Former Louisiana women’s leader Cindy Townsend has been tapped as guest speaker for the inaugural meeting of a statewide group for women in vocational ministry. Others are invited to join her next October on a cruise.
ALEXANDRIA – Former Louisiana women’s leader Cindy Townsend has been tapped as guest speaker for the inaugural meeting of a statewide group for women in vocational ministry. Others are invited to join her next October on a cruise.
The vocational women’s event is set for 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12, at Emmanuel Baptist in Alexandria, which is providing the space at no cost.
“We are so excited to have a woman with Cindy’s 25 years in ministry come to kick off this group,” said Andrea McKenzie, lead organizer with five others of the as-yet-unnamed organization being designed to provide mentoring, fellowship and accountability for women in Louisiana serving or wanting to serve in vocational ministry – music ministers, children’s ministers, youth ministers, elder care ministers, hospital/hospice/prison/corporate chaplains and the like.
“Cindy is well-known, respected and admired across the state,” McKenzie said. “Most of us have heard her speak already, and been blessed by her. She was just the perfect person to bring in as our speaker.”
Preacher’s kid Cindy Malone Townsend, now of Temple, Texas, was born again at age 7, and called to vocational ministry at age 13. Today a writer, inspirational speaker and conference leader, and associate director of Hope for the Hungry, her background includes four years as director of women’s missions and ministry for the Louisiana Baptist Convention, seven years as minister of discipleship and students at Highland Colony Baptist Church in Ridgeland, Miss., and 10 years as student minister at First Baptist Church of Jackson, Miss.
She is married to William R. Townsend Jr., vice president of external relations at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor in Belton, Texas. They have two children: Taylor Jean is 14; William Rex III is 12.
Townsend is working on a doctoral degree at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, where she earned a master’s degree in Christian Education. She previously had earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education at Mississippi College in Clinton, Miss.
“A big part of my heart is in Louisiana,” Townsend said. “I love the people and the wonderful Baptist ministries throughout the state. What a joy to have the opportunity to encourage women who have been called to minister in the name of Christ. Our time together will be very personal, practical, and meaningful.
“Women called to vocational ministry have a unique opportunity to bring something different – yet vital – to the ministry table,” Townsend continued. “We must respond to the call God has placed upon our lives and follow Him in complete obedience. Keeping an eternal perspective along our ministry journey will compel us to minister with excellence, serve in humility, and work as unto the Lord.”
While the Nov. 12 meeting is specifically for women called to vocational ministry, all Louisiana women are invited to join Cindy on a Christian women’s cruise from Galveston, Texas, to Cozumel, Mexico, Oct. 13-18, 2008. For more information see www.gowithholidaytravel.com.
The three-hour afternoon session of the vocational women’s group is to include in addition to a major address by Townsend, discussion about the parameters and purview of the group, election of officers, determination of the spring meeting, and perhaps selection of a name.
“We want to involve women – student, active, retired, full-time, part-time, paid, non-paid – whatever stage you are in your calling,” said McKenzie, who ministers as director of institutional research and institutional effectiveness at Louisiana College. She is quick to add that she is leading in starting the vocational women’s group as an individual; it is unconnected with LC.
“As we embark on this new venture, I think about the students I meet every day at Louisiana College, and remember what it was like when I was a student at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary – how Dr. Jeanine C. Bozeman mentored me,” McKenzie said. “Her friendship, guidance and instruction have provided me with my basic philosophy of ministry. My desire is for every female in ministry to have a ‘Dr. Bozeman,’ and why not two or three?”
There will be no cost for the gathering, though a love offering will be taken to offset the expenses of setting up the organization.
For more information, contact McKenzie at tantepoche@juno.com.