Strong Woman Conference at Five Lakes Church
The Strong Woman Conference on July 19, 2025, at Five Lakes Church in Sylvania, OH, is an empowering, full-day event for women ready to step into the strength God has already placed within them. In a culture that often underestimates women, God is calling you to walk boldly in the purpose He’s designed for you. This conference will help you tap into that strength, drawing inspiration from Scripture and the stories of five remarkable women: Mary, Ruth, the woman with the issue of blood, Abigail, and Deborah.
Rise with Strength. Stand in Truth. Walk in Power.
What to Expect
This isn’t just another women’s event. It’s an invitation to rediscover the strength God has already placed within you. In a culture that often underestimates women or pushes them to prove themselves, God is calling you to walk boldly in the purpose He’s designed for you.
At this conference, we’ll open the pages of Scripture and the stories of five remarkable women—Mary, Ruth, the woman with the issue of blood, Abigail, and Deborah. Each one models a different kind of strength: the strength to surrender, stay, press through, speak wisely, and lead courageously.
You’ll find clarity, confidence, and connection. You’ll be reminded that your strength isn’t measured by volume or visibility, but by your faith and your willingness to follow God wherever He leads.
You don’t need a title to carry a mantle. You don’t need permission to lead. You just need to step into what God has already equipped you for.
Bring your friends. Bring your faith. Step into your strength.
Whether you’re a young woman finding your way or a seasoned woman seeking renewed purpose, you’ll leave this conference encouraged, empowered, and ready to walk in the strength God has equipped you with.
Why Attend:
Rediscover your God-given strength
Gain confidence to lead and influence with grace
Connect with other women in a supportive community
Be inspired by the stories of biblical women who modeled strength in different ways
Don’t miss this chance to connect with other women and rediscover your strength in Christ. Register now to save your spot!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Strong Woman Conference is for women who want to rediscover the strength God has placed within them and walk boldly in their God-given purpose.
The conference will feature inspiring speakers, powerful worship sessions, and food trucks for a full day of connection, growth, and strength.
Event Schedule
8:00am | Doors Open:
Registration Check-In + Light breakfast
9am | Conference Begins
Worship
Session 1 & Session 2
11:00am | Lunch
Food Trucks meal included in registration
12:30pm | Session 3-5
3:30pm | Conference Ends
Yes, registration is required. Be sure to sign up early to secure your spot.
Yes! We offer a safe, engaging kids’ environments for ages 5 and under. Select the childcare add-on when you register.
Absolutely! We encourage you to bring friends, family members, or anyone you think would benefit from this event.
Please visit the registration page for detailed pricing and early-bird discounts.
No, this will be an on-site only event and will not be streamed or recorded.
Meet Our Speakers
Bonnie Mahnke
Bonnie and her husband Mike have been married for 28 years and have two children, Michaela, 26, and Josiah, 25.
Bonnie studied Human Services at Northwest State Community College, and Ministerial studies at Epic Bible College in Sacramento California. Her love for people and desire to see them walk in the freedom of Christ has been the cornerstone of her life; She has worked with pregnant mothers in crisis as the Client Services Manager at Alternatives Pregnancy Center, as well as with children and families in her role as Administrative Assistant at Capital Christian Elementary, both in Sacramento, CA. Bonnie was the Director at Rebekah’s Haven, our shelter for single moms with small children from 2021 until being named as Executive Director in 2023. As a licensed minister in the state of Ohio, Bonnie’s passion for the Word of God and seeing lives changed through the truths of its pages defines her approach to ministry and beyond. She has a deep desire to see people give their lives to Jesus Christ and experience His redemptive love.
Betty Bassett
Betty is the heart and hustle behind community outreach at Five Lakes Church, where she’s always finding new ways to bring people together and spread some serious positivity. When she’s not coordinating events or dreaming up ways to serve the community, you’ll find her deeply involved with local organizations — she’s a past-president of the Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce and a proud regional leader for Fia Toledo North, empowering women and sparking change across the region.
Betty’s married to her best friend, Jim, and they’re the proud parents of two amazing kids and three adorable grandkids who keep life full of love and laughter. She’s also an outdoors enthusiast — gardening, hiking, and running are her therapy. Whether she’s planting seeds in her garden or in her community, Betty brings energy, kindness, and a whole lot of heart to everything she does.
Lindsey Payne
A devoted wife and proud mom of two, she is a passionate clinical mental health therapist with a heart for service and over 2 decades of experience in ministry. Since the age of 17, she has faithfully served in various roles including worship leader, administrative support, and student ministries, bringing both compassion and leadership to every area she touches. When she’s not supporting others through her therapeutic work or ministry, she finds joy in vacationing with her family, sipping bubble tea, baking and decorating sweet treats, and indulging in the occasional spa day to recharge and relax.
Kennedy Jewett
Kennedy serves as Five Lakes’ Student Ministry Assistant and Manager of Chandler Cafe in downtown Sylvania. She graduated from Cedarville University in 2020 with a BA in Christian Education & Youth Ministry, then later earned a MA in the same field from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She’s originally from Indiana, but moved here 4 years ago to marry her husband, Dan. Some of her favorite things include reading/writing, being outdoors, cold brew, beating Dan at Scrabble, and snuggling with their dog, Toad!
Paula Ballmer
Paula and her husband Jeff have been married for 55 years. For the past 25 years, they’ve been blessed to call Five Lakes Church their home church. They are the proud parents of two adult children, both married to wonderful spouses, and the delighted grandparents of four incredible grandchildren.
Together, Paula and Jeff lead a Sunday morning Bible study group and have loved serving in various areas of the church. Paula is currently involved in Kids Ministry, visiting shut-ins, and participating in the church’s prayer partner ministry. A believer for many years, she has a deep love for God’s Word and has served as a group leader with Bible Study Fellowship for nearly three decades.
She is both excited and humbled to be part of the Strong Woman Conference, where she will be sharing about the life and legacy of Abigail.