DALLAS (BP) — At the Pastors’ Wives and Women in Ministry Conference on June 9, part of the 2025 Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) annual meeting, prominent speakers included Donna Gaines, wife of pastor Steve Gaines, and Gayle Rogers Foster, daughter of the late Adrian Rogers.
Kandi Gallaty, an author and wife of Tennessee pastor Robby Gallaty, facilitated a panel discussion addressing women’s roles in ministry and the challenges related to prayer for the lost, prodigals, marriages, and the church community.
The panel also featured notable guest speakers: Catherine Renfro, national director of women’s evangelism with the North American Mission Board; Leighann McCoy, author and podcaster; Missie Branch, speaker and author; and Elizabeth Luter, women’s ministry leader and spouse of New Orleans pastor Fred Luter Jr.
Reflections of Faith
During her address, Foster recounted a poignant memory from the 2005 SBC annual meeting, the last one she attended alongside her father. She vividly described witnessing a congregation of pastors praying for her father’s healing—a moment that left a lasting impression.
Despite grappling with unanswered questions about her father’s health, Foster articulated, “I don’t have to know why. I just have to know Who.” This sentiment underscores her journey in faith. Today, Foster leads Think on These Things ministries and has authored the devotional “In His Footsteps,” which features a quote from her father.
Although her path to faith was not devoid of struggles, Foster praised her father’s unwavering dedication to his faith. “My father was the real deal. He finished strong,” she noted, attributing his success to a genuine walk with the Lord.
Overcoming Spiritual Obstacles
A pivotal moment in Foster’s life occurred following a personal business failure that left her feeling adrift. She described a transformative visit to her father’s grave, where she cried out to God and sought to inherit her father’s spiritual legacy. “I begged the Lord that day for my father’s mantle, baton, and ministry,” she shared, expressing a sense of divine revelation following her emotional surrender.
In her speech, Foster utilized the analogy of beavers and the materials they use to construct dams, illustrating how similar elements can hinder spiritual growth:
- Wood: Represents life’s idols, which can start as good gifts but become barriers to faith.
- Mud: Symbolizes sins that obstruct the flow of the Holy Spirit, necessitating repentance for spiritual renewal.
- Stones: Reflect the hard places in the heart, which, if left unaddressed, create a façade of pretense—urging attendees to heal these areas.
- Leaves and Vegetation: These represent distractions that consume time intended for prayer, highlighting the importance of prioritizing spiritual practices.
Foster concluded with a powerful call to action: “So, do whatever it takes to tear down the dams Satan’s built,” emphasizing the need for the armor of God, regular scripture reading, and persistent prayer in revitalizing one’s faith.
Insights on Prayer
Kandi Gallaty led a panel discussion focused on the essence of prayer. Catherine Renfro spoke on the significance of an eternal perspective in prayers for the lost: “Live every day with an eternal perspective; we can only get that from the Lord,” she emphasized.
Leighann McCoy discussed prayer’s restorative power for prodigals, asserting that God has the ability to reach even the most distant individuals. “God’s got this,” she reassured attendees. Missie Branch focused on the necessity of selfless prayers, suggesting a need for believers to pray for their spouses’ growth rather than personal desires.
Elizabeth Luter shared her experience of arising early to pray for her church prior to Hurricane Katrina, affirming that her commitment has resulted in numerous answered prayers.
The Blessing of God’s Presence
Donna Gaines, from Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, encouraged attendees to prioritize their relationship with the Lord through prayer and Bible study. Reflecting on the conference theme verse, Psalm 116:2, she reminded them that God listens to their requests, stating, “It should literally embolden us that the God of the universe has literally bent down to listen as we prayed.”
Gaines emphasized that the true blessing found in prayer is God Himself rather than merely receiving answers to requests. By abiding in Christ, she noted, believers could witness prayers being answered as God aligns their desires with His own.
As she shared personal stories of parenting challenges and reliance on scripture and prayer, Gaines affirmed, “Our God moves when we pray.” She concluded with a reassurance of God’s presence, stating, “The blessing you’re seeking is the Blesser. The promise is His presence. His presence is all you need.”
