The James River Church’s Designed for Life Women’s Conference is a powerful annual gathering that brings together women from all over the world to unite them in one purpose. Unique in its vision, the Women’s Conference celebrates all types of women as they unite together in sisterhood.
This article explores the history of the Designed for Life Women’s Conference, Designed Sisterhood, and the special benefits the conference provides to women in attendance.
History of the Women’s Conference
First started in 2004 by Pastor Debbie Lindell of James River Church, the Designed for Life Women’s Conference is a movement that stretches far outside of the church. It’s an event about empowering women and offering them a deep sense of connection.
Pastor Debbie created the Women’s Conference after attending the Colour Women’s Conference in Sydney, Australia, where the incredible unity of the women inspired her to bring this powerful reality back home to the United States. Soon after, she also launched Designed Sisterhood, a beautiful program that brings together women from around the world of all ages and seasons of life.
After Designed for Life’s inaugural event in 2004, both Designed Sisterhood, the movement of women that extend beyond the conference event, and the Women’s Conference quickly grew in impact. In 2014, the conference moved to Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield, Missouri, with its nearly 10,000-seat capacity, where it welcomes women from all across the world.
The Conference Experience & Sisterhood Nights
Designed Sisterhood and the DFL Women’s Conference are all about connection. Women gather in safe, warm settings to experience a deep sense of community, sisterhood, and teaching. And while worship and prayer are certainly large aspects of the experience, many women involved in the Designed Sisterhood join knowing they will find a place to be with their sisters and feel like they belong.
For instance, James River Church and Designed for Life work in collaboration to bring a number of special guests to the Women’s Conference. Guests range in their expertise, but their main goal is to provide uplifting, life-changing messages. On top of that, the Women’s Conference brings a beautiful online experience for anyone who can’t attend in person. Over the years, all 50 states and over 64 countries have been represented at the conference by attendees.
The spirit of encouraging women doesn’t end after the conference, either. Designed Sisterhood and James River Church also organize Sisterhood Nights throughout the year. These nights serve almost as mini-conferences, spreading faith and power to all women able to attend.
2025 Women’s Conference and Sisterhood Nights
The Designed for Life 2025 Women’s Conference is already open for registration. It’s sure to be another inspiring gathering for all women who attend.
The conference will take place the weekend of October 9–11, 2025, at Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield, Missouri. For women unable to attend, Designed for Life will also be offering an online experience that includes access to every session and a special conference gift package.
The 2025 Sisterhood Nights are FREE and all are invited to attend! The next Designed Sisterhood Nights will take place on February 25 and July 11, 2025, at James River Church South Campus, Joplin Campus, and online!
To learn more about the 2025 Women’s Conference and to register, visit https://designedforlife.org.
About James River Church
James River Church, serving over 16,000 attendees weekly, is a Pentecostal church with four locations in southwest Missouri and a growing online community. Known for its passionate worship and engaging children’s and youth programs, JRC is dedicated to reaching people with the Gospel, global missions, and community outreach through initiatives like Cherish Kids and James River Charities.
