A moment with God changes everything.
Are you longing for more—something real, powerful, and personal? Not just a good message or a great playlist but a true encounter with God that marks you and moves you forward?
Encounter at Calvary Church is not just another event. It’s an intentional space carved out for women to meet with God, be filled by the Spirit, and walk away changed. This is a women’s church conference unlike any other—a time to pause, breathe, and reconnect with your purpose.
Encounter at Calvary Church is not just another event. It’s an intentional space carved out for women to meet with God, be filled by the Spirit, and walk away changed. This is a women’s church conference unlike any other—a time to pause, breathe, and reconnect with your purpose.
What Is Encounter?
Encounter is a Spirit-led, soul-refreshing, power-filled women’s church conference hosted at Calvary Church in Naperville, IL. This one-day experience is built around authentic worship, biblical teaching, community connection, and personal transformation.
Whether you're new to faith or a seasoned believer, Encounter is designed to meet you right where you are—with grace, power, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Whether you're new to faith or a seasoned believer, Encounter is designed to meet you right where you are—with grace, power, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
You’ll hear from powerful speakers, worship together, eat good food, and get real about what it means to live a Spirit-led life. Think less “conference hype” and more genuine encounter with the Holy Spirit.
We’re not gathering to just feel good—we’re coming to be filled, empowered, and sent out.
We’re not gathering to just feel good—we’re coming to be filled, empowered, and sent out.
Here's a peek at all the fun we had last year!
Why Attend a Women's Church Conference Like Encounter?
Because your soul needs it.
Because you want clarity, purpose, and peace.
Because community matters.
Because when women gather in faith—God shows up.
You’ll hear from powerful speakers, worship together, eat good food, and get real about what it means to live a Spirit-led life. Think less “conference hype” and more genuine encounter with the Holy Spirit.
We’re not gathering to just feel good—we’re coming to be filled, empowered, and sent out.
We’re not gathering to just feel good—we’re coming to be filled, empowered, and sent out.
Here's a peek at all the fun we had last year!
We believe God has a unique word for every woman who walks into this space, whether you’re leading in ministry, walking through hardship, or standing on the edge of something new.
Encounter is more than a church event—it’s a defining moment.
Women in Leadership Luncheon (SOLD OUT)
Are you a woman in ministry or feeling called to leadership? Don’t miss this opportunity to gather, connect, and be inspired! During the Women’s Conference, we’re hosting a special Women in Leadership Lunch where you’ll hear from powerful women leaders making a Kingdom impact. This is your chance to ask questions, gain insights, and connect with others who are passionate about ministry and leadership.
Kai Sowell
Kai Sowell has a heart to see women empowered, equipped, and awakened to their God-given purpose. She and her husband Pastor Mayo Sowell lead LIIV Atlanta—a thriving church they planted in 2022. Shaped by her personal testimony of transformation, Kai wants to see every women embark on the life long journey of trusting God through every season. She loves group fitness, dance, a great cup of coffee, and spending quality time with her family.
Jenn Brown
Jenn Brown serves as Vice President of Collaborative Partnerships at OneHope, where She builds strategic partnerships and Kingdom collaborations to reach the next global generation. Jenn also serves as Executive Director of Propel Women, through which she aims to activate women to follow Jesus wholeheartedly as they lead in their workplaces, homes and communities. Jenn holds a Doctor of Ministry in Missiology from Southeastern University.
Shawndra Lucas
Shawndra Lucas is a writer, speaker, and campus missionary. She and her husband, Todd, lead Chicago Chi Alpha, a multicultural citywide community of student disciple-makers. Shawndra is passionate about using her gifts to build the Kingdom of God, and seeing others released into their callings through discipleship and Spirit empowerment. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s probably trying to keep up with her three boys.
Kai Sowell
Kai Sowell has a heart to see women empowered, equipped, and awakened to their God-given purpose. She and her husband Pastor Mayo Sowell lead LIIV Atlanta—a thriving church they planted in 2022. Shaped by her personal testimony of transformation, Kai wants to see every women embark on the life long journey of trusting God through every season. She loves group fitness, dance, a great cup of coffee, and spending quality time with her family.
