FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA – July 18, 2020)
On July 16, 2020, the Baptist World Alliance Women’s Department (BWA Women) hosted an Officer Installation and Commissioning Service. Due to the postponement of the quinquennial Global Conference of Baptist Women due to COVID-19, the ceremony was transitioned to an online platform.
The ceremony commemorated the five years of committed service by Ksenija Magda (Croatia) as President and Kathryn James (USA) as Secretary-Treasurer during the 2015-2020 quinquennium. The service included prayers of thanks to God as well as thanks to these leaders for their faithful work.
After the commemoration, new officers were installed. Karen Wilson of Australia will now serve as President and Sherrie Cherdak of the United States of America will serve as Secretary-Treasurer for the 2020-2025 term.
Wilson, currently the CEO of Global Leadership Network Australia, shared her heart about the new role: “I am excited to be part of what God is doing amongst women across our world. It will be a privilege to stand alongside our Continental Union Presidents as we work together as a team. I believe God is calling us to occupy new spaces, to stand together, to encourage each other, and champion one another forward. We all have an amazing opportunity in front of us to be part of this global movement which is having a significant impact.”
Wilson has a strong passion to see people lead well and to be equipped and grow into their full potential. She has always had a love for working with people from all walks of life and feels called to amplify the voices of the marginalized as she has spent several years working in countries all over the world.
Sherrie Cherdak brings with her a background as a bookkeeper and has already been serving BWA Women in that role. This enables her to begin her role as Secretary-Treasurer with a solid understanding of the inner workings of the organization.
“It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome Karen Wilson and Sherrie Cherdak to the team. We know they will fit well into the organization and have much to offer Baptist women around the world,” remarked Moreen Sharp, interim Executive Director of BWA Women. “Their expertise and wisdom have already been very evident and their input, skills, and leadership will have a marked influence as we move into the future together.”
Dr. Elijah Brown, Baptist World Alliance General Secretary, said: “BWA Women remains a vital part of BWA life and ministry. It is with enthusiasm that we celebrate the commissioning of Karen and Sherrie as new officers. It’s an honor to serve alongside these strategic and godly leaders. I call on all Baptists to pray for them in this season of commissioning and that the Holy Spirit would continue to flow through them and through BWA Women for the glory of the Lord.
Those wishing to view the service can do so by visiting the BWA YouTube Channel or by clicking the links below:
BWA Women 2020 Officer Installation and Commissioning (Full Service)
Honoring President Ksenija Magda
Commissioning President Karen Wilson
To find out more about Wilson and Cherdak, visit the BWA Women website: www.bwawd.org/new-officers.
