Rooted

Summit Women's Conference

Feb. 28–March 1, 2025

SWC is a biennial event where women from every Summit campus come together to study God's Word, worship, and fellowship. In 2025, we'll gather on Feb. 28 and March 1 to hear teaching from Melissa Kruger, along with our own Summit women, Erin Piner and Elaini Arevalo.

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Conference Schedule

Friday, Feb. 28

2:00 p.m.
Early Check-in
3:00 p.m.
Pre-conference Breakout 1
4:00 p.m.
Break
4:30 p.m.
Pre-conference Breakout 2
5:30 p.m.
Dinner (pre-paid for those attending breakout sessions)
6:00 p.m.
Check-in / Lobby Doors Open
6:40 p.m.
Auditorium Doors Open
7:00 p.m.
Opening Session
9:00 p.m.
End of Day 1

Saturday, March 1

7:20 a.m.
Lobby Doors Open
8:00 a.m.
Auditorium Doors Open
8:30 a.m.
Main Session 1
9:30 a.m.
Group 1 / Break
10:00 a.m.
Group 2 / Break
10:50 a.m.
Main Session 2
12:00 p.m.
End of Conference

REGISTER TODAY!

Registration will close once our capacity has been reached.

SOLD OUT!

Early Bird

$59

Registration will close once our Early Bird capacity has been reached.

Register

Standard Rate

$69

Registration will close once our capacity has been reached.

Register

Interested in Volunteering?

If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up below for either guest services or environments. If you choose to serve only one day and attend the conference the other day, you will need to pay full price. All volunteers have the option to purchase a conference T-shirt, but if you are serving in guest services or environments during the conference, you will receive one for free (pre-conference environments team volunteers will receive a free tote bag). Men are welcome and encouraged to serve!

Sign Up Today!

Conference Speakers

Vice President of Discipleship Programming

Melissa Kruger

Melissa is vice president of discipleship programming at The Gospel Coalition and author of multiple books, including Growing Together, Walking with God in the Season of Motherhood, Parenting with Hope, and the popular children’s book Wherever You Go, I Want You to Know. Her husband, Mike, is the president of Reformed Theological Seminary, and they are the parents of three adult children in Charlotte, North Carolina. You can find her online at melissabkruger.com, on Instagram, or on Facebook.
Summit Kids Director / Fuquay-Varina Campus

Elaini Arevalo

Elaini currently serves as the kids director at our Fuquay-Varina campus. She is a former educator who is passionate about using her love for the arts, education, and storytelling to teach the Word of God. Elaini believes in creating safe and engaging spaces to equip believers to share the gospel.
Bible Teacher

Erin Piner

Erin is passionate about three things: handling the Word of God rightly, teaching women to do the same, and enjoying Bojangles. She spent over six years as an international missionary in Asia, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Biblical Exposition—a fancy term for Bible teaching. At the Summit, Erin serves as one of the Capital Hills campus Bible teachers and a Teaching Track instructor.

Breakout Sessions

Purpose in Parenting: Moving Past Trends and Distractions

3:00–4:00 p.m. in Elementary B

Description:
In this breakout, we’ll step back and take a look at the purpose God gives for parenting. We’ll see how to look past parenting influencers and trendy solutions to what really matters. We’ll see that God’s Word is our necessary and final guide to parenting, as God works in our children and in our own hearts.

Breakout Speaker: Megan Dickerson

Megan loves to teach women to study the Bible and grow in their relationship with Jesus. She wants everyone to know they can come to the Word with confidence. She and her husband, Drew, love good coffee and being with their four amazing kids.

Your Gifts, God's Story

3:00–4:00 p.m. in Flex A

Description:
Explore what the Bible says about your gifts, your calling, and how they fit into God's story. Whether you're seeking to discover your gifts or to learn how to use them as part of God's mission, this session will provide practical questions and reflection to help you determine your next steps.

Breakout Speaker: Mary Beth Dalton

Mary Beth is a wife, a mom of two, and serves as the programming director at The Summit Church. She holds a master of arts degree in ministry to women from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She has a deep love for the Arkansas Razorbacks, never leaves the house without a Diet Coke, and is an avid knitter.

Él Me Hará Descansar: Llevando mi Temor y Ansiedad a los Pies de Cristo (Español Solamente)

3:00–4:00 p.m. in Elementary A 

Description:
Solemos querer controlar cada aspecto de nuestra vidas por temores y preocupaciones que llevamos en lo profundo de nuestro corazón, muchas veces en silencio. Al darnos cuenta que no podemos controlar nuestro entorno, el estrés se manifiesta de varias formas en nuestros cuerpos. Una de estas manifestaciones es la ansiedad.