Jenn Brown
Jenn Brown serves as Vice President of Collaborative Partnerships at OneHope, where She builds strategic partnerships and Kingdom collaborations to reach the next global generation. Jenn also serves as Executive Director of Propel Women, through which she aims to activate women to follow Jesus wholeheartedly as they lead in their workplaces, homes and communities. Jenn holds a Doctor of Ministry in Missiology from Southeastern University.
Shawndra Lucas
Shawndra Lucas is a writer, speaker, and campus missionary. She and her husband, Todd, lead Chicago Chi Alpha, a multicultural citywide community of student disciple-makers. Shawndra is passionate about using her gifts to build the Kingdom of God, and seeing others released into their callings through discipleship and Spirit empowerment. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s probably trying to keep up with her three boys.
Ambre Thill
Ambre Thill serves as the Director of Women's Ministry at Calvary Church in Naperville. With a heart deeply committed to building authentic relationships, Ambre is passionate about mentoring women and equipping them to become confident disciple-makers who actively share their faith. Married for 38 years to her husband, Rod, Ambre treasures spending time with their five children and five grandsons. She enjoys reading, pursuing ongoing education, and exploring new places through travel alongside her husband.
Levonia Strong
Levonia Strong is passionate about encouraging and empowering others with the truth of who God is and helping them walk boldly in their purpose. She and her husband, Doug, have been married for 21 years and are the proud parents of three amazing young men. For the past decade, their family has called Calvary Church home. Levonia serves as the Ministry Director and considers it a true privilege to lead and serve in this capacity. When she is not serving, you’ll likely find her cheering from the sidelines at her boys’ games or enjoying reading.
Liana Cruz
Liana Cruz currently serves as the Mental Health Pastor for This Generation at Calvary Church. She and her husband, Adrian Cruz, also serve together as youth pastors, helping to build and equip the next generation of leaders. Liana’s heart and passion is to see people completely transformed through the power of Jesus; to experience God’s love in such a way it completely changes lives from the inside out. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband, trying different restaurants, and going to the gym.
Encounter Calvary Church - Come Expecting
If you're searching for a women’s church conference in Naperville that goes beyond surface-level, Encounter is your invitation. Come expecting. Come ready. Come with open hands and a hungry heart.
God will meet you there.
Ambre Thill
Ambre Thill serves as the Director of Women's Ministry at Calvary Church in Naperville. With a heart deeply committed to building authentic relationships, Ambre is passionate about mentoring women and equipping them to become confident disciple-makers who actively share their faith. Married for 38 years to her husband, Rod, Ambre treasures spending time with their five children and five grandsons. She enjoys reading, pursuing ongoing education, and exploring new places through travel alongside her husband.
Levonia Strong
Levonia Strong is passionate about encouraging and empowering others with the truth of who God is and helping them walk boldly in their purpose. She and her husband, Doug, have been married for 21 years and are the proud parents of three amazing young men. For the past decade, their family has called Calvary Church home. Levonia serves as the Ministry Director and considers it a true privilege to lead and serve in this capacity. When she is not serving, you’ll likely find her cheering from the sidelines at her boys’ games or enjoying reading.
Liana Cruz
Liana Cruz currently serves as the Mental Health Pastor for This Generation at Calvary Church. She and her husband, Adrian Cruz, also serve together as youth pastors, helping to build and equip the next generation of leaders. Liana’s heart and passion is to see people completely transformed through the power of Jesus; to experience God’s love in such a way it completely changes lives from the inside out. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband, trying different restaurants, and going to the gym.
Youth and Young Adults (ages 12-29): $40
Early Bird: $65 (May 13 – August 31)
General Admission: $75 (September 1 – October 18)
Standard Tickets include: Continental breakfast, lunch and conference ticket.
Early Bird: $65 (May 13 – August 31)
General Admission: $75 (September 1 – October 18)
Standard Tickets include: Continental breakfast, lunch and conference ticket.
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
2 Corinthians 3:17