The heart behind MORE
Our Story
What began as a vision in 2024 for women to gather around faith, encouragement, and hope is becoming a regional gathering place for women across the Midwest and beyond.
How It All Began
In the fall of 2022, a sudden medical crisis during a business trip turned my world upside down.
I found myself sleeping on a small sofa in an ICU hospital room at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Jacksonville for eight weeks, keeping bedside vigil as my husband fought for his life while on life support as a team of top doctors worked around the clock to keep him alive.
I clung to Jesus like a raft in a swirling sea. In the midst of this storm (and an actual hurricane, too), I experienced unshakable faith and extraordinary peace that the Lord renewed daily. After four weeks and against all odds, my husband began to recover in such a way that the Mayo team called it a miracle! We celebrated and praised Jesus as his medical team made plans to transfer him out of ICU, then to a nearby rehabilitation facility within the coming weeks.
But then, a week before Christmas, in a sudden and heartbreaking turn, the Lord called him home. In a single moment, my life came crashing down around me. Yet even in my darkest season, in the depths of grief and despair, I felt God’s presence in a powerful way. He was gentle and compassionate as He drew me close and tucked me safely under His wing. In that quiet place, where life’s noise was hushed and the only thing I had the capacity to do was listen, He whispered a truth into my heart that would reshape my life: There is work to be done.
This event is the fulfillment of those whispered words, a calling and a vision given to a grieving widow in her darkest moments, when weariness ran deep, but God reached out His hand and said, Follow Me.
He didn’t stop there. He brought an amazing team into this vision, opening doors and removing obstacles, providing guidance, instruction, and resources every step of the way. Because all He wants is our yes, even when (especially when) His answer is no.
This conference stands on the unshakable promise of Ephesians 3:20, that God is able to do immeasurably MORE than we could ever ask or imagine, through His power at work within us. It is my prayer that our conferences will ignite transformation in your life. May you always leave feeling empowered, renewed, and ready to embrace the exceedingly, abundantly, immeasurably MORE that God has for you!
From a Whisper to a Movement
Since our first conference in 2025, MORE connected women from churches, campuses, communities, and states across the region. The reach is growing, but the purpose remains the same: create a space where women can encounter Jesus, deepen their faith, and return home strengthened to live with courage.
The Story So Far
MORE 2025
The inaugural MORE Women’s Conference gathered 1,700 women at Olivet Nazarene University and helped establish MORE as one of the largest annual Christian women’s gatherings in the Chicagoland region.
Featured guests
- Lysa TerKeurst
- Madison Prewett Troutt
- Meredith Andrews, leading worship
1,700women gathered
MORE 2026
MORE expanded into a two-day experience at the Tinley Park Convention Center. The momentum of the conference led to adding the Friday Night Even MORE kick-off experience, a way to keep an intimate experience for women looking for more of a community environment.
Blooming Boutique featured a variety of local retailers, a way to support the community. This was also the first year of Kingdom Corner, a dedicated space featuring faith-based nonprofit organizations making a real impact through Kingdom work in our communities and beyond.
Featured guests
- Lisa Harper
- Masey McLain
- JJ Barrows, comedian
- Meredith Andrews, leading worship
The Impact Continues
MORE is more than a conference. It is a gathering place for women to encounter hope, healing, community, and the life-changing love of Jesus.
Hundreds of women committing their lives to Jesus Christ as their Savior.
Women from more than 180 churches and campuses throughout the region gather together.
Local retailers and small businesses are supported through the Blooming Boutique shopping experience.
Faith-based nonprofits are highlighted through the Kingdom Corner, bringing awareness to their missions and opportunities to get involved.
The story of MORE is still unfolding.
Be Part of What God Is Doing Through MORE
Whether you attend, serve, sponsor, invite a friend, or pray for the women who walk through the doors, you are part of the story God is writing through MORE.