En esta sesión, aprenderás sobre los efectos negativos de una mente ansiosa en tu vida física, emocional y espiritual. Exploraremos juntas como Cristo te acompaña en tu ansiedad y te invita a cambiar el control por confianza en Su poder para hacerte ver tu vida desde Su perspectiva, y traer descanso y alivio en tiempos de incertidumbre y temor.

Breakout Speakers: Yicell de Ortiz

Yicell es miembro de la iglesia de Summit en Español en Raleigh, Carolina del Norte. Estudió psicología clínica, realizó un diplomado en discipulado femenino, y tiene un certificado en consejería bíblica. Ella colabora escribiendo para el ministerio de Lifeway Mujeres. Disfruta pasar tiempo con su esposo, Jehiel, y sus dos hijos, y le gusta compartir con las mujeres sobre Cristo en la vida cotidiana.

The Secret of the Easy Yoke: Spiritual Disciplines and a Rule of Life

3:00–4:00 p.m. in Preschool Worship

Description:
Christian philosopher Dallas Willard once said, “We can become like Christ by doing one thing—by following him in the overall style of life he chose for himself. If we have faith in Christ, we must believe that he knew how to live.” Come and explore how to be an apprentice of Jesus by practicing the types of things he did that kept him constantly at home in the fellowship of his Father. We will look at some of the spiritual disciplines and how to establish the easy yoke of a "rule of life."

Breakout Speaker: Sandy Manos

Sandy was a middle and high school counselor for 30 years, and is now a full-time apprentice to Jesus for eternity.  She is a Pennsylvania native who was married to superhero John Manos for almost 40 years, before he went to heaven. She is mother to Stephanie Manos Ehlers (also a superhero) and grandmother to three extraordinary granddaughters.  Her passion is to see God more clearly, follow him more nearly, love him more dearly, and help others to do the same. Sandy is a lover of Jesus, the Bible, family, friends, women in prison, reading, learning, tennis, hiking, biking, creating art, baking (and eating it), gardening, music, singing, dancing, and a cappuccino with perfectly thick micro-foam.  Come on over sometime and I will make one for you—the door is always open.

The Secret to Marriage

3:00–4:00 p.m. in Students B

Description:
Diving into Ephesians 5, we will explore the picture of marriage and how it points each of us to the saving work of Christ. Through this lens, we are able to defeat the most common enemy in marriage—self-centeredness—and see ways we can love our husbands the way Christ has loved us. Not only will these truths point us and our spouses to the good news of the gospel, but they will also remind us that even in the best of marriages, Christ is the only one who can fully satisfy our longings and the only one who will always fulfill his promises.

Breakout Speaker: Allie Snyder

Allie is the associate campus director of women’s discipleship at Capital Hills and has a heart for all to know the grace and truth that comes with surrendering your life to Christ. She yearns for everyone to experience the freedom of the gospel in their own lives. You can usually find her enjoying time with her husband and three boys, drinking an iced coffee, or trying to get work done alongside the best (and most entertaining) Capital Hills staff family.

Ethnic Unity in the Church

3:00–4:00 p.m. in Flex B

Description:
The beauty of God’s kingdom is reflected in its diversity. This session will delve into the biblical call for ethnic unity within the church, addressing the challenges and opportunities that come with building a truly united community. We will explore how to celebrate our differences while standing united in Christ, fostering an environment where every voice is heard and valued.

Breakout Speaker: Janetta Oni

Janetta Oni is the Creative Arts Director and Central Worship Leader at The Summit Church in Raleigh/Durham, NC, bringing 15 years of experience in diverse church services. As Pastor Ade’s wife and a mother of three, she deeply values her family and church community. Janetta holds a master’s in Human Services Counseling with a focus on Christian Ministries and is currently pursuing an EdD in Christian Leadership. She is the author of Toxic Church: How to Recognize—and Overcome—Burnout and Unhealthy Staff Culture, engaging in vital discussions on burnout, racial unity, church leadership, and mental health. Her priorities are her family, reading, becoming a better musician, and above all, walking with the Lord. Known for blending humor and wisdom, Janetta aims to equip ministers of the Gospel with tools to remain holy and healthy.

A Story of Relational Discipleship over a Decade

Two Sessions: 3:00–4:00 p.m. and 4:30–5:30 p.m. in Students A 

Description:
Come hear a story of friendship across seasons of life and even continents. Lizzy and Lauren have navigated seasons of big life transitions, online dating, suffering, and more. Come and catch the vision for discipleship relationships being sustained and fruitful in a transient world.

Breakout Speakers: Lizzy Bruce and Lauren Turner

Lizzy is currently the guest services director and women's discipleship coordinator for Summit's Downtown Durham campus. She is a Summit College alum and graduated from NC State in 2016. After college she served overseas in Eastern Europe. She can be found most days in Durham, chasing her young daughter or losing track of time in a discussion about racial reconciliation, barefoot shoes, or her latest research deep dive.

