Prevailing in Purpose
| In-Person ($65) | |
| Virtual ($40) |
- Registration for In Person $65 includes:
- 7th Anniversary Celebration-Bling, Brooches, & Brunch
- Attire: Bling with Jeans, Blinged-out shirts/blouses with pencil skirts. Shimmer and shine, put on a brooch and celebrate with us. Bling it, however, you choose to bring it!
- Mainstage speakers and breakout sessions
- Conference Signature Swag Bag Items
- 7th Anniversary Celebration-Bling, Brooches, & Brunch
- Registration for Virtual participation $40
- Mainstage speakers Only
- Conference Scripture Cards and Conference Gift Item mailed after conference.
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About the Conference: Prevailing in Purpose
Prevailing in Purpose is the 6th conference hosted by Prevailing Woman Ministries, Inc. since it was established April 26, 2018. This year our conference is being held on the actual date we were established seven years ago. Therefore, it is appropriate that we commemorate this milestone. Included is this ministry experience will be our 7th Anniversary Conference Celebration Brunch Theme: “Bling, Brooches, and Brunch.” Women are encouraged to “Bling Out” and wear a brooch. Your attire can be bling and jeans, a bling blouse or shirt with a pencil skirt, or shimmer and shine with a brooch. Ladies, “Bling It, however you want to Bring It.” We are here for it all.
The conference will feature speakers and ministry leaders locally and from across the country, who all have a passion for seeing God’s kingdom promises manifested in the lives of His people. For the first time, the conference will have breakout sessions on topics related to purpose. Topics featured at the conference are as follows:
Platforms of Purpose Panel Discussion:
Panelists include, Elder Macheita Adams, Reverend Kelda Cubit, and Reverend Sheknita Smith.
Platforms look differently for everyone and may not include a formal stage or ministry position. These established women of God will engage in a meaningful and necessary conversation about how to leverage the space that God has you in to fulfill His purpose and calling on your life.
Pushed into Purpose:
Speaker, Shantelle Leatherwood.
This session is open to any woman who desires inspiration and motivation to pursue their purpose with passion and zeal. Sometimes God uses circumstances to propel us into our purpose. Mrs. Leatherwood’s profound testimony along will encourage you because it tells a story of God’s faithfulness and her resilience amid numerous challenges. She knows what it is like to be comfortable in a job with no intentions of leaving at the time when she did until circumstances catapulted her into a new season and purpose for her life. She will minister to women from God’s Word about what it means and what lessons you can learn when God pushes you into purpose.
Finding Your Purpose:
Speaker, Cassandra Jackson.
This session is specifically tailored for women who are unsure and still searching for God’s purpose in their lives. As a seasoned counselor, Mrs. Jackson will utilize her expertise and wisdom from God’s Word to teach about how to find God’s purpose in your life. Oftentimes, we all have a sense but are afraid to take the steps to pursue it. It is never too late to discover who God has called you to be and do what He has called you to do.
Purposeful Ministry:
Speaker, Minister Jamie Christopher.
This session is exclusive to women who are in ministry or sense God’s calling into ministry. It is created to give women in ministry an opportunity to connect with other women in ministry, network, and dialogue about their journey. Min. Christopher’s heart for ministry and love for God’s Word will guide her as facilitates this session. Collectively, these women will share wisdom, insight, fellowship, and connect with likeminded women who have a passion for sharing Christ and representing the Kingdom of God here on earth. More importantly, we want women to walk away with the tools and resources to build a ministry profile that articulates their calling so that others know who they are and what God has called them to do.
Prevailing in Purpose:
Speaker, Dr. Samantha Wilson Murfree, and Conference Host.
Dr. Murfree will close out the conference with the conference theme message, which is all about having victory and overcoming every circumstance that hinders walking in and fulfilling your purpose. You will be encouraged to bold, discerning, undaunted, unwavering, resolved, strategic, and victorious.
Featured Conference Guests
Elder Macheita Adams
CEO, Safe Haven Accounting Services, LLC | Founder, Fame of Jesus Ministries, Inc.
Macheita Adams is a committed servant leader, CEO of Safe Haven Accounting Services, LLC, and the founder of Fame of Jesus Ministries, Inc. As a woman of faith and a passionate advocate for community empowerment, she combines her professional expertise with her calling in ministry to make a lasting impact.
