It Started with a Prayer: The Story of CBA Women
Sometimes, the most beautiful ministries begin not with a strategy, but with a simple prayer.
That’s how CBA Women began—a quiet longing whispered to the Lord, a desire for connection, community, and collaboration among women’s ministry leaders across the greater Charleston area and the Lowcountry. And slowly, in God’s perfect timing, He began to answer.
A Dream, Delayed—But Not Denied
Donna Platt had been serving in women’s ministry for years. She had seen firsthand the power of Bible study to change lives and the beauty of walking with women through every season of life. But one thing was missing—connection across churches. She longed to see women’s ministry leaders gather, encourage one another, and be equipped together.
She prayed. She waited. And at first, nothing seemed to come of it.
But God was working.
At the South Carolina Baptist Convention that year, Donna met Melanie Ratcliffe. Their conversation was brief, but it sparked something. Weeks later, Melanie called and asked, “Donna, would you like to start a Charleston cohort?” Donna didn’t hesitate. Yes.
She reached out to Craig Tuck at the Charleston Baptist Association, who was equally excited. From there, a seed was planted. Donna began gathering names. Four women came to the very first meeting—and incredibly, each of them had been praying for the same thing.
Shortly after, Cathy Blalock joined the group. A seasoned pastor’s wife and Bible teacher, Cathy had felt the same tug on her heart—a desire to connect, support, and strengthen women in ministry across the Lowcountry.
Since then, the group has grown to around 14 women’s ministry leaders representing churches from all over the Charleston area. They meet monthly to share ideas, pray for one another, swap resources, and dream together about what God might be doing in their churches and communities.
Why It Matters
As Cathy shared in our first Coffee Table Chat, she almost didn’t come. She saw the email invite and thought, “This is a good thing… for someone else.” But something nudged her to show up—and what she found was exactly what she’d been longing for: a table full of women who shared her passion for Jesus, His Word, and His Church.
CBA Women isn’t about building a brand. It’s about building one another up.
It’s about recognizing that while our churches may be different, our mission is the same.
It’s about honoring the gifts each woman brings to the table, and creating space for women to be seen, supported, and sent out.
Most of all, it’s about strengthening the local church—because when women grow in the Word, their homes, communities, and churches flourish too.
What’s Next
This blog marks the beginning of a four-part series where you’ll get to hear more from Cathy and Donna as they reflect on:
How they got started in women’s ministry
What they’re praying for the women of the Lowcountry
Why prayer is essential to spiritual leadership
And why women’s ministry isn’t a side project—but vital to the health of every local church
We’re also preparing for our first city-wide women’s conference, Delight, on October 3–4, featuring teaching from Caroline Saunders, worship, panels, and time to connect with other women across the region. We’d love for you and the women from your church to join us.
Because this isn’t just about one church or one group—it’s about the Church. The Bride. And we believe God is stirring something beautiful among women in the Lowcountry.
So, if you’ve been longing for connection…
If you’ve been leading and feeling a little alone…
If you’ve been praying for “more” but not sure what that looks like…
Pull up a seat.
There’s room for you at the table.
Want to stay in the loop?
Follow us on Instagram [@CBAWomentogether] and Facebook [@CBAwomen] for updates, resources, and more Coffee Table Chats.