Lauren has a passion for spiritual formation and tools for intentional growth. She loves helping others align their everyday habits, practices, thinking patterns, and self-assessment with their theology—their belief and understanding of who God is and what his plan is for us.  People are her hobby, from working as a biblical counselor to running a small business to spending time with her immediate family and church family. Her husband, Dave, has been a pastor at The Summit Church for 14 years. They are raising four kids that keep them equal parts happy and humble.

Sharing the Burden: How to Offer Support to Individuals Experiencing Mental Health and Life Difficulties

Two Sessions: 3:00–4:00 p.m. and 4:30–5:30 p.m. in the Annex 

Description:
During the breakout session, Dr. Rainer will share how to compassionately walk alongside individuals struggling with difficult life circumstances or mental health issues. Through Scripture, Dr. Rainer will help you gain a better understanding of mental health issues. She will provide practical ways to offer support to others, as well as provide clarity on when mental health issues and life struggles need professional care.

Breakout Speaker: Sarah Rainer

Dr. Sarah Rainer is the founder and owner of Raleigh Kids. She received her masters and doctorate degrees in clinical psychology, and is a licensed psychologist. She specializes in counseling services with kids, families, parents, and adult women. She has also been a podcast guest, writer, and speaker for various Christian organizations. She and her husband were the hosts of the Parenting & Pennies podcast with Christian Parenting network.  Dr. Rainer has been married for 18 years and has three children of her own.

When Prayer and Bible Study Feel "Meh"

4:30–5:30 p.m. in Elementary B

Description:
Are you faithfully attending Bible study and small groups, trying to pray, but still feeling dry or unchanged?  Do you feel like you’re missing the life of peace, joy, and light burden that Jesus talks about in His Word?  Come to learn and then practice how contemplative Spiritual Disciplines can foster the greater intimacy and depth you've longed for in your walk with Jesus.

Breakout Speaker: Wendy Simmons

Wendy is the Associate Director of JourneyMates—a locally accessible Christian soul care and spiritual formation ministry, that is designed to open time and space for Christians to simply be with God, and to notice and respond to God’s presence and invitation within and around them.  She has worked in full-time ministry as well, in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors.  Her husband, Daniel, is the Executive Pastor of Campuses and Discipleship at the Summit Church, and they have three energetic teens.  Wendy is pursuing her Master's degree in Counseling, as she is deeply passionate about seeing the church pursue an integrated life full of spiritual and emotional health.

Demystifying the Holy Spirit

4:30–5:30 p.m. in Preschool Worship

Description:
For many of us, the Holy Spirit and his work may seem mysterious. We know we’re supposed to believe in him, but we aren’t quite sure who he is or why that matters in our lives. In this breakout, we’ll spend some time de-mystifying the Holy Spirit to help you understand who he is, what he has to do with the gospel, and how to follow him to grow as a disciple of Jesus.

Breakout Speaker: Christy Thornton

Christy lives with a passion to behold Christ and be like him and lead others to do the same by growing in clarity of the gospel. She has partnered in training and equipping for discipleship with several seminaries, churches, and sending agencies like Cru, Malaysia Baptist Seminary, and Two Cities Church among others. As an author she has contributed to publications from Lifeway Women, The Gospel Coalition, and Christianity Today, as well as various academic books and articles. She lives in Wake Forest, North Carolina, with her dog Banjo, and serves as director of discipleship content at The Summit Church.

Wait, What?

4:30–5:30 p.m. in Flex A

Description:
Waiting for healing. Waiting for a spouse. Waiting to grow your family. Waiting to see a friend or family member finally follow Jesus. All of us find ourselves waiting, and sometimes we must wait much longer than we want to. What is God’s heart toward us while we wait? How does the gospel enrich our difficult seasons of waiting? In this breakout, we will explore the unique challenges and the unexpected joy of waiting well.

Breakout Speaker: Sidney McElroy

Sidney has attended Summit’s Blue Ridge campus for six years. She serves on her campus’s women’s discipleship team and as a small group leader and deacon. Sidney is a proud “Bible nerd” and is deeply passionate about equipping women to fall in love with their Bible, discern God’s voice in their lives, and share their faith authentically both in the church and in their communities. She works full-time as a speech-language pathologist, serving families of infants and toddlers all over Wake County. In her free time, she loves to go for a long walk with a good podcast to listen to, spend time with friends, or head to the gym for a spin or barre class.

Let the Word Speak: Tools for Engaging and Enjoying Scripture

4:30–5:30 p.m. in Flex B

Description:
Begin learning how to engage and teach the Bible effectively in this deep dive of Genesis 1–3, analyzing how ancient Hebrew literature is designed to communicate and what it reveals about God’s design for humanity and his solution for shame.


