GEMS Winter Leadership Training Series
Looking to strengthen your leadership and make a lasting impact in your GEMS Girls’ Club? The Lead with Love: Winter Leadership Training Series is designed with you in mind! Based on feedback from last fall’s survey, we’ve curated a lineup of webinars that address the topics you care about most.
Join us for practical, faith-centered training sessions that will equip you to lead with confidence and love. Can’t make it live? No problem! Each webinar will be recorded and available on the ReFresh training platform for you to access anytime.
Don’t miss this opportunity to grow as a leader and connect with other GEMS leaders.
Reserve your spot today!
Upcoming Webinars
Title: Creating a Welcoming Church for GEMS Girls and Families New to Faith
Speaker: Pastor Amy Schenkel
When: March 25, 12:00 PM ET
Description:
Many churches report that GEMS is one of their most effective outreach programs. Through GEMS, girls experience the love of Jesus. How can churches ensure that that same loving, welcoming experience is extended to their families on a Sunday morning or at other church functions? Together, we’ll consider what Jesus means in Luke 10 when he sends out the disciples as guests into their communities and how that experience taught the disciples to be welcoming hosts. You will walk away with practical ideas for how your congregation can be welcoming to GEMS girls and their families who are new to the church.
Title: Reaching Girls Beyond the Church
Speaker: Debra Liccar and Sue Harkema
When: April 1, 12:00 PM ET
Description:
We often think of GEMS as a church-based ministry, but in recent years, GEMS clubs hosted in community centers and public schools have seen incredible growth and impact. More than ever, girls outside of the church need to hear the truth of God’s love—and GEMS leaders are stepping in to meet them where they are.
In this workshop, Debra Liccar and Sue Harkema will share their firsthand experiences leading GEMS in non-traditional settings. With nearly three decades of GEMS leadership, Debra has pioneered clubs beyond church walls, currently leading three thriving community-based groups. Sue, as Education Director at Streams Community Center, has seen remarkable results since launching a GEMS club for girls in an underserved neighborhood.
Come learn practical insights, best practices, and be inspired by how GEMS clubs are reaching girls in schools, community centers, and beyond. The need is great—let’s rise to meet it!
Title: Empowering Girls: Understanding and Supporting Learning Disabilities
Speaker: Betty DeWeerd
When: April 8, 12:00 PM ET
Description:
Do you have girls that struggle in your club to participate well? They are reluctant to read aloud, avoid beginning badge work or struggle to complete a badge once they have started. Or do they display disruptive behavior? These behaviors could all be the result of learning disabilities or issues with literacy skills. In this webinar, Betty DeWeerd, Educational Therapist, will give you the skills, strategies and practical tools for these girls to be successful, grow their confidence and embrace their potential.
On-Demand Webinars
Title: Living the Word: How to Memorize Scripture with Purpose
Speaker: Rochelle Visser
Recording available on ReFresh
Description:
As believers, we rely on God’s Word to remind us of His truth and goodness. But let’s face it—memorizing scripture isn’t always easy, and we don’t always have a Bible handy when we need it most.
That’s why we’re excited to invite you to an interactive webinar with Rochelle Visser, where she’ll share a simple, step-by-step process for creating tunes and motions to memorize God’s Word. Find out more on ReFresh.
Title: Watercolor & Worship: Embracing Creativity and Loving God’s Word
Speaker: Bethany Norris
Recording available on ReFresh
Description:
There is more than one way to worship God. While singing is a beautiful form of worship, others might find journaling or hiking in God’s creation a meaningful way to worship.
Through this inspiring webinar, Bethany Norris will explain a theology of worship and introduce watercolor as a creative way of worship. Find out more on ReFresh.
Title: Beyond GEMS Sunday: Inspiring Church Support for GEMS
Speaker: Pastor Heather Dood
Recording available on ReFresh
Description:
Have you ever wished your congregation understood the true impact of your GEMS Club? While GEMS Sundays are a great way to showcase the ministry, not every church has the opportunity to host one. Find out more on ReFresh.
Title: Belonging for Every Girl: Leading with Love Across Abilities
Speaker: Victoria (Tory) White
Recording available on ReFresh
Description:
This webinar is designed to equip you to welcome girls of all abilities with confidence and compassion. Find out more on ReFresh.
Title: From Diversity to Unity: Building Hospitable GEMS Clubs
Speaker: Kaylyn Unterkofler
Recording available on ReFresh
Description:
Join us for this essential conversation on curiosity, sensitivity, and biblical inclusivity. This webinar will explore practical ways to lead each delightfully unique girl in GEMS with love and grace! Find out more on ReFresh.
Title: Walking with Hurting Girls: Leading Them Toward Healing and Wholeness
Speaker: Kayla Smith
Recording available on ReFresh
Description:
Today’s girls face overwhelming challenges, including abuse, neglect, divorce, lockdowns, social isolation, and civil unrest. These difficulties have led to a rise in childhood trauma, making it more important than ever for GEMS leaders to understand how to help. Find out more on ReFresh.