Close Women's Conference: Identity
March 6 & 7, 2026
Friday, March 6: 6-9 PM
Saturday, March 7: 9 AM-12 PM
Featured Speakers

Sarah Willey
Sarah was a former collegiate athlete. She says, "when my career ended, I was eager to discover who else God made my to be outside of sports. That journey led me to a lot of places, but ultimately led me right back to the volleyball court." Her favorite ministry is now serving as a volleyball coach at a local high school in Maryland, just completing her fifth season with a state championship appearance.
She loves playing with her dogs, hanging with her family and the boyfriend, eating crabs like a good Maryland girl, eating tacos and really any food that delicious. Sarah loves traveling to new places, playing volleyball, and hearing stories of all kinds—especially yours.

Lauren Alexander
With over two decades in ministry, Lauren has taught the Word of God to thousands, helping women move beyond surface-level faith into vibrant, whole-life discipleship. She holds a degree in Religious Studies from Oakland City University (2008) and has never met a commentary she didn’t want to read just for fun.
Lauren serves alongside her husband and best friend, Seth, who pastors
First Baptist Church in Bicknell, Indiana. Together, they are raising four wildly wonderful children: Tabbi, Heather, Ty, and Elijah Burke. Three of them joined their family through adoption in a story only God could write.
Since 2020, Lauren and Seth have also fostered nine children, and Lauren is the founder of a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supporting foster families in their community.
Whether she’s preaching, writing, or dancing with her kids in her kitchen, Lauren is passionate about helping others encounter the presence of God in the middle of real life.
Breakout Speakers

Annie Williams
Redemptive Grace
Annie’s journey of faith has been shaped by God’s redemptive work in her life. Through her time at Bethany, she has grown closer to God and learned to trust fully in His promises.
As a redeemed believer, Annie is celebrating her new identity in Christ. Her hope is that her story of salvation would encourage others to release what the world offers and become firmly rooted in Christ’s family.

Gretchen Brown
Strength In The Waiting
Gretchen Brown lives in Bramble (Loogootee), Indiana, with her husband, Wayman. They have been together for nearly 25 years and married for 13. Gretchen and Wayman are raising four wonderful children—Natalie (11), Logan (9), Hadley (7), and Lucy (6). Their family has been part of Bethany Christian Church for the past four years and deeply values the community and faith they have found there.
Through seasons of infertility and other challenging family circumstances, Gretchen learned to rely on God’s strength and trust His timing. Those years of waiting prepared her heart for adopting three children and later experiencing the unexpected blessing of pregnancy. Through every season, she has grown in faith by seeking God’s purpose and learning from each challenge.

Whitney Clinton
Letting God Carry What Broke a Mothers Heart
Whitney will be sharing her journey of forgiveness—not as something easy or instant, but as a process God has patiently walked her through. Through her story, she has learned what it means to forgive others, to seek forgiveness herself, and to rest in the forgiveness offered through Christ. Her prayer is that her story would encourage anyone who is struggling to release past hurts and find healing in God’s grace.