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2010: Women's Ministry vs.
Women In Ministry
by Lorna Bius
Honestly, I didn't get it at the time. Drastic changes in Women's
Ministry?
When Chris Adams, Women's and Ministry Wives Specialist at LifeWay,
told a group of state leaders that Women's Ministry was changing so
much they weren't sure they (LifeWay) could continue to call it
that, I didn't understand why. That was December 2008. As we begin a
new year and a new decade, I don't have it all figured out, but now
I get it. Women's Ministry as we know it is drastically changing.
Think about it. Ten years ago women shared some email, few websites,
fewer blogs and no Facebook. No Facebook? Hard to imagine. Community
was a word used for a geographical location we lived in and not as
much for what we think of now - an experience we look for.
In 2000, the world of ministry for women included more scrapbooking
and Starbucks, and the quest to balance ministry and missions
deepened.
Over the last year I have come face to face with challenges and
opportunities that will require a new approach in the next ten
years. Here are some scenarios you might recognize (with fictional
names):
Mollie loves her Sunday morning Bible study group. Although women
are faithful to attend each week no one seems to be friends outside
of the class time. She needs a friend and wishes she could meet with
someone during the week to talk with more about the Bible and life.
Emily is a young mom who wants to encourage other young moms. When
she asked her women's ministry director at her church about doing
something, she was told they already have events for the year and
wouldn't really do anything else. She still has a burden but doesn't
know what to do.
Helen sees the same women each year at the annual retreat. After so
many years, she wonders if they should do something different so non
attenders and unchurched women can be reached.
Jessica graduated from high school two years ago. As a young woman,
she has struggled to find her place in the church she attends. She
isn't into luncheons that feature wedding gowns or fashion shows,
and her work schedule keeps her from small group studies during the
week. She wants to be on mission with God, but doesn't' know where
to start.
Ed is the long time pastor of a church that he loves. The women's
ministry is very active, but they seem to be taking over the
church’s calendar, resources and workers. Although he is thankful
for their passion, he feels it is heading in the wrong direction and
is praying about making changes.
Along with these examples, keep in mind two general observations.
The first is the simple notion that women more than ever want to be
in ministry and in missions. They don't want to just study or pray
about these, they want to do them. The church that gives women the
opportunity to "put on the line" what they are learning will benefit
the most.
The second shift is the movement from group ministry to individual
ministry. While retreats and conferences are good, attendance at
both are declining across the country. Bible studies that are only
watched and not discussed are declining as well. Mentoring,
accountability and just sharing life together as disciples is on the
rise. Life to life ministry is being sought more than ever. Women
aren't looking for an event as much as they are looking for a
connection. And if they find just one in your church, they will be a
great blessing to it.
Let me say here that it is not all "doom and gloom". There are many
great aspects to women's ministry just as it is. The shifts we are
seeing are very subtle, yet necessary. We'll build on the good,
learn from what we thought was good and see God work in many more
lives.
To see other articles from Lorna
as well as the recent edition of The Nevada Baptist...click
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