AUGUST 1-3, 2026 | ATLANTA, GEORGIA
For generations, lies have distorted women's friendships & relationships with one another. This gathering is about exposing those lies and
reclaiming what God intended.This is an intentionally designed experience where women will not only hear truth, but have space to process it, experience it, and begin to walk it out in real time
Biblically grounded teaching
Space to process and experience truth
Real community — not just proximity
Healing for what distortion has touched
The beauty of faithful friendship, restored
It's not a conference.
It's not a retreat.
With aspects of both, it’s something
totally different.Much like people set aside time to invest in their marriages, this experience creates intentional space for women to invest in friendship — strengthening what is healthy, bringing healing to past wounds, and helping us grow personally so we can walk in the kind of relationships God intended.
This experience is a safe and joyful place where women can learn, worship, laugh, rest, and grow together while rediscovering
the beauty of faithful friendship.God created women for meaningful, faithful friendship. Yet many of us have never been shown what that looks like in a healthy and holy way.
We'll address distortions such as…The belief that marriage is the only place covenant is meant to exist.
The idea that women cannot walk in deep, loyal friendship without it becoming unhealthy or inappropriate.
The confusion that arises when deep affection between women is misunderstood or misdirected.
The belief that certain seasons of life mean women no longer need close friendship.
The suspicion or fear that has caused many women to avoid closeness altogether.
The lie that married women should automatically not be close friends with single women.
Real-life Examples & Honest Conversation
You will hear real stories and practical examples that bring these topics out of theory and into everyday life. There will also be opportunities to ask real questions in a safe and thoughtful environment.
What You’ll GetAccess to The Care Room
A dedicated space where women will receive prayer and, if desired, can receive coaching, feedback, and guidance from trauma-informed leaders.
Meals Throughout the Weekend
Meals will be provided. Additional details will be included in the event itinerary.
Special ‘Not Just Friends’ Experiences & Gifts
Thoughtful touches and curated items prepared especially for this gathering. Every element of our time together is designed to create space for both spiritual depth and genuine connection.
Session Topics-
A two part look at what the Bible says about friendship, platonic covenant, and commitment between women.
-
We’ll learn how our history and experiences have shaped our beliefs.
-
Marriage was never designed to fill every relational need. We will talk about the value and need of your girlfriends and also tackle the lie that married women should not be friends with single women.
-
We are in a real war with real weapons. The enemy tries to weaponize our circumstances, but we have weapons too.
-
How our brain and nervous system actually work and how it shows up in our behavior, patterns, and temptations.
-
When deep love and intensity between one another gets misinterpreted and misdirected, and what God restores when it’s surrendered to Him.
-
There is beauty and value in having covering we can submit to and receiving the care our hearts need. Mentorship is about wisdom, investment, commitment, and the gift of doing life with someone.
-
Confronting the desire to stick with what’s comfortable, exposing the lies that comfort tells, and renouncing those lies.
-
What it looks like to choose intentional, holy covenant in friendship.
-
How to remain faithful despite what you feel
Whether you are healing from past friendship wounds or already experiencing meaningful friendships and simply want to grow deeper, this gathering is for women who believe God intended something beautiful in the way we walk with one another.
voices you'll hear
MEL WILKERSON, HOST
CIERA NICHOLE THOMAS & LAUREN WHITE
JANAY ADAMS
KARRIE GARCIA
KATHLEEN ALGERE-MORRIS
VANESSA CRUZ
LYMARI NAVARRO & MELODY FABIEN
KANDY & NINA
MORGAN TYLER & VAN-NEISHA J. BURTON
ticket typesCome with your bestie or alone to heal, grow, and meet God!
Individual Pass
$295
Admission for one woman to the full Not "Just" Friends Gathering, including teaching, preaching, worship, opportunities to ask questions, The Care Room, meals, and special NJF gifts.
Bestie Pass
$525
Save on registration and receive full admission for two. Grab your bestie, sister, or any woman you do life with & experience this life-changing gathering together.
The DetailsExperience Details
August 1-3
Dates
2 full days, 1 morning
Schedule
The Westside Warehouse
Location
Where to StayWe have secured a discounted room block at the Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta Midtown, just a 10-minute drive from the venue.
We highly encourage you to stay at this hotel. It’s the easiest way to fully settle into the experience. Members of our team will also be staying on-site to host and support attendees throughout the weekend.
Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta Midtown 1231 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
Check-in: July 31 | Check-out: August 3
Rate: $149/night
To receive the group rate, call 1.800.445.8667 and let them know you are with the "Not Just Friends Experience."
While transportation is your own responsibility, we are happy to help connect you with other attendees for carpooling from this location!
Need to check out before the experience ends? No problem! We will have a designated space at the Westside Warehouse where you can store your luggage on the final day.