Breakout Speaker: Michal Rudolph

Michal is the women’s discipleship coordinator at the West Cary campus and helps run the Summit Women’s Teaching Track, a 12-week course on biblical exposition. She has deeply benefited from those who have invested in and challenged her, and loves partnering with others to grow in their love and understanding of the Word.

Wisdom with Social Media

4:30–5:30 p.m. in Students B

Description:
In a world where social media can shape our thoughts, influence our emotions, and even define our identities, it’s crucial to approach these platforms with discernment and wisdom. This session will explore practical ways to navigate the digital landscape, safeguard your heart and mind, and use social media as a tool for good, rather than a source of anxiety or division.

Breakout Speaker: Janetta Oni

Janetta is the creative arts director and central worship leader at The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, bringing 15 years of experience in diverse church services. As Pastor Ade’s wife and a mother of three, she deeply values her family and church community. Janetta holds a master’s in human services counseling with a focus on Christian ministries and is currently pursuing an EdD in Christian leadership. She is the author of Toxic Church: How to Recognize—and Overcome—Burnout and Unhealthy Staff Culture, which engages in vital discussions on burnout, racial unity, church leadership, and mental health. Her priorities are her family, reading, becoming a better musician, and above all, walking with the Lord. Known for blending humor and wisdom, Janetta aims to equip ministers of the gospel with tools to remain holy and healthy.

“Más Cerca que Una Hermana”: Cultivando Amistades Sanas que Perduran (Español Solamente)

4:30–5:30 p.m. in Elementary A 

Description:
“Yo quiero tener un millón de amigos” dice una famosa canción, pero sabemos que cultivar una amistad que perdure en el tiempo es un verdadero desafío. A veces una perspectiva incorrecta de la amistad o expectativas inalcanzables acerca de los demás, nos llevan a tener relaciones que terminan en decepción y soledad.

En esta sesión, conversaremos como patrones, conductas y necesidades no satisfechas en nuestras vidas pueden llevarnos a crear lazos no saludables. También aprenderemos acerca de cómo cultivar amistades sanas entre mujeres es una necesidad, porque la amistad es un regalo de Dios quien nos enseña con Su ejemplo lo que es un verdadero amigo.

Breakout Speakers: Betsy Divers Gómez y Virmely Hernández

Betsy tiene el gozo de servir al Señor como coordinadora de discipulado de mujeres en Summit en Español en Raleigh, Carolina del Norte. También sirve como directora de educación y servicios de apoyo al cliente en JusticeMatters, Inc. en Durham, donde vive con su esposo, Chris, y su maravilla canina, Sienna. Nacida en Argentina a padres de Virginia y Carolina del Norte, se crió hablando dos idiomas y abrazando la vida entre culturas. Le encanta una buena aventura culinaria o viajera, y encuentra que su corazón en más paz está cuando es partícipe de conversaciones significativas—o silencios contemplativos—que la apuntan a la llenura de Dios y Su palabra. 

Virmely conoció a Jesús a sus 21 años y hoy sirve junto a su esposo Juan en Summit en Español en Raleigh, Carolina del Norte. Ella es médico psiquiatra venezolana y actualmente estudia una maestría en estudios cristianos en el Seminario Teológico Bautista del Sudeste (SEBTS, por sus siglas en inglés). Algo que le encanta hacer es compartir con otras mujeres sobre las verdades y el amor del Señor y también acerca de los estigmas de la salud mental.

Frequently Asked Questions

Upon arrival at the Capital Hills campus, our parking team will greet you and direct you where to park. We are expecting a large crowd, so please carpool if at all possible!
We will have two options to serve: environments and guest services.
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept walk-up registrations.
Meals will only be provided for those who sign up for our breakout sessions. Light snacks on Friday night along with breakfast and light snacks on Saturday, will be provided for all attendees.
No childcare will not be provided.
No, we cannot offer refunds for conference registrations, breakout sessions, tote bags or T-shirts. You can return your ticket to us to give to someone on the waitlist, or you can transfer your ticket to someone you know. If you need to return or transfer your ticket, please fill out this form here. If transferring, you will need the name of the person you want to send it to and their email. While we would like to honor every request, once tickets are purchased, we can’t make changes to breakout sessions and meal choices. This also applies to transferred tickets. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
All seats in the auditorium are general seating. Groups are encouraged to meet in the lobby prior to entering the auditorium.
If the conference sells out before you are able to get a ticket, you are welcome to join our waitlist. Waitlist participants are not guaranteed a ticket; tickets will be given out as they become available. You can also check your campus’s Facebook group to find women who are looking to transfer their tickets and coordinate with them directly, rather than joining the waitlist. You can find information on transferring tickets in the registration FAQ above.