(FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA, USA – October 1, 2019) The Baptist World Alliance (BWA) Women’s Department is pleased to present Karen Wilson of Maylands, Western Australia, as the new President-Elect and Sherrie Cherdak of Fairfax, Virginia, USA, as the new Secretary/Treasurer-Elect for the next five-year term running from 2020-2025.
The BWA Women’s Continental Union Presidents elected the future leaders in a prayerful, thorough, and joyous search process.

“We were amazed and humbled by the excellent nominations we received from all over the world. We marveled at God’s abundant gifts in the outstanding women leaders from every continent we met during the search process,” said Dr. Ksenija Magda, current President of the BWA Women’s Department. “We are excited and grateful for the great unity in our final decisions. I am convinced the Lord is leading Baptist women to a new level.”

Karen Wilson brings to the position her passion for helping people grow into their full potential, coupled with vast experience in ministry, working with women, and organizational strategic management. She is a gifted communicator, widely-traveled international speaker, and cross-cultural change agent. She currently serves as the Director for Strategic Relations for Baptist World Aid Australia/Transform Aid International.

Wilson outlines her vision for the ministry as follows: “I dream of a global ministry where women champion one another and stand together (Zephaniah 3:9); where they understand their responsibility to the family of God and encourage one another forward (1 Thessalonians 5:11); where they meet regularly and are aware that they are not alone (1 Corinthians 14:26); where they come together and await the move of the Spirit of the living God (Acts 2:1); where they stand alongside their brothers in unity (1 Corinthians 1:10); and where they stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the Gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27).”  

For the past ten years, Sherrie Cherdak has served as treasurer at Calvary Hill Baptist Church in Fairfax, Virginia, USA, where she also serves on the governing board. She also recently began serving as interim bookkeeper for the BWA Women’s Department. Cherdak brings years of experience and skills as a secretary, bookkeeper, and business manager in two nonprofit organizations. She has a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of women.

“The BWA Women’s Department is making an eternal impact through their commitment to prayer, mission, and leadership development,” said Rev. Dr. Elijah Brown, BWA General Secretary. ” I am grateful for the skills and passion that Karen and Sherrie are bringing to these positions, and I encourage all BWA Baptists to join me in prayer for these women of God.”

The Baptist World Alliance Women’s Department elects new leadership every five years. The Executive Committee is comprised of the President, the Secretary-Treasurer, and the seven Continental Union Presidents – the latter being elected by their respective Continental Women’s Unions. All the positions are volunteer. In addition, the Executive Director, a staff position, is an ex officio member of the BWA Women’s Department Executive Committee. Moreen Sharp of Canada is currently serving as Interim Executive Director.

The two new officers will be confirmed and inaugurated into their positions d uring the Global Conference of Baptist Women, taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 17– 20, 2020. The quinquennial Baptist World Congress will follow July 22-26, 2020.
For more information about the 2020 Baptist World Congress, visit BWA2020.org . For more information about the Global Conference of Baptist Women, visit BWAWD.org .