for volunteers & ministry leaders in smaller churches

September 26, 2026
11 am - 7 pm ET

A free event to help you turn everyday relationships into greater connection, growth, and influence.

Watch this quick video to see how you can help your church become the kind of place women want to bring their friends to.

The most important ministry you do with women will never show up on a church calendar.

It happens in everyday relationships.

A conversation after church.

A text on a hard day.

Serving side by side.

An invitation for coffee.

Small moments. Real relationships.
More influence than we realize.

But people can also be … complicated. 😂

  • We misunderstand each other.
  • We want to connect and don’t know how.
  • Women get left out.
  • Conversations don’t go the way we hoped.
  • Sometimes the people we’re trying hardest to reach are the ones we understand the least.

What if we got better at the PEOPLE part of ministry?

Imagine a church where ...

Women aren't chased down. They want to come.

No arm-twisting. Women want to serve.

Women don't just attend. They actually like each other.

There's laughter. Friendship. Growth.

Someone's missing. Someone notices.

Women bring friends because they want them there too.

We can get better at this.

We can get better at seeing people.

  • At connecting.
  • At having better conversations.
  • At understanding ourselves and each other.
  • At leading and serving well.

And we can help the women around us get better at it too.

Because healthier ministry isn’t just about better programs.

It’s about developing people.

Hi! I'm Laurie.

I’m Laurie Graham Ertl, founder of Everyday Influence & Small Church Ministry.

And I LOVE a good ministry idea.

But after years of equipping people in small churches, I’ve become convinced we need more than ideas.

We need to get better at PEOPLE.

  • Understanding them.
  • Connecting with them.
  • Growing alongside them.
  • Leading them well.

And understanding ourselves while we’re at it. Because ministry isn’t about one more event.

That’s why we created Women Reaching Women.

We’ve gathered women who understand small churches, real relationships, and real ministry for a day that’s practical, personal, and designed to help us grow.

I’d love to have you in the room.

When I signed up for the FREE conference, my first thought was, "It sounds too good to be true ..." But today, I am amazed and humbled by the experience I have just come from. I have never, in all the years of attending ministry conferences, come home with more knowledge or practical advice than I did today.
Anne

Good to Know

Couch, Church, Or Coffee Shop

  • Saturday, September 26 from 11 am–7 pm ET
  • The event is online. Join from anywhere.
  • Come and go or stay all day!

Live & Unedited

  • If you want to stare at a screen all day, this isn’t for you.
  • Come to connect. Talk. Ask questions.
  • 24 sessions. Real conversations.

Surprise LIVE-Only Extras

  • Show up LIVE for extra goodness!
  • Downloads. Bonus resources. A few surprises.
  • We’ll be sharing them throughout the day!

Why Wait?

  • If you’re ready to start, so are we.
  • Join our private Facebook community. Open now!
  • Connections. Prizes. Women who get it.

Friday Kickoff!

  • Test the tech & find your way around. 
  • Meet some speakers, make some friends.
  • Worship. Prayer. Sessions.

Bring Your Prayers

  • Personal or ministry. Big or small.
  • Our Prayer Room is open throughout the conference.
  • Real women. Praying with you live.

Yep, Prizes too!

  • Giveaways start before conference day.
  • Show up. Participate. Invite a friend.
  • And keep an eye out for Conference Bingo!

Want the Replays?

  • Come live for FREE.
  • Add the Replay Bundle after you register.
  • Watch the sessions you missed anytime.

A Whole Year. On Us.

  • One attendee will win a full year of Everyday Influence.
  • Ongoing coaching, training & community.
  • Watch for details on how to enter.

This conference is created for you!

What makes it different?

Built for Smaller Churches

Small churches aren’t miniature big churches. Your people, relationships, culture, limitations, and opportunities are different. Everything we do is created with that reality in mind.

Built for Real Connection

This isn’t a pre-recorded, stare-at-a-screen kind of thing. Our conferences are built for participation. You’ll meet women who understand small-church life, ask questions, share ideas, and make connections that can last long after the conference ends.

We develop people, not just programs

We love practical ideas. But healthier ministry takes more. Know yourself. Get better with people. Grow your skills. Use your influence well. Because better ministry starts with developing people.
It was just like being at an in-person conference without leaving my living room. So many relevant and diverse breakout sessions - loved the expo and networking time also.
Jami

Because this is how we build the kind of churches women want to be part of.

