Today we are wrapping up this series on the essentials of women’s ministry.
So far we’ve covered the women’s ministry essentials of prayer, theology, evangelism, and discipleship.
Today I want to talk about caregiving.
When I talk about caregiving, I’m thinking about both the physical and spiritual ways we care for and comfort those God places in our path.
It’s taking a meal to a small group member, it’s dropping a note of encouragement in the mail, it’s sitting quietly with someone who is grieving. It’s showing up for others in a way that shares and shows God’s love. It’s also prayer, accountability, lovingly pointing women to truth, and sharing the gospel.
What does the Bible say about caregiving?
As I’ve done in previous posts, I want to start with what God’s Word says about caregiving.
There are many verses about loving and caring for the body of Christ, our friends, and even our enemies, however, there is just one passage I want to focus on today.
The passage is 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. We find this verse at the beginning of a letter that Paul has written to the church at Corinth. He is reminding them that God is a God of comfort. In their suffering, they can find comfort from God and they can also comfort others with God’s love through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Paul writes, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV)
In this verse, the term “comfort” is translated from the Greek word “paraklesis,” which means to come alongside and help. As we care for the women in our church, we can remind them that God is the great comforter and that His comfort is sufficient for every trial and tribulation.
An example of a Compassionate Caregiver in the Bible
There are many examples of caregivers in the Bible, but the one I want to look at quickly today is the Proverbs 31 woman. If we skim the passage, we see the actions of a compassionate caregiver .
- V 13 – works with eager hands
- V 15 – she provides food for her family
- V 17 – she sets about her work vigorously
- V 20 – She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy
- V 27 all while she watches over the affairs of her household”
- V 31 is a call to “Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”
The Proverbs 31 woman cared for her family and her community. We can too.
5 Practical Ways to Care for the Women in Your Church
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Now that we’ve taken time to look at some biblical examples of caregiving, let’s get practical.
How can we care for the women in our church and community?
1.We can care for our women by loving them through their circumstances – good and bad.
I’ve shared in past posts physical ways we can provide support with meal trains, care packages, and grief baskets.
While physical gifts can bring comfort, sometimes the greatest comfort we can offer is our presence and silent prayers on their behalf.
As we care for our women we can point them to hope in Christ in the hard and celebrate what God has done in the good.
2. We can care for our women by welcoming them well.
What do I mean by this? Give your hospitality team the task of loving your attendees well. That may mean stationing greeters at the entrance and inside your meeting space. Sometimes it’s the small touches, such as using name tags at each event and checking to make sure the bathrooms are clean and stocked with plenty of toilet paper and paper towels.
I’m sure your volunteers will have lots of other great ideas to welcome women well.
3. We can care for our women by connecting and communicating with them.
Women often feel invisible. Knowing someone sees them and values their presence can be such an encouragement. Set aside time for women to build relationships with one another so they will become comfortable sharing with each other. We can’t care for needs we’re not aware of.
After an event or meeting, take the time to send handwritten notes and texts. Thank them for coming and for sharing. Let them know you are praying over their request. Thank volunteers for serving.
4. We can care for our women by providing and encouraging biblical counseling.
Before I graduate in May, I have to complete a training on Sexual Abuse Prevention.
One of the requirements is to read Becoming a Church that Cares Well for the Abused. I am not quite finished yet, but the book has had some great reminders of how to respond legally, ethically, and biblically to women and children who have been abused.
How we respond to difficult and dangerous situations matters. Let’s be careful with the advice we offer and know when we need to involve church staff, a trained counselor, or authorities.
Another great resource book to have on hand is the book Counseling Women by Kristin Kellen. Each topic includes a resource list for learning more.
5. We can care for women by creating season of life groups.
I’m thinking of moms groups, singles, widows, empty-nesters, seniors, and so on to complement and not compete with what your women’s ministry or church is offering.
Please hear me, this is not a ministry essential, but it might be helpful in your specific church. Is there a specific group of women that has been overlooked or is usually missing from your women’s ministry events and activities? Do some research to see if there’s a need and make it a matter of prayer.
I personally benefited greatly from the moms group I helped start in our church when our boys were young. I’ve never forgotten one of our childcare volunteers for the program. Her twins were probably in high school at the time, but she was devoted to helping with childcare because a similar program when she was a young mom was life changing.
Today’s Toolbox Task:
- As a team, make a list of the ways you care well for your women and some areas which could use some attention.
- Take the time to write a few cards or texts of encouragement.
- Spend time praying for the known and unknown needs of your women.
1 John 4:19 says, “We love because he first loved us.”
One of the visible fruits of our salvation should be the way we love others.
Lord, help us to care for the women in our church and community well. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
You may also want to check out:
Women’s Ministry Essentials: How to Build and Sustain a Thriving Christian Community
Loving Your Ladies: Organizing Meal Trains, Freezer Meals, and Funeral Meals
Hospital Care Packages and Sonshine Boxes: Showing Christ’s Love in Practical Ways
Newborn and Grief Baskets: Loving Our Ladies in Times of Joy and Sorrow
Leading Through Tragedy: How to Support Your Community During Difficult Times
Five Practical Ways to Incorporate Evangelism Into Your Women’s Ministry
Women’s Ministry Essentials: Cultivating a Culture of Prayer
Why Theology is Essential for Every Women’s Ministry
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