Priority - IBSA

Priority is a gathering of like-minded women intentional about being a disciple who makes disciples.

We will gather for ONE conference, over TWO DAYS (April 24-25), in THREE different locations across the state of Illinois.

Its a chance for women celebrate God’s faithfulness through worship and studying God’s word; equip themselves to live as a follower of Jesus through educational breakout sessions and leave ready to return to their area of ministry reminded that they are not alone on their journey. Priority is planned with you in mind. You are our community.

There will be live worship, breakouts, and expo halls at all locations, and the main teaching sessions will be broadcast from Decatur to the other 2 locations.

Conference Cost:
$65 (if part of an IBSA cooperating church)
$75 (those not part of an IBSA cooperating church)
Box lunch on Friday is included)

Conference Bundle Option: $90 (includes conference, leadership breakfast, t-shirt)

LOCATIONS

CHICAGO AREA | MARKHAM
GRACE MISSIONARY BAPTIST

CENTRAL IL | DECATUR
TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHURCH

St. louis area | troy
bethel baptist church

SAVE THE DATE: April 24-25, 2026

Priority is a gathering of like-minded women intentional about being a disciple who makes disciples. At Priority, women celebrate God’s faithfulness through worship and studying God’s word; equip themselves to live as a follower of Jesus through educational breakout sessions and leave ready to return to their area of ministry reminded that they are not alone on their journey. Priority is planned with you in mind. You are our community.

MERCH STORE

Upon popular demand! The store is now re-opened for a limited time.

Priority dining event options

friday Evening, april 25 | Pastors Wives & Women in ministry dinner

There will be a program with a speaker and opportunity to connect with other women in ministry. You will receive fun give aways. Serving begins at 5:00 p.m. Cost $25. Limited seating.

saturday morning, april 26 |
Leadership Breakfast

Join us for a leadership breakfast. Resource items will be given to those attending. Open to all Priority guests. Plated breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. Cost $25. Limited seating.

New this year:
box lunches
Connection Groups

Box lunches are included in the Pre-Conference and available for purchase Friday & Saturday of the conference by pre-order. Cost is $18 per lunch.

Over lunch we will have groups available to connect you to others based on:

Caregiving,Homeschooling, Small Group Leaders, Worship Team members.

SPEAKERS

Lindsay lewis bowen

Lindsay Lewis Bowen (MDiv, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is the marketing manager at Harvest House Publishers—a God-send career for a person passionate about teaching God’s word and connecting people with great books. Outside of work, you’ll find her scouting new coffee shops and restaurants, enjoying the outdoors, and embracing the wonderful chaos of motherhood. She and her husband Andrew serve at Bethel Church in Troy, Illinois and are parents to two precious girls.

Alyssa Caudill

Alyssa Caudill (MDiv, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) loves Jesus and helping women know Him and grow in loving His Word. She is married to Drake Caudill, pastor of FBC in Carmi, IL, and homeschools their 4 children while leading their church’s Women’s Ministry Committee. She is the Co-Editor of “Women at Southern: A Walk Through Psalms”, a 1 year devotional by women associated with SBTS to provide scholarships for female students. Alyssa loves speaking, teaching women how to study the Bible on their own, and coffee. Her most recent adventure in following Jesus has her pursuing a PhD in Christian Leadership

MELISSA PRYeR

Melissa is a follower of Jesus, wife of 24 years to Jared, and mother of two daughters. The Pryers called New Orleans home for a decade, which included Jared completing his degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) and Melissa developing deep mentor relationships with ministry wives. When she's not working as a project manager, Melissa devotes her time to various ministry projects and mission trips. She loves hearing your story and growing together in faith. In her downtime, Melissa enjoys a good cup of coffee with a friend, cherishing meaningful moments of connection. Melissa & her family now call Southern Illinois home.

Jennifer Smith

BA, MA, MDiv, Dmin, PhD
A native of Jacksonville, Jennifer has spent her life sharing the Gospel and strengthening the Church in hard-to-reach areas of the world. She is passionate about studying and teaching the Bible so Christians are spurred toward a deeper love of Christ and a greater love for others.

WORSHIP LEADER

Melissa milbourn

Melissa serves as Worship and Media Minister at Marshall Baptist Church. She also has a passion for leading worship at women’s events across the country and is continually inspired by the women she meets. Melissa is wholeheartedly devoted to leading people closer to Christ. She is married to Denny and they have three adult children and eight grandchildren.

MISSIONARY

ANDREW, JOANN & JOCKO

Andrew Mann is the Pastor and Executive Director of Graffiti 2 Baptist Church and Graffiti 2 Community Ministries in the South Bronx. For twenty years, Andrew has led a team to minister to the holistic needs of children, teens, adults, and families in one of the most challenging communities in New York City. After nearly a decade in elementary education and over 20 years leading in children's ministry, JoAnn moved from Texas in 2016 to serve as Graffiti 2’s Children’s Director. JoAnn is assisted in ministry by her professional therapy dog, Jocko. After several years working together in ministry, Andrew and JoAnn began dating and later got married in August 2023. Graffiti 2 works cooperatively with Send Relief, the compassion ministry arm of the North American Mission Board. As Send Relief Missionaries, Andrew and JoAnn execute and model local compassion ministry so that it will multiply across the nation.

Tiffany Smith

Tiffany Smith is a Texas native with a deep passion for living the SENT Life—whether here or overseas. Her two years as a missionary with the IMB in Japan ignited her lifelong commitment to multiplying disciples and engaging the nations. As a missiologist and strategist, Tiffany thrives in movemental spaces. She holds a Doctorate in Missional Leadership from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and has spent the last 20 years in leadership as a mobilizer in both state and national roles. Currently, she serves as a Strategies Coordinator with Send Network, where she focuses on new initiatives to equip and strengthen church planting leaders and core teams for Kingdom impact.

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