Revive Women’s Conference: We Can’t Stay Quiet!
By Sharon Mager

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Over two powerful weekends in March, more than 1,100 women gathered for the annual BCM/D Revive Women’s Conference. Many women have committed to pursuing a closer walk with Jesus, following in obedience to God’s calling in ministry in their church, and boldly sharing the gospel as the Holy Spirit leads. Eighteen women made confessions of faith.

Jessie Russell, who served as a greeter at Revive, said, “The worship was such a beautiful time—being surrounded by women, all worshiping and praising the Lord together. It was so special.” The worship sessions were led by Marcus and Carolina Akins. (Photo by Stephanie Leight)

Each year, the popular conference sells out. To accommodate more women, Revive was held in two locations this year—at Riva Trace Church in Annapolis on March 6–7 and at LifeHouse Church in Townsend, Delaware, on March 13–14—allowing 400 more women to attend.

This year’s Revive also saw increased participation from church groups, with many congregations embracing the conference as a retreat for their women’s ministries. Some groups brought more than 40 women, allowing leaders to focus on relationships and spiritual growth while BCM/D handled the planning and logistics.

“That’s been the heart from the beginning,” said Somer Phoebus, BCM/D director of communications and events and women’s ministries consultant, and creator of Revive. “We want to equip and resource churches so they can simply come and be a part of what God is doing.”

Phoebus called this year’s conference “amazing!” Focused on the theme drawn from Acts 4:20, “We can’t stay quiet,” the goal was to create urgency around sharing the gospel and to equip women to confidently live out their faith in everyday life.

Phoebus said, “As we were praying for this event, we knew the theme was going to be a powerful one, and it was.”

Taylor Britton (left) and Kara Hunter (right) attended the Revive Conference in Delaware, where fellowship and community played a vital role in the weekend experience. (Photo by Stephanie Leight)

From keynote sessions to breakout workshops, the conference intentionally focused on practical discipleship. Speakers shared candidly about their struggles and how God transformed their lives and empowered them to step out boldly to share their faith.

Ashleigh Morgan, women’s ministry director at Redemption City Church, Baltimore, said, “Our women were encouraged to grow in intentionality in how we approached evangelism in our daily lives. I loved how different but applicable each breakout session topic was. There was truly something for every stage of life.”

Phoebus said, “In Delaware, one breakout leader asked women to stand up and, in less than five minutes, practice sharing their stories so they could give testimony to what God has done in their lives.”

Katherine Barnes, a member of Faith Glen Burnie Church, described herself as a “transfer Methodist.” She said, “I had no expectations. This was my first time attending. I loved the variety and the fire!” Barnes said she particularly appreciated the apologetics breakout led by Morgan Davis and plans to apply it in her daily life. That conference was very popular, spilling out of the terrace dining area into an adjacent hall.

Throughout the worship, encouragement, challenge, and training, the Holy Spirit moved, bringing encouragement, comfort, and conviction.

Revive attendee Danielle Holcroft grabs a bagel as women gather for a full day of worship, teaching, and fellowship. (Photo by Stephanie Leight)

In the closing session, Phoebus led a time of reflection and response, challenging women to listen to the voice of God, discern His call, and step forward in faith.

“What good does it do if everything we’ve learned and gleaned from this weekend isn’t applied and used? What if we don’t actually take it and put it into practice in our everyday lives?” she asked.

Drawing from Isaiah 6:8—“Here I am. Send me,”—women were challenged to place their “yes” before the Lord.

And they responded.

Hundreds committed to faithful obedience—whether stepping into ministry, pursuing reconciliation in relationships, or deepening their personal walk with Christ.

“We believe the local churches are going to feel that deeply,” Phoebus said, noting that these decisions will have a lasting impact on congregations and communities.

BCM/D Executive Director Tom Stolle said, “The women of the BCM/D are truly setting the pace! We have seen an incredible increase in engagement from women throughout Maryland/Delaware.

The “merch” table was very popular at Revive. In fact, most of the items were sold out in Annapolis and had to be reordered for the Delaware event. (Photo by Stephanie Leight)

“I’ve experienced firsthand the impact of the BCM/D women’s ministry in my own home. My beautiful wife, Shelley, continues to draw closer to Jesus as the women of the BCM/D equip and encourage her. Ladies, if you aren’t involved in women’s ministry within the BCM/D, please check it out. It just might change your life. It’s transformed our family, and that’s not an exaggeration! I thank God for Revive!”

The success of the two-weekend format has already shaped future plans. Moving forward, the conferences will be known as Revive Maryland and Revive Delaware, continuing to expand the ministry’s reach and impact.

To learn more about BCM/D Women’s Ministry, visit our website.