About Us
Our
Story
RAW Ministries was founded by Isabel Mayer in 2019.
After being called out of a thirty-year career in corporate America, Isabel continued to feel a burden for women's ministry, and specifically, to reach those who were not already being reached by the local church. Having worked with women in all stages of life, her passion grew to walk with those who weren't understanding the goodness of her Savior, Jesus Christ, and to point them to grace, hope, community, and abundant life. She knew this would require honest, and sometimes raw conversations about the areas of life where the struggle was the heaviest. She knew this would require the courage to talk openly about the toughest of topics; those that maybe weren't being talked about on Sunday mornings.
During a run one day, the Lord downloaded the vision for Real Armored Women (RAW) Ministries to Isabel, calling her to step into ministry full time. Shortly after that, the first RAW Conference was held in a barn in Purcellville, Virginia where women from all over the country came to share in the RAW conversations with other like-minded women. Since 2019, conferences have been held in multiple states, with the primary location remaining in Virginia.
In 2020, RAW added women's virtual Bible studies to its offerings to create a regular space between conferences where women 14 and older can gather to have real, raw conversations while they learn how to apply the Word of God to their lives.
In 2025, RAW was pleased to officially begin to offer case management. RAW Ministries bridges the gap between the local church and government to provide a series of customized resources for each women's unique situation. Most services are offered complimentary to participants, and accountability is provided to ensure that consistent momentum is maintained towards a Biblical way of life along with the blessings that go with it.
About
Founder, Isabel Mayer
Isabel Mayer is first and foremost a follower of Jesus Christ. She grew up in a Christian home, gave her life to Christ at the age of 6, but it wasn’t until the age of 40 when she completely surrendered her life to Christ. In 2018, God placed RAW Ministries within her heart, and the first RAW Conference was held in October 2019.
Isabel's prior career was as a Human Resources professional specialized in Talent Acquisition, Training & Development, and Employee Mediation. In addition to heading up RAW Ministries, Isabel utilizes her 25 years of experience in HR to support churches and nonprofits with their HR needs, helping other leaders focus on their mission. Isabel also leads the Christian Ministry Alliance's HRConnect service program and is involved with various faith-based organizations, volunteering her time to mentor and coach women through various stages of life. When she is not in the office or having coffee with a mentee, she is enjoying time with her daughter visiting the beaches of North Carolina.
RAW Ministries exists to connect women to the true source of hope, transformation, and restoration: Jesus Christ.
Statement of Faith
RAW Ministries believes that:
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He eternally exists in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are equal and are one God.
Gen 1:1; Deut 6:4; Matt 28:19
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. In His own words, Jesus said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 10:30; 2 Cor 5:21; Phil 2:8; John 14:6
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men and women aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.
John 14:26; 1 Pet 4:10
The Bible is God’s Word to us written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because the Bible is inspired by God, it is the truth without any error.
2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:20-21; John 17:17; Rev 22:18-19
Salvation is God’s free gift to us by grace, which we receive by faith. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ and it is He who said “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Eph 2:8-9; 2 Cor 5:17; John 10:10