Holding a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor in Accounting from Mercer University, along with an Associate of Science in Accounting from Central Georgia Technical College, Macheita is also certified in several professional areas. Her education, however, is only one aspect of her leadership. A graduate of the Urban Leadership Academy and the National American Leadership Society of Success, she uses these experiences to elevate others, particularly women and young people, both in business and in ministry.
In her faith journey, Macheita serves as an ordained Elder under the spiritual leadership of Drs. Carlton and Denise Walker of Bold As A Lion Word of Faith Training Center in Macon, GA. She is passionate about mentoring and empowering others in the church, encouraging them to embrace their God-given purpose and gifts.
Macheita is also deeply involved in her local community, serving on several boards: Executive Director of East Macon Federal Credit Union Subscribers, Board Member at First Choice Primary Health, and Board Treasurer for the Career Women’s Network. These roles allow her to integrate her faith with her desire to see transformative change in the lives of others.
One of her greatest blessings is her 25-year marriage to her husband, Tamayo Adams, and their three children—Jamarcus, Paris, and Emmanuel. Their family continues to grow, with the addition of their bright and energetic grandchildren, Kaia and Eben.
Macheita’s heart for ministry extends beyond the pulpit; she strives to be a living testimony of God’s goodness, walking by faith and empowering others to do the same. She is excited to share her journey with others of faith encouraging each participant to walk boldly in their purpose.
Minister Jamie Christopher
Minister Jamie Christopher is a graduate of Valdosta State University where she earned and Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a master’s degree in educational leadership. After 28 years in education she retired and began a career in financial planning. Today God has her working as a mortgage loan originator helping people become homeowners. She sees every journey God places her as an opportunity to minister. Minister Christopher is an active member of Beauland Bible Church where she serves in NexGen, Marriage and Relationships Ministry, Faith over Fifty and facilitates small group. She’s married to Johnny Christopher and together they have six children, 9 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.
Reverend Kelda Cubit
In 1984 Kelda began her speaking ministry in Roanoke, VA while serving as the Assistant Youth Director at First Baptist Church in Salem, VA. She shares the word of God in a creative and interactive way that involves her audience.
She is a member of Lizzie Chapel Baptist Church in Macon, GA where Rev. Ronald G. Toney is the Pastor. For 15 years she served as the Children and Youth Ministry Director- during that time she looked forward to teaching in Children’s Church. “There’s nothing like seeing a child’s face light up when they have that “Aha” moment.” Presently she serves as the Christian Education Director. The highlight of her week is ministering to women on Sunday morning during the Sunday School hour. Kelda is also employed by Lizzie Chapel Baptist Church as the Church Administrator.
In addition to the work of the church and ministry, Kelda is actively involved in community and civic organizations including – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Omega Omega Chapter, Macon, GA.
As a graduate member she has served in several roles including former chapter president, vice-president, membership chair, chaplain and presently serves as the assistant graduate advisor for the Mercer University Chapter.
Recognizing God’s call on her life, Kelda is a licensed and ordained Minister of the Gospel and is committed to feeding God’s sheep through teaching and preaching. She is married to Dea. Gregory Cubit and they have one young adult son, James-Gregory Cubit.
Education:
1992 -Master’s Degree in Humanities – Hollins College, Salem, VA
1988 – Bachelor’s degree in mass communications – Hampton University, Hampton, GA
1984 – – High School Diploma – Mount De Sales High School, Macon, GA.
Christian Leadership:
Certified Instructor through the Division of Christian Education of the Sunday School Publishing Board for the following classes:
- Creative Activities in Guiding Children
- Discovering your Spiritual Gifts
- Leadership in the Local Church
Certificate(s)/Accomplishments:
- Pastor’s Alternative for Teacher Certification- Sunday School Publishing Board
- Keys to Freedom Teaching Certification Class- An interactive discipleship study
- 2023 Graduate of Leadership Macon
- Spiritual First Aid – 1st Responder to Mental Health Crises
- Initiator of NAP– Navigate, Advocate, Pray- Ministry dedicated to helping & serving those who find themselves confused and lost in the maze of caring for loved ones.
