Women of Faith

Infobox_Company
company_name = Women of Faith, Inc.
company_type = Parachurch organization Non-denominational
company_slogan = Beyond a shadow of a doubt, God loves you – regardless of where you are in life.
foundation = Unknown (1996)
location = Dallas, TX, USA
key_people = Stephen Arterburn, Founder
industry = Women's Conferences
homepage = [http://www.womenoffaith.com www.womenoffaith.com]

[http://www.womenoffaith.com Women of Faith] is a Christian women’s organization that has been holding non-denominational conferences at various locations around North America since 1996.

While each conference offers of revolving schedule of special guest speakers and musical guests, the key roster of speakers (a.k.a. the porch pals) has included Shelia Walsh, Luci Swindoll, Patsy Clairmont, and Marilyn Meberg. Thelma Wells also served as a main speaker till she felt called to concentrate on other ministries in 2006. Barbara Johnson was also an original member of the porch pals in the beginning years till illness forced her to leave the tour. Women of Faith holds between 25-30 conferences annually in arenas across North America. The events begin Friday night and continue through Saturday. In most cities, a “Pre-conference” event is held during the day on the Friday of the conference.

Each year’s content is organized around a theme. The events include messages from noted speakers, concerts by popular artists, original dramatic presentations, and times of worship. Women of Faith events are noted for their humor, sense of acceptance and belonging, and compelling stories. 85% of attendees come in groups of 10 or more. Many attendees come year after year; a number attend more than one conference in a given year. Although the conferences are for women, a small number of men may be found at any given event.

History

Founded in 1996 by Stephen Arterburn. Currently owned and operated by Thomas Nelson, Inc.Nearly 4 million women have attended over 275 events held in more than 70 cities across North America.More than 267,000 have indicated first-time decisions for Christ at a Women of Faith conference.

1996 Women of Faith begins with sold-out events in churches.10 cities and 36,000 attendees Conference theme: The Joyful Journey

1997 Women of Faith conferences move from churches to arenas.15 cities and 159,000 attendees Conference theme: The Joyful Journey

1998 Women of Faith expands tour.28 cities and 320,000 attendeesConference theme: Bring Back the Joy

1999 Mary Graham becomes President of Women of Faith25 cities and 375,000 attendeesConference theme: Outrageous Joy

2000 Women of Faith becomes a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc.24 cities and 360,000 attendeesConference theme: Extravagant Grace

2001 Conference team takes first flight out after 9/11 tragedy to Lansing, MI27 cities and 375,000 attendeesConference theme: Boundless Love

2002 Women of Faith goes international with conferences in Canada27 cities and 256,000 attendeesConference theme: Sensational Life

2003 Columbia Commander widow, Evelyn Husband, joins Women of Faith as a special guest27 cities and 362,000 attendeesConference theme: The Great Adventure

2004 Women of Faith hosts first National Conference in San Antonio, TX28 cities and 406,000 attendeesConference theme: Irrepressible Hope

2005 Women of Faith celebrates 10th anniversary and exceeds 3 million in cumulative conference attendance. Women of Faith births The Revolve Tour, a new event for teen girls (revolvetour.com).26 cities 390,000 attendees (Women of Faith)Conference theme: Extraordinary Faith

2006 Robin McGraw, wife of TV’s Dr. Phil, joins Women of Faith as a special guest. 27 cities and 393,000 attendees (Women of Faith)Conference theme: Contagious Joy

2007 Anita Renfroe, comedian and special contributor for Good Morning America, joins Women of Faith in 28 cities28 cities and 337,000 attendees (Women of Faith)Conference theme: Amazing Freedom

2008 Women of Faith founder, Stephen Arterburn, and award winning gospel artist, Sandi Patty, join the Women of Faith tour. Women of Faith expands The Revolve Tour to 16 cities and will take Women of Faith conferences to 30 cities across the US.Conference theme: Infinite Grace

Giving Back

Women of Faith’s association with World Vision has, to date, impacted more children than any other single sponsor group. In 2007 the number of children sponsored through Women of Faith topped 100,000.

2008 Speakers and Special Guests

Allison Allen, Stephen Arterburn, Patsy Clairmont, Louise DuArt, Natalie Grant, Nicole Johnson, Max Lucado, Mandisa, Marilyn Meberg, Nicole C. Mullen, Sandi Patty, Anita Renfroe, Jan Silvious, Luci Swindoll, Sheila Walsh, Ayiesha Woods"'

Not all speakers/guests appear at every city. [http://www.womenoffaith.com]