CALLED International Leadership Forum will wrap up on Saturday, Oct. 27
with an inspiring session led by Judy Rushfeldt on the topic of The Leader’s Destiny. We interviewed Judy to find out more about her own leadership journey, the leadership struggles she sees in other women, and why she’s excited about CALLED.
Judy, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your ministry?
Judy: I’m an author, speaker, and publisher of a women’s outreach e-magazine LifetoolsforWomen.com. Although I teach and preach at my local church, my ministry over the past 25 years has focused on women. My passion is to equip women to step out of their comfort zones and cultivate the courage, character, and faith necessary to fulfill their potential in Christ.
When did you first sense a call to leadership? What prompted you to respond to that call?
Judy: It wasn’t any one event or moment in time; in fact, I had no desire, plan, or vision to become a leader. After my career in magazine journalism, I went to Bible college, after which I was asked to teach Bible studies and lead a women’s ministry. Then I started receiving invitations for speaking engagements at women’s events and churches – all of which were way out of my comfort zone. As God opened more opportunities, and I continued to step into them, a passion emerged to see women to become whole in Christ and fulfill their divine potential. And to my surprise, I grew to love leadership.
What do you think is the number one struggle women face in leadership today?
Judy: I think the number one struggle for all women is silencing the inner critic that tells us all the reasons why we don’t measure up – that we’re not good enough, gifted enough, smart enough – to pursue the dreams God has placed in our heart. If we focus on those inner lies, they will rob us of our faith, confidence, and courage, ultimately immobilizing us from becoming all that God created us to be. We need to remember that our calling comes from God. Our ability is in Him, and whatever He has called us to do, He will empower us to do.
Tell us a bit about your talk.
Judy: My talk is entitled, The Leader’s Destiny: It’s time for More. Purpose is not a destination; it’s a path. God wants us to be open to dream new dreams and step into places of greater vision, effectiveness, and influence. I will be sharing about how to press through the obstacles that hold us back, embrace change, and move forward on the pathway of purpose.
What excites you about CALLED? What are you hoping to take away from the conference?
Judy: I’m excited to spend time with women who love God and desire to fulfill their leadership call.
I would love to walk away from the conference with new friendships with other leaders, a deeper revelation of our Father’s faithfulness, and greater passion and determination to step into more and follow God wherever He leads. And I want every woman who attends to walk away feeling more equipped and empowered to fulfill her God-inspired dreams.
What would you like to say to women who are still “on the fence” about attending CALLED?
Judy: If you are longing for more – more vision, more faith, and more empowerment to step into places of greater effectiveness and influence in your calling, you don’t want to miss CALLED. You’ll be encouraged and equipped for the MORE that God has for you!