her grandkids, travel, go to the beach, and find ways to share Jesus with her world!

Rosemary Cady

Rosemary lives in Longmont, Colorado, where she serves as the leader of the Women’s Ministry at White Fields Community Church.

Rosemary lives in Longmont, Colorado, where she serves as the leader of the Women’s Ministry at White Fields Community Church. Her husband, Nick, serves as Lead Pastor. They have four wonderful children; each having a unique testimony of God’s grace in their lives. Growing up in Oceanside, California, Rosemary is a first-generation American, which made life an adventure and caused her to grow in appreciation for the USA. She came to know the Lord at the end of high school, and started attending Calvary Chapel in Vista, California, where she had the privilege of serving the Lord as a youth group leader. She then spent 14 years serving as a missionary in Hungary, church planting with Calvary Chapel. Rosemary enjoys hiking, running, cooking, traveling, gardening, teaching the Bible, and most of all: spending time with family.

Krista Fox

Krista is originally from Denver, CO where she served in ministry with their first church plant until they left for the mission field.

Krista is originally from Denver, CO where she served in ministry with their first church plant until they left for the mission field. She and her family, her husband Kyle of 22 years and their 2 sons, lived and served as missionaries in the Amazonian region of Brazil in Belem, Para for 8 years. She and her husband planted Calvary Chapel Belém where Krista also served as the women’s ministry leader as well as developed and led the Proverbs 24:11 ministry (a ministry dedicated to individuals involved in human trafficking and prostitution). The Proverbs 24:11 ministry continues to be used in Brazil, California and is implemented in other parts of the world as a training and resource tool for similar ministries. Krista and her family have currently transitioned from the missions field to Southern California.
Krista has been involved in ministry for over 16 years. She has a masters degree in counseling and is currently pursuing her doctorate’s degree in Counseling:Traumatology. Her heart’s desire is to see the hurt healed and walking with the Lord. She is currently developing a new ministry, Applied Care for Trauma (ACT), which offers trainings and encouragement to churches/ministries who desire to counsel/disciple and be more trauma informed for the hurting people in their care in a Biblical, practical and effective manner.

Christy Duff

Christy Duff is a pastor’s wife at The Garden Fellowship, where her husband, Jason, is the pastor.

Christy Duff is a pastor’s wife at The Garden Fellowship, where her husband, Jason, is the pastor. She and Jason have been married for 22 years and they have 3 beautiful children- 20 year old Haley, 18 year old Jonathan, and 16 year old Aleah. She has a passion for women to grow in the Lord through His Word, and is blessed to be able to travel and speak to encourage them to do just that!

Janie Alfred

Janie loves teaching God’s word and encouraging sisters in the Lord.

Janie was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, one of four children. Her parents were missionaries in Brazil. She accepted Jesus as her Savior when she was 18 years old while on a date with Justin. They have been married 55 years and have 5 daughters. Their fourth daughter Ashley is in heaven. They have 9 grandchildren, 3 boys and the other 6 are girls. Janie loves teaching God’s word and encouraging sisters in the Lord.

Theresa Howard

Theresa and her family have a heart for evangelism and have been blessed to be a part of pioneering, coordinating and helping with different church plant teams, mission works and adventures.

Theresa is married to Michael and they have 3 children Sabrina, Seth and Sophia (who lead worship). They currently serve in the Harrogate-Leeds area of England. They have a heart for evangelism and have been blessed to be apart of pioneering, coordinating and helping with different church plant teams, mission works and adventures. We helped start the refugee camp ministry in Hungary. It was out of this work that Argaw (from Ethiopia) and Pastor Prince (from Nigeria) entered the churches and attended the Bible College in Vajta, Hungary at the Zichy Castle. Upon completion, Argaw returned to Ethiopia and is now the director of Ebenezer Grace children's home with his wife Rachel. Its home to over 100 kids and staff today and Theresa is very involved with the ministry there. Pastor Prince returned to Nigeria and planted Calvary Chapel of Abuja and has helped start 11 other Calvary Chapel churches in Nigeria. Theresa has started a charity called Hope Un-boxed which takes aide and the Gospel of Hope Into several countries that have need like Africa, Eastern Europe and most recently Ukraine.

