Women's Conference • Identity

Come back to who God says you are.

March 6-7, 2026 • Bethany Christian Church • Washington, IN

Friday 6-9 PM

Saturday 9 AM-12 PM

Why CLOSE?

We are many things to many people-wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, and difference makers. But when life gets busy, those roles can begin to define us more than our true identity. Close is an invitation to pause, recenter, and remember who God says we are. In a world that constantly pulls us in different directions, this women's conference creates space to come near-to God and to one another-through rest, reflection, worship, and meaningful connection.

Featured Speakers

Teaching rooted in Scripture, shaped by real life, and centered on identity in Christ.

Lauren Alexander

Bible Teacher • Writer • Speaker

Lauren Alexander is a Bible teacher, writer, and speaker with a gift for making timeless truths feel both deeply sacred and hilariously relatable.

With over two decades in ministry, Lauren has taught the Word of God to thousands, helping women move beyond surface-level faith into vibrant, whole-life discipleship. She holds a degree in Religious Studies from Oakland City University (2008) and has never met a commentary she didn't want to read just for fun.

Lauren serves alongside her husband and best friend, Seth, who pastors First Baptist Church in Bicknell, Indiana. Together, they are raising four wildly wonderful children: Tabbi, Heather, Ty, and Elijah Burke. Three of them joined their family through adoption in a story only God could write.

Since 2020, Lauren and Seth have also fostered nine children, and Lauren is the founder of a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supporting foster families in their community.

Whether she's preaching, writing, or dancing with her kids in her kitchen, Lauren is passionate about helping others encounter the presence of God in the middle of real life.

Sarah Willey

Lead Outreach Pastor • Mountain Christian Church

Sarah is the Lead Outreach Pastor at Mountain Christian Church, passionate about equipping and mobilizing Mountain people to live on mission whether that's on their street or around the world.

Sarah was a former collegiate athlete. She says, "When my career ended, I was eager to discover who else God made me to be outside of sports. That journey led me to a lot of places, but ultimately led me right back to the volleyball court."

Her favorite ministry is now serving as a volleyball coach at a local high school in Maryland, just completing her fifth season with a state championship appearance.

She loves playing with her dogs, hanging with her family and her boyfriend, eating crabs like a good Maryland girl, eating tacos and really any food that's delicious. Sarah loves traveling to new places, playing volleyball, and hearing stories of all kinds-especially yours.

Breakout Speakers

Smaller spaces. Powerful stories. Honest conversations.

Annie Williams

Redemptive Grace

Annie Williams moved to Washington 13 years ago to be with her husband, Justin. The two began attending Bethany together in 2013 when they first met. They are raising two energetic children, Elayna (10) and Nathan (7), who keep life full and active.

Annie's journey of faith has been shaped by God's redemptive work in her life. Through her time at Bethany, she has grown closer to God and learned to trust fully in His promises.

As a redeemed believer, Annie is celebrating her new identity in Christ. Her hope is that her story of salvation would encourage others to release what the world offers and become firmly rooted in Christ's family.

Gretchen Brown

Strength In The Waiting

Gretchen Brown lives in Bramble (Loogootee), Indiana, with her husband, Wayman. They have been together for nearly 25 years and married for 13. Gretchen and Wayman are raising four wonderful children-Natalie (11), Logan (9), Hadley (7), and Lucy (6).

Through seasons of infertility and other challenging family circumstances, Gretchen learned to rely on God's strength and trust His timing. Those years of waiting prepared her heart for adopting three children and later experiencing the unexpected blessing of pregnancy.

Through every season, she has grown in faith by seeking God's purpose and learning from each challenge.

Whitney Clinton

Letting God Carry What Broke a Mother's Heart

Whitney Clinton is originally from Scottsburg, Indiana, and moved to Washington after meeting the love of her life, Chris Clinton, at Indian Creek Baptist Camp. They have been together for nearly 20 years and will celebrate 14 years of marriage this April.

Together, they are raising three beautiful children-Ryan (12), Corben (7), and Karleelynn (7). The Clinton family lives in Washington, Indiana, and attends Bethany Christian Church.

Whitney will be sharing her journey of forgiveness-not as something easy or instant, but as a process God patiently walked her through. Her prayer is that her story would encourage anyone struggling to release past hurts and find healing in God's grace.

Don't miss what God wants to do in you.

Invite a friend and reserve your spot for CLOSE 2026.