Lasting Impact: Natalie Runion’s Inspiration for the Women of IPHC
Many women were positively impacted in September while attending the Women’s Ministries Women’s Leadership Gathering in North Carolina. It was an honor to have Natalie Runion, pastor, mother, wife, and author of Raised to Stay as the guest speaker.
Natalie’s messages throughout the weekend were insightful and authentic. Brenda Grasty, of Cornerstone Conference, understands the hardships women face because of her prior work serving as the Women’s Ministry Director of Cornerstone Conference and on the General Women’s Ministry Board for many years. She currently attends Harvest Church in Hudson, NC, where she serves 
on the Praise Team playing keys and on vocals, and as an IPHC Ordained Minister, fills in as needed for preaching, Sunday School teacher, or Wednesday night bible study teacher.
She shares what touched her most, and we hope it impacts readers as well.
Although the entire gathering was good, the most impactful ministry to me was from our speaker, Natalie Runion (her black boxes are awesome). The subject matter, church hurt (which is really people hurt), has been felt by many, in fact, I would say the majority, so the impact of her ministry is widely felt.
Why?
Because many Christians (church people) who feel they are being spiritual and helpful, fail to realize the spiritual maturity level of some. Therefore, words and actions, even if meant to help someone grow, can actually cause hurt and harm spiritual maturity.
We all feel the impact of this realization, but if the situation changes, it must happen within our own hearts. Those who are hurting need to realize this and be more loving, but at the same time, those who have been hurt must move forward, casting off condemning spirits or cutting remarks, because you cannot live in a place of hurt forever. Don't dwell there! God means for us to live abundant, full, overflowing lives.
As far as risks are concerned, every day is a new challenge, and we are all at risk of mismanaging this NOW generation to the point of failure at discipleship. We must relate with open minds, adapt but not compromise, come alongside new ideas and methods, so we don't lose the generation we are preparing to assume our positions of ministry.
Women in Ministry are vitally important as the adhesive and compassionate force binding the family, the church, and specific groups together to serve the Lord. As women serve alongside each other, young and old, with open-mindedness and willingness to hear and initiate new methods in ministry, all are impacted.
Women are crucial to the forward movement of the church and growing God’s kingdom. Brenda is not the only one who was touched by this special event, and we look forward to sharing more with you!