Sheila Sells

Sheila is a pastor’s wife at Calvary Chapel Cheyenne (Wyoming) for 24 years, she oversaw various areas including Women’s Ministry and church communications.

Sheila has many years of experience leading and supporting in both church and secular arenas. As a pastor’s wife at Calvary Chapel Cheyenne (Wyoming) for 24 years, she oversaw various areas including Women’s Ministry and church communications. Additionally, Sheila served over 20 years in the Wyoming Air National Guard where she
led Airmen in multiple roles including as a squadron commander. She has been married to Shaun for 31 years, and together they have recently embarked on a new call with Poimen Ministries where their mission is to encourage, support, and equip pastors and their wives. They believe that when a pastor and family are strengthened the local
church is strengthened as well. Sheila is a proud mom of two married children and is “Lolli” to two adorable granddaughters.

Faith Wake

Faith is a worship leader, artist, and Third Culture Kid who loves Jesus, people, and a good single-origin pour-over.

Faith is a worship leader, artist, and Third Culture Kid who loves Jesus, people, and a good single-origin pour-over. By God’s manifold grace, Faith has led in worship, creative, and youth ministries across different denominational spaces since 2004 and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Theology. She serves as the Worship Director at Reliance Church, makes music with friends as REVO Collective, and loves championing Christic artists through The Table Art Society. She and her husband, Thales, love building a beautiful life with their son, Thomas, and border collie Ahsoka, wherever God leads.

Tami Peña

Tami Peña has served faithfully in the children’s ministry at Reliance Church since 2009 as the Reliance Kids’ Director.

Tami Peña has served faithfully in the children’s ministry at Reliance Church since 2009 as the Reliance Kids’ Director. Tami has extensive experience in her position, as she has served over 20 years in children’s ministry leadership. She loves Jesus and His kids. Fittingly, Tami became a Christian at the age of 4 while attending a Vacation Bible School. She has carried with her a lifelong passion to help children know and to serve Jesus.

Shirley Ruiz

Shirley Ruiz is the Church Administrator of Reliance Church in Temecula, California with over 30 years of ministry experience.

Shirley Ruiz is the Church Administrator of Reliance Church in Temecula, California with over 30 years of ministry experience. Her duties span from church finances, Human Resources, and church law with a passion for effective and accurate record keeping, church structure, and assisting pastors to carry out their vision. Shirley also serves on the Women’s Ministry Board. Shirley and her husband Mike were married in 1989 and together they have four adult children and two grandchildren.

Melissa Seely

Melissa Seely is a wife, mom of four, and passionate youth ministry leader with over 10 years of experience.

Melissa Seely is a dedicated wife and mother, married to her husband Cameron for eight years. Together, they share a heart for ministry and have four young children, all under the age of six. For the past decade, Melissa has had the privilege of serving in youth ministry in various capacities, bringing encouragement, leadership, and support to the next generation. Her husband, Cameron, has been faithfully leading the High School Ministry at Calvary Murrieta for the past six years. Melissa’s passion for ministry is rooted in a deep commitment to her faith, family, and community.

BREAKOUT TITLES

NOW IS TIME TO…

Seek the One: A Biblical Call to Reach the Lost

In a world full of distractions and division, the call to seek and save the lost has never been more urgent. This session will explore the biblical foundation for evangelism, emphasizing Christ’s example and our role in pursuing the “one” who is far from God. Through scripture, stories, and practical guidance, you’ll be equipped and inspired to live out this mission with renewed purpose and passion.

Reflect Christ: The Work of Spiritual Transformation

Reflecting Christ is not about striving harder—it’s about surrendering to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. This session explores the biblical foundation of spiritual transformation and what it means to be continually shaped into the image of Christ. Come be encouraged to live from the inside out, allowing God’s grace to renew your mind, heart, and daily walk.

Cultivate a Servant Culture: Leading Like Jesus

True leadership begins with a heart of service. In this session, we’ll explore how to cultivate a servant leadership culture, following the example of Jesus. Learn practical ways to lead with humility, compassion, and a Christ-like mindset, creating an environment where others are empowered to serve and grow. Discover how leading like Jesus transforms both individuals and communities.

