This question was recently posed on a women’s ministry social media platform. I threw out these thoughts and then kept thinking about it – there’s so much more I could share that I’ve learned from women’s ministry but this is a random all over the place initial instinct response. Maybe this is helpful to you if you’re in women’s ministry. And I wonder what your thoughts would be as well….maybe share them in the comments? I’d love to hear.
When I started in women’s ministry I was a scared to speak in front of people and thought I was a terrible pray-out-louder. I was self conscious and fumbled over my words. My sweet mentors and prayer partners often prayed for God to simply use me right where I was. It wasn’t so much prayers for eloquence but prayers for wisdom to lead the way God wanted me to lead. And that was such a gift to me in those early years of ministry. I believe it laid a foundation that God continues to build on. He’s still teaching me so much and while I often make mistakes and do it wrong I don’t fall apart when I do. I don’t worry about what I will look like anymore or how I will come across. And it makes a freeing difference. So here’s my advice to my younger self in women’s ministry…..
Pray over the room when nobody’s there before you lead even if you feel like you could do it in your sleep. Don’t be surprised when satan attacks and discourages before leading a group of women in bible study and prayer. Remember that it’s worth it. Every time it’s worth it. Be concerned when only clean and tidy church ladies are showing up to women’s stuff. When messy people show up don’t think you need to protect other women from them.Truth is we’re all messy. Let the Holy Spirit work in your group and trump your plans even the most perfectly laid out plans. Even if it throws your rhythm of a perfect 6 week study into 7 weeks. Steer away from 12 week studies. Consider studies that only last 6-8 weeks and leave women wanting more. Incorporate short 5-10 minute testimonies from women in your church which helps them practice sharing how God is at work and allows others to hear how God is working in other people’s lives. Don’t do the go around the room and pray thing….this freaks newbies out. Respect the fear of being called on from your newer believers and even sometimes older believers. Pray for God to loosen your women’s lips and pray that God will foster good conversation and discussion. Nip gossip in the bud graciously but directly make it clear you won’t tolerate it in your women’s groups. Prior to studying any Bible Study remind your ladies of the benefits of God’s word from Psalm 119. It’s long enough to just pull out 3-4 benefits at the beginning of every bible study to remind us why we’re doing what we’re doing. We don’t want to just perpetuate studies because it’s what Christian women do. We want to know and love Jesus more….and the fruit of his word is totally awesome. Celebrate this! Don’t be afraid of unconventional even though your older ladies might not fully understand unconventional. Don’t take it personally – keep your eyes focused on God as your Guide and don’t look for praise or accolades from anyone on this earth. Be willing to tell on yourself and laugh at yourself. Model transparency and trust that God will cover you in those vulnerable moments even when you might get a sick oversharing feeling the next day. Remember, you prayed about it before you went into Bible Study before anyone was there so don’t second guess it now. Pour into others and give them opportunities to lead even if it’s not done the way you would do it. Let them mess up and pray for the balance of helping others refine and grow in leadership but also still growing and learning yourself. And then when others seem to be doing it better than you rejoice at the fact that you can see God at work all around you and fight that tendency to be jealous or envious. Ask God to remind you of the big Kingdom picture. We’re all on this journey to serve Jesus and point others to Him. It’s an honor to serve God through women’s ministry.
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