- Advocacy for Parents of Children with Special Need
Mrs. Cassandra C. Jackson, MA, PPS
Cassandra C. Jackson has over 25 years of experience in counseling, higher education, non-profits, and human resources, empowering families, students, communities, and employees. She has served as a Counselor and Career Counselor at the University of Missouri-Columbia, a Counseling Supervisor at Temple University, and a therapist in the inner-city of Philadelphia. In human resources, she worked as a Human Manager at San Mateo County Community District and Director of Human Resources at Esperanza Health Center, a faith-based federally qualified health center.
Currently, she is a Guidance and College Counselor at a Catholic school in Mountain View, CA, assisting students with personal, academic, and college admissions guidance. Cassandra also worked as a Consultant for Bay Area Community Health Council developing curriculum and programming focusing on resilience and mental wellness; now she serves as a Program Manager for the African American Community Assessment Project, a project funded by the San Mateo County of Behavioral Services.
She holds a B.S. in Psychology from Xavier University, an M.A. in Educational Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and various certifications in counseling and HR management. She resides in San Leandro, CA, with her husband (Anthony) of 27 years and their three children, actively serving her church and community. She is a member of Resurrection Oakland Church, in Oakland, CA, where she serves as a leader of the Prayer Ministry and a community group leader. Cassandra is passionate about training, counseling, and developing impactful programs.
Mrs. Shantelle Leatherwood
Shantelle Leatherwood is the President/Owner of Leatherwood Coaching and Consulting (LC2). Shantelle has worked in health care for over thirty-three years with twenty-four of those years serving in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). During her time within the FQHC, Shantelle worked her way through the ranks from Administrative Assistant to Chief Executive Officer as she was driven by her desire to serve the least of these in the community to impact their lives. She gained extensive knowledge of all aspects of the organization from front-desk operations, customer service, billing and revenue cycle, FQHC compliance and quality, health center operational efficiency, new program development including health center expansion and service-line expansion, strategic planning, board oversight and governance, federal grants management, value-based health care implementation, outreach programming among other things. Under her leadership, the annual budget grew 63% and unique patient users grew over 20%. The organization also received 100% compliance on its Operational Site Visits twice under her leadership as the CEO.
Shantelle holds a Bachelor’s in Health Administration and Planning from Tennessee State University (1995) and a Master’s in Health Administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia (1997). She is also a Certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach. Shantelle has served on a number of Councils and Boards including the Tennessee Primary Care Association (TPCA) Board of Directors where she served as the Board Chair and the Executive Committee and the Christian Community Health Fellowship (CCHF) Board of Directors where she also served on the Executive Committee. She has received numerous honors including the 2009 George Washington, School of Public Health’s Geiger Gibson Emerging Leader award, was selected for the 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 Memphis Business Journal’s Power 100 List, selected as one of the 2021 Memphis Business Journal’s “Women Who Lead in Health Care”, selected as a 2022 City of Memphis Martin Luther King, Jr. Luminary Awardee and, in 2024, selected by the Memphis Grizzlies’ HBCU Empowerment Awardee.
Shantelle is married to Charles Leatherwood and has two children, Alexis (18) and Christopher (15). Currently, they are members of Bellevue Baptist Church where she is a member of the Choir.
Reverend Sheknita Smith
Sheknita Smith, a native of Macon-Bibb County, is the esteemed founder and CEO of The People’s Advocacy Group, Inc., a local non-profit dedicated to fostering civic engagement, promoting community accountability, defending citizens’ rights, and preserving cultural identity. Additionally, she owns Infinite Solutions and Consulting Services. Ms. Smith, a servant leader with over 20 years of combined experience in workforce development, social services, community engagement, and political advocacy, is highly sought after as a speaker, facilitator, and consultant in areas such as community organizing, racial equity, workforce development, leadership, professional growth, and women’s empowerment. Ms. Smith’s professional portfolio reflects strategic insight and transformative impact. Her distinguished service includes roles as congressional staff for U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock, workforce development executive director for Macon-Bibb County, Associate Vice President of Workforce Solutions for the Augusta Metro Chamber, and regional political director for Stacey Abrams’ gubernatorial campaign.
