Lead Bold began in a parking lot with a “what if” conversation among three female pastors who saw a distinct need for a space for women in ministry leadership. What started as an idea quickly gained momentum, with CrossWinds Church resourcing the inaugural Lead Bold Conference in 2019, where 250 leaders came together to be refueled, revived and refocused. It was clear even then that Lead Bold was more than just a conference; it was becoming a community.

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Our heart has always been to empower women in ministry to live out God's call through their unique gifts and strengths. Over eight conferences, we witnessed beautiful fruit from this community! After the pandemic, we launched cohorts as a more intimate gathering to complement our conference experience, and we felt a strong pull to focus those cohorts specifically toward pastors. 

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This focus is deeply personal for our Executive Director, Andrea Coli, who like many navigated a path in church leadership where women faced limits. Through countless conversations with women pastors, Andrea and our Lead Bold Board recognized the unique challenges faced by women in vocational church leadership. 

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Paying close attention to God's invitation, Lead Bold pivoted its mission and vision to solely focus on women pastors. We sensed God urging us to fully commit to activating and supporting these leaders. This led us to re-envisioning our offerings to provide curated, in-person gatherings and intentional experiences that foster a relational space for these pastors. We are committed to galvanizing and multiplying the vital contributions women pastors are making within the church today.