Nancy Buxton, women’s ministries director for the Mid-America Union Conference, will retire on Dec. 31, 2024, after 21 years of service in this position.
Over 30 years ago, Nancy and Pastor Angel Bock of College View Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, began Women in Touch, which monthly drew in 300 women from both the church and the community. It was designed for women who were taking a break from church, looking for a safe place to invite their friends, or looking to make friendships with other women. Years later, Pastor Dennis Carlson invited Nancy to be the women’s ministries director for the Mid-America Union. After much prayer and contemplation, Nancy accepted the position.
DeeAnn Bragaw, women’s ministries director for the North American Division, attributes much of her growth and success to Nancy’s mentorship. “Nancy Buxton exemplifies godly leadership in action. A woman who deeply loves Jesus, Nancy listens, inspires and encourages other women. She attends every possible women’s ministries event across the Mid-America Union, connecting with women from all walks of life. At those leadership trainings, retreats, abuse awareness days, etc., Nancy looks for every opportunity to genuinely engage with women, hear their unique stories, and then connect them with helpful resources. She displays the beauty of a leader paving the way for other women to become leaders and models the necessity of continually growing both spiritually and professionally. Nancy knows the value and power of infusing hard work with joy!”
Bragaw added that mentoring conference leaders and other women leaders comes naturally to Nancy. She lives out what she advocates as she ministers to women in her own local church and community. “Not only has Nancy been an exemplary leader for the women of Mid-America, women across the North American Division have also been blessed by her wisdom and compassion,” says Bragaw. “We celebrate Nancy and thank God for the lives that have been touched and changed throughout her ministry. Thank you, Nancy, for giving us such a beautiful example of an outstanding leader, and thank you for mentoring me!”
Donna Brown, women’s ministries director for the Central States Conference, which covers the same states Nancy works in, stated that Nancy was a good example for her in the realm of balancing time. “She is so real. I appreciated when I accepted this position that she made a trip to Kansas City and we met at Panera Bread for lunch. We talked for about two hours. Her interest in my personal desires and aspirations was so important to her, and it made me feel like I could really do this ministry. The support of showing up for many events—including when I am preaching—shows the importance I was to her team. Thank you, Nancy, for your leadership and motherhood!”
The Mid-America Union would like to sincerely thank Nancy for her decades of service and wish her all the best in retirement.
Nancy Buxton award from NAD