Help the Suffering: Sharing Comfort in Times of Pain

In times of pain and suffering, we can struggle with how to best share hope and healing. This session will explore being a source of comfort to others — even as we navigate our own suffering. Through biblical wisdom and personal reflection, you’ll gain insight into how we can extend God’s comfort to those in need, offering true healing through compassion, empathy, and His transforming work in our own hearts.

Feed the Flock: Biblical Foundations for Teaching

In a time when truth is often distorted, the need for sound, biblical teaching is critical. This session will delve into the scriptural foundations for faithfully feeding God’s people through teaching. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just stepping into a teaching role, you’ll gain practical insights and spiritual encouragement to nourish the flock with clarity, conviction, and compassion.

Understand Trauma: A Call to Awareness, Empathy, Action

As followers of Christ, we are called to be His hands and feet in a hurting world. This session will explore how trauma affects individuals emotionally, physically, and spiritually—and how the Church can respond with Christ-like compassion. Through Scripture, practical insights, and guided reflection, we will learn how to recognize signs of trauma, respond with empathy rooted in God’s love, and take intentional steps toward healing and restoration. Whether you’re a ministry leader, volunteer, or simply someone who wants to love others more deeply, this session will help you move from awareness to Spirit-led action.

Gain Gospel Vision: Seeing People Like Jesus

Jesus saw people with a heart full of compassion, seeing beyond their flaws to their true potential in God. This session invites you to gain a gospel vision—learning to see people as Jesus does. Through biblical teaching and reflection, you’ll be encouraged to deepen your empathy, understand God’s heart for others, and engage with people in a way that reflects His love and grace.

Remain Faithful: A Call to Purpose for Seasoned Saints

Finishing well isn’t about slowing down—it’s about pressing on with clarity, peace, and confidence in God’s presence. This session will explore what it means to live fully in the later years, anchored in the assurance that God declares, “It is well.” Through Scripture and reflection, be encouraged to walk with purpose, rest in His promises, and faithfully complete the race set before you.

Round Table Discussions

In lieu of choosing a breakout session, you’re invited to join a round table discussion to explore various important topics within our church communities. These round table discussions will take place during our breakout session times. Let’s share our experiences, ask questions, and collaborate on how we can strengthen these vital aspects of our church ministries together. When She Leads leaders will be present to guide the conversations. Round table discussions are available for:

  • Worship / Creative
  • Children’s Ministry
  • Church Administration
  • Women’s Ministry
  • Youth / Young Adult Ministry

PRICING

Early Bird Price: $109* (Ends August 8th)

Standard Price: $129*

Group Rate of 15% off the standard price will be available beginning August 9th for groups of 7+.

*Conference pricing does not include lodging (see Accommodations for suggested stays). Tickets are non-refundable after September 1st. Ticket transfers are available.

Register now

ACCOMMODATIONS

Special Group Discount at Murrieta Hot Springs

We’re excited to offer an exclusive group discount for select rooms at Murrieta Hot Springs. All resort fees are waived when you book using our special discount code.

Rate: $259 per night
Booking Deadline: Wednesday, September 17th
Reserve your room now using the link below to secure the discounted rate: Book Your Stay

Your Stay Includes:

  • 24-hour access to our signature soaking pools
  • A curated Sleep Ritual Tray
  • Wellness activities throughout your stay
  • Unlimited towel and robe exchange
  • Fitness center access and discounted classes
  • Two complimentary refillable water bottles at check-in
  • On-site spa access
  • Complimentary self-parking

Book early to take advantage of this special offer and make the most of your time at Murrieta Hot Springs! For more information, please contact Murrieta Hot Springs directly at 951-290-0087.

 

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SCHEDULE

 

FRIDAY

4:30 pm – Check In

6:30 pm – Main Session

 

SATURDAY

8:00 am – Continental Breakfast

9:00 am – Main Session

10:30 am –  Breakout Rotation

11:30 am – Lunch

1:00 pm – Team Debrief

2:00 pm – Breakout Rotation

3:15 pm – Main Session

4:30pm – Conference Concludes

The When She Leads Podcast Team

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