Tambov Ladies Conference: "Living by the Word"

On March 1, 2025, representatives of churches from the Tambov, Lipetsk, Voronezh, Kaluga and Moscow regions took part in the conference. The main part of the conference was the lectures given by the Women's Department of the Russian Baptists: Lilia Voloshina and Diana Naboychenko.

Lilia Voloshina held a talk on the topic: "A wife who influences her husband." She drew attention to biblical women who had a positive influence on their husbands: Sarah, Zipporah, Abigail, Esther. Using figurative comparisons and lively modern language, she noted the fear of God and special wisdom of these great women. Despite the large time discrepancy between the biblical era and the modern one, the relationships of these women with their husbands can serve as an example and a lesson for resolving acute problems that arise in marriage in our time.

Lilia Voloshina figuratively called the wife a "Trojan horse" of her husband. Depending on her behavior and attitude, the wife can become a blessing and joy for her husband or a serious obstacle in his life and ministry. In order to be a real helper to her husband, a wife needs to delve into herself, delve into the Scriptures, get rid of harmful or sinful habits, know and understand her husband’s character, understand his calling, constantly engage in self-education, and learn from the elders of the church.

Diana Naboichenko spoke about the ministry of a Christian woman as a spiritual mentor and discipler. Women can minister in the family, in small women's groups, in the circle of their acquaintances, girlfriends, colleagues at work, and, first of all, among the ladies of the church. For this, they can organize special meetings in homes, cafes, or on social networks. At the meetings, you can study the Bible, and also discuss sermons, books.

The final, concluding part of the conference was devoted to the discussion of current issues raised in the conversations. Before entering into marriage, a woman should think carefully - who is she marrying? And other hot issues women wanted to understand more deeply.

Lilia Voloshina said she hears these kinds of complaints from other ladies: “They strongly advised me to marry a believer, but why do I feel so bad in marriage?” Such sisters probably did not think about the fact that in marriage, it is not enough to have only a common faith, but also a commonality of interests, and the desire to go with the husband in the same direction, helping him in every possible way in his life and ministry.

Lily and Diana have husbands who are pastors and in charge of much, and their successful ministry is largely due to the fact that they have equally responsible wives behind them.

Between the conversations and discussions during the program, a youth vocal and instrumental ensemble performed, led by Alexander Atikov, a graduate of the Institute of Sacred Music.

The Tambov Evangelical Baptist Church is one of the oldest in Russia, and its tradition of women's ministry dates back to the nineteenth century and is associated with the names of Christian women from the highest aristocratic society. These Christian women diligently engaged in spiritual education and Christian charity. So women's ministry is part of our national and global Baptist tradition, an integral part of our history and life.

Vladimir Popov