  • We see people better.
  • We create places where they belong.
  • We keep growing ourselves.
  • And we learn to use our influence well.

21 Conversations

Be Seen: Helping Women Feel Seen, Known & Valued

Laurie Graham Ertl

When Women Don’t Show Up … Here’s What’s REALLY Going On

Dr. Pamela Adams

Before You Reach Her, See Her: Understanding The Diverse Experiences Of Younger Women

Abigail Doust

The First 30 Seconds: Making Someone Feel Seen From Hello

Elder Tia Payne

The Quiet Woman: What Her Silence Might Be Saying, And How The Church Can Respond

Belong: Creating Real Connection & Meaningful Community

Erin Holmes

Embrace The Awkward: You Don’t Have To Be An Extrovert To Connect

Jackie Swanson

A Boomer, Millennial & Gen Z Walk Into A Room: What Each Generation Wishes You Knew

Shiree McGee

There’s Room For Her, Too: Making Room for Every Kind of Woman

Becky Sargent

Past The Small Talk: Seeing Her Every Sunday Isn’t The Same As Knowing Her

Becca Jackson Daniels

Make Room For Brave: Creating Spaces Where Women Belong & Grow

Become: Growing in Depth, Confidence & Who We’re Becoming

Lisa Wells

When They’ve Heard It All Before … Beyond The Bible Study

Jennifer Y. Afriyie

Tired, Busy & Disconnected: Now What?

Janyne McConnaughey

An Exhausted Faith: When Try Harder Isn’t The Answer

Aimee Nelson

The Woman God Can Trust With What’s Next

Tammy Adams

Come As You Are: Growing Confidence In Prayer Without The Pressure

Theresa Robertson

Caring Is Exhausting! You’re Allowed To Ask For Help. Here’s How

Influence: Leading Well & Helping Others Rise Up Too

Dee Bryce

When No One Has Time: Rethinking Your Ministry Calendar

Kristen Humiston

Can We Just Be Quiet? The Leadership Skill We Rarely Practice

Cledra Gross

When Your Options Are Burn Out, Quit … Or Let Go

Charmaine Stulp

Uniquely Gifted Service: Just Because You Can Do It All, Doesn’t Mean You Should

Shamieka Thornton

Before She Feels Ready: Growing Confidence One Small Win At A Time

Dr. Amy Oberg

The Science Of Crashing Well: You Are Not Crazy … You Are Binormal

+ All-Conference Special Session

Why The Same Ministry Idea Works For Her
& Falls Flat For You
with Laurie Graham Ertl

PLUS:

Networking

Meet other women who get small church life.

Expo

Snag freebies and discover new ministry resources.

Video Chats

Connect face-to-face without leaving the conference.

It made me feel like I was at a reunion. I loved the sense of community with God's people, even though I had never met any of them.
Christy

Have questions? We've got answers!

The main event happens Saturday, September 26, from 11 am - 7 pm ET. For even more goodness, join us for a Kickoff Event on Friday, September 25 at both 2 pm & 7 pm ET. 

Our events take place in RingCentral, an online event platform. No need to worry about traveling or expenses.

Yes! The entire live conference is absolutely free! If you'd like upgrade to the replay bundle, you'll get lifetime access to session replays plus exclusive workshops and premium bonuses at 90% off their value. 

For us, we talk about churches from 20-200. Within that range, we address the uniqueness of those who consider themselves microchurches (under 50) and those who are pushing mid-size. 

Absolutely. If the topics address your needs, you're welcome to join in. Just keep in mind our mission is to small churches, and everything we do has them in mind.

You sure can, but you'll most likely have a better experience on a computer or laptop. The conference takes place in an online event platform called RingCentral. To enjoy all the interactive features, it's best to log in with a computer or laptop.

For sure! We'll even give you tips on how to host your best Watch Party!

Unfortunately, because it's a live conference, recordings aren't immediately available. However, after you get your free ticket, check out the replay bundle options available for purchase. It includes lifetime replays and other amazing bonuses!

Small Church Ministry, LLC is not affiliated with any denomination. We serve Christian churches from a wide variety of denominations, associations, and networks around the world.

No problem! Email hello@smallchurchministry.com, and we'll get back to you within 2-3 business days.

We really hope you join us!

Click the button to grab your free ticket today.

Copyright © 2026 Small Church Ministry

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