Generations the Unbroken Chain

Women’s Ministry Basics

”Women’s ministry harnesses the gifts, skills and resources of women to advance God’s kingdom.” Selma Wilson

Programs or Ministry?

Programs focus on techniques …ministry focuses on people Programs look for numbers…ministry sees changed lives Programs need quick answers…ministry understands grace in uncertainty Programs see the course…ministry sees the hearts

Young Adult Ministry, Terry Hershey

Women are Qualified to Minister

 Old and New Testament Example

 Example of Jesus

 Redeemed

 Giftedness

 Opportunity

 Mandate

Benefits of a Women’s Ministry

. Women grow in their relationship with the Lord.

. The church grows numerically.

. New women find their niche.

. Meaningful relationships form.

. Women are encouraged to discover, develop, and use their spiritual gifts.

. Today’s woman is ministered to.

. Coordination and organization are provided for outreach & inreach.

1 . Women receive woman to woman understanding and lay counseling.

. Older women mentor younger women.

Mentor: A spiritually mature woman having a more complete puzzle of life assembled guiding me in the placement of my missing pieces.

. Entire families are affected as women are drawn closer to the Lord.

. Women get help to fight spiritual battles.

Tasks of Women’s Ministry

 Equip

 Enable

 Lead

Steps to Beginning (or Revamping)

. Prayer

. Share Vision with Staff

. Network

. Assess Needs

. Develop a Purpose Statement

. Consider Childcare

. Determine Financial Needs

. Conduct a Survey

. Pray Leaders into Position

. Communicate with the Church

. Kick Off Your Ministry

2 . Study God’s Word

. Evaluate

. Balance

Balanced Ministry

“Consumption without contribution makes for a stuffed Christian. Contribution without consumption makes for a shallow Christian.”

Resources . Women Reaching Women, Revised & Expanded edition, Chris Adams . Transformed Lives, Revised & Expanded edition, Chris Adams . Woman to Woman Mentoring, Janet Thompson . Women Reaching Women in Crisis, Chris Adams . Mujeres Ganando Mujeres (Spanish Women Reaching Women), Chris Adams . Spiritual Gifts, David Francis . Jesus on Leadership, Gene Wilkes . A Trusted Friend When It Matters Most, Tim Clinton and Pat Springle, LifeWay Publishers . Mixed Ministry: Working Together as Brothers and Sisters in an Oversexed Society, Edwards, Mathews, & Rogers . Just Lead! A No Whining, No Complaining, No Nonsense Practical Guide for Women Leaders in the Church, Sherry Surratt & Jenni Catron . Women Reaching Women blog: www. lifeway.com/womenreachingwomen . Web shows: www.lifeway.com/lifewaywomenlive . Web page for leaders: www.lifeway.com/women (click “women’s ministry” link)

Email: [email protected] Web site: lifeway.com/women Blog: lifeway.com/womenreachingwomen, lifeway.com/allaccess Twitter: @chrisadams4, @lifewaywomen