OUR HISTORY
Our Story
Discover the Joy has been inspriring women for over 30 years. We've enjoyed a weekend of laugh-out-loud humor, life-challenging messages, inspirational worship, mentoring breakouts, and more! We desire to provide a place for women to connect, deepen their faith, enjoy an atmosphere of encouragement, love, and genuine sense of belonging, returning to our day-to-day lives changed, empowered, and vibrant.
A Look Back...
2019 – The theme for the weekend was "Declare Amen" as author, speaker, and co-founder of Back-2-Back miistries Beth Guckenberger shared her heart and her ministry and challenged us to start each day and moment surrendered to God.
2018 – Tammy Trent brought her testimony alive with music and laughter at our conference in Williamsburg VA! Tammy is committed to the call of hope and sharing God’s promises with others. Ushering in the theme, All In, women of all ages took next steps in their faith journey with Christ.
2017 – Discover the Joy welcomed Nicole Eunice, author of “She’s Got Issues." She is a gifted communicator and woman of authentic faith. The theme for the event was “Flourishing.” For our Saturday evening sessions we welcomed Christian Comedian, Mark Lowry.
2016 – We celebrated a wonderful group of ladies who are “More than Conquerors” and the testimonies of overcomers were shared. Haley Morgan Smith, musician and talented speaker, challenged us with her heart-felt messages.
2015 – Gloria Gaither and Mark Lowry were our special guests for the weekend. Gloria Gaither, “Songwriter of the Century,” challenged us to make a difference and grow deeper in our walk with God.
2014 – We enjoyed hearing the story of “Heaven is For Real” from Sonja Burpo, mother of Colton. The reality of Heaven and the truth of this little boy’s testimony was inspirational.
2013 – Jennifer Kennedy Dean shared from the depths of her own loss and experience and challenged us to be healthy, strong, and Spirit-led in our walk with Christ.
2012 – Newel and Colleen Cerak, parents of Whitney Cerak and co-authors of “Mistaken Identity,” shared their tremendous testimony of God’s grace during the loss of their daughter. They were notified later that the identifications were mixed up and Whitney was alive.
Our Core Values
- Seeing lives transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit
- Building and strengthening relationships with other women
- Bringing a message of hope, peace, and joy to hurting women
- Honoring God through his ministry and beyond
Our Mission & Vision
It is our mission to host a weekend for women to worship and to be challenged and reached for Christ. Discover the Joy exists to demonstrate to women that true freedom is found in a personal relationship with Christ, surrendered to His calling for a life of true joy and happiness with lasting fulfillment.