Ms. Smith holds a Bachelor of Social Science Degree from Mercer University and a Master of Divinity from Mercer’s McAfee School of Theology. She was honored with the 2020 Griffith Bell Award for Community Service, Mercer’s Highest Award of Achievement, and holds the distinction of being the first Georgian to complete a fellowship with the Aspen Institute’s year-long Sector Strategies Academy. Additionally, she is a graduate of the Leadership Macon class of 2015, Leadership Georgia class of 2024, and the Congressional Black Caucus Leadership Institute of 2018. Ms. Smith has also earned a certification in Race, Equity, and Leadership from Harvard University. Active in her community, she serves on several boards, including as Chair of the East Macon Federal Credit Union Subscribers, a newly chartering low-income designated credit union. Ms. Smith is a licensed and ordained minister who serves as the Director of Ministry Operations and Community Engagement at Bibb Mt Zion Baptist Church under the visionary leadership of Pastor Paul Little II.
Ms. Smith has combined her passion, talent, and skills to inspire the lives of other through her personal testimony and mentorship (The Wisdom Circle). Her life’s mission is to improve the quality of life for those in her community through disrupting systems of oppression. Ms. Smith is the mother of five adult sons and nana to nine beautiful grandchildren.
Ministers Stephen and Gia Thornton
Ministers Stephen & Gia Thornton are a distinguished couple, divinely chosen to spearhead the Music Ministry. Their journey began many years ago, inspired by a shared passion for music and a deep, abiding faith. United in both matrimony and mission, they have dedicated their lives to serving through the power of song and worship.
Early Life and Background
Stephen and Gia were both raised in families, where the love for education, diverse forms of art & music was cultivated from a young age. Stephen, an accomplished pianist, found his calling in composing, arranging, teaching, and directing music. Gia, gifted with a beautiful voice, discovered her talent for both training artists in ministry and leading worship – inspiring congregations through song at a young age, through her parents’ example.
Ministry Beginnings
The Thorntons met in college while both working for a summer fine arts camp at Fort Valley State University.Their connection was instant as friends, and over time their relationship blossomed into something more. Recognizing their shared passions, love for God, and their unique yet complimentary personalities, their courtship eventually led to marriage, now working in music ministry together. Their unique blend of talents has garnered muchrecognition, allowing them to reach larger audiences and touch countless lives for Christ. To their blissful union, the have borne and are raising two beautiful and tenacious daughters: Eden Olivia Thornton, and Cadence Elizabeth Thornton.
Mission and Vision
The core of Stephen and Gia’s ministry is to bring people closer to God through music. They believe that music is a universal language that transcends barriers and speaks directly to the soul. Their vision is to create a holy and transformative worship atmosphere where everyone and anyone, can experience and encounter Jesus.
Achievements and Impact
Throughout their ministry, Stephen and Gia have written numerous songs yet to be released to the public, each reflecting their commitment to excellence and spiritual enrichment. Their ministry of music hasbeen instrumental in bringing healing and hope to many. Stephen and Gia continue to lead worship at their local church, Bibb-Mount Zion Baptist Church (Macon, GA) under the pastorate of Paul Little II,and travel internationally, conducting workshops and gatherings of Christ focused worship. Their dedication to their craft and faith shines brightly, making them beloved figures in the music ministry community. Through their unwavering devotion and exceptional talent, Ministers Stephen & Gia Thornton exemplify what it means to be true servants of God, using their gifts to make a meaningful impact in the world.
Dr. Samantha Wilson Murfree
CEO/Founder, Prevailing Woman Ministries, Inc. and Conference Host and Minister
The Founder – Prevailing Woman Ministries
Hotel Accommodations
Here are a few hotel options in the area closest to the venue. Out of town guests are welcome to stay at a hotel of their choosing. These listings are merely options to assist you with planning your visit to attend the conference. There is not an arranged conference rate with any of the hotels.
| Venue Address:
Lund Chapel Missionary Baptist Church |
Distance from the Venue |
| Homewood Suites1514 Bass RoadMacon, GA 31210(478) 477-9776 | 2.2 miles |
| Springhill Suites4630 Sheraton DrMacon, GA 31210(478) 803-9100 | 2.4 miles |
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites240 N Macon StMacon, Ga 31210(478) 812-8989 | 2.3 miles |
| Courtyard Marriott3990 Sheraton DrMacon, GA 31210(478) 477-8899 | 2.8 miles |
