Is God calling your team to rethink your women’s ministry?
Please note: Affiliate links follow.
Whether you’re in need of a few small tweaks or an overhaul, my new book, Rethinking Women’s Ministry: Biblical, Practical Tools for Cultivating a Flourishing Community will guide you through a prayerful assessment of what’s working well and what’s not.
We’ll examine:
Part 1 – Shifting Target Audience
Who Are We Trying to Reach?
Impact of Social Media and the Internet
Community and Cliques
Part 2 – Rethinking the Women’s Ministry Framework
Rethinking Teams
Rethinking Meetings
Rethinking Bible Studies
Rethinking Testimonies and Devotionals
Rethinking Mentoring and Discipleship
Rethinking Service Opportunities and Missions Projects
Rethinking Your Calendar
Rethinking Women’s Ministry Events
Rethinking Publicity
Part 3 – Making Changes and Managing Sacred Cows
Rethinking Women’s Ministry examines the heart and the how of women’s ministry in today’s culture.
It’s filled with practical tips and tools that your team can put to use immediately.
Below you’ll find the Introduction to Rethinking Women’s Ministry. I pray it will give you a sense of how the book may benefit you and your team.
“Why aren’t women coming to women’s ministry events?”
It’s the heart cry I hear on a weekly basis from women’s ministry leaders.
Leaders long to know what they can do to encourage women to show up.
Some know they need to make changes, but they aren’t sure what those changes should be.
Other leaders are frustrated with team members who won’t budge because “this is the way we’ve always done it.”
The face of women’s ministry is changing, and many women’s ministry teams – perhaps even your own – have struggled to adapt.
Twenty years ago God called me to join Him in this journey to minister to women. Much of what worked really well twenty years ago doesn’t garner the same robust results now.
Rethinking Women’s Ministry is designed to help women’s ministry leaders and team members examine what is working well in their church ministry and what isn’t.
We’ll start by looking at how things have changed over the years.
What’s really different?
What new challenges must we tackle?
Then we’ll move on to the heart of the matter – identifying areas where change is needed.
Do you need to rethink your team structure, Bible studies, or discipleship approach?
Does your event framework, outreach, or publicity need to be refreshed?
As God highlights areas that need rethinking, you’ll be able to form an action plan that will enable your ministry to reach more women more effectively and create a community that flourishes.
You’ll also hear what women really think about women’s ministry events and activities as I share statistics and comments gathered from 1,140 women in an online survey. Some of their comments even surprised me!
Like me, you may be anxious to get started – there are women to reach! Before we jump knee deep into the need for rethinking women’s ministry, we need to agree upon a definition.
What is women’s ministry?
I posed this question to women’s ministry leaders in our Women’s Ministry Toolbox Community group on Facebook. Here’s how they defined women’s ministry:
“A privilege assigned by our almighty God to grow in faith together.”
“A ministry that serves the spiritual (discipleship, teaching, training), emotional (mentoring, encouraging, fellowship, counseling), and physical (comforting, provision, helping) needs of women.”
“We, as the leaders, minister, encourage, equip, build confidence, and support the women of our church who then go out, reach other women, and bring them back to the church where the process starts over again.”
“Women ministering to women in the context of the church, in alignment with the vision of the church, in submission to the leadership of the church. The ministry exists to equip, connect, comfort, and grow women and help them live out their mission as necessary and essential partners in fulfilling the great commission.”
“To help women grow in their relationship with God and with others.”
“Amazing. Complicated. Fulfilling. Exhausting. Peaceful. Dramatic. Crazy. But worthwhile.”
Search the Scriptures all you want, but you won’t find a formal organization of a ministry for women.
But God doesn’t leave us without some guidelines. We are told in Titus 2:3-5 that the older women are to teach the younger women. We are also told in Acts 2:42 that the early church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer” (CSB). In Matthew 28:19, we are instructed to go and make disciples (all of us). There are additional “one anothers” scattered throughout Scripture: love one another (John 13:14), encourage one another (Hebrews 3:13), serve one another (Galatians 5:13), tell one another about God (Psalm 145:4), carry one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).
We can say with confidence that biblical instruction, older women teaching younger women, discipleship, fellowship, and prayer should happen! Service, love, encouragement, sharing the gospel, and carrying burdens round out our responsibilities to one another.
I’ve boiled it down to this: women’s ministry is an arm of the church that intentionally provides biblically sound encouragement and spiritually driven growth opportunities for all women.
You may have a different definition. You may even have a purpose statement for your women’s ministry that serves as a guideline for everything you do. If you don’t have a working definition of a women’s ministry for your team, may I suggest that you spend time creating one? You’re welcome to use mine or tweak it a bit to make it your own. Seek input from your pastoral staff so they can hold your team accountable.
Here’s the thing – we can’t hit a target if we don’t know what we’re aiming for. Let’s get started!
Ready to read more? Rethinking Women’s Ministry is available in paperback and ebook on Amazon or ask your favorite bookstore or retailer to order it. Consider purchasing a copy for each one of your team members!
See what leaders are saying about Rethinking Women’s Ministry here!
I have been asked to serve as The Women’s Ministries leader at my church. I had no clue because I’ve never done this before. I believe God led me to your website. I have received so much wonderful and pertinent information needed to lead effectively and inspirationally.
Thank you so much for the guidance!!
Denise, thank you for your sweet and encouraging message! Praying God will guide you!
This has given me direction for Women’s Ministry
Minerva, that is wonderful! <3
Reviving women’s ministry in my church after 8 years of inactivity. This book would be a wonderful inspiration!
What a wonderful concept! Change! Message can remain faithful to God’s Word, but methods are always changing. Would love to read the book!
Melinda, thank you for your comment! I hope you’ll pick up a copy of the book!
Tamorah, thank you for your comment! I’m sorry you didn’t win a copy, but I hope you’ll pick one up. It would be a great resource for relaunching the women’s ministry in your church!
I would love to bless one of the ladies in our ministry with a copy.
What a great post! I definitely need to read your book! I told my team at our meeting this past Saturday that just because the way we have been doing things is going ok, it doesn’t mean it’s the best way so we need to be open to change and growth as the seasons and needs of our women change!
Kristi, thank you for your comments! I’m with you – there’s a difference between good, better, and best! Praying we’ll all seek what’s best for our women in our church and community. I’m sorry you didn’t win a copy, but I hope you’ll order one!
Kate, thank you for your comment. I’m sorry you didn’t win a copy, but I hope you’ll order one to bless one of the ladies in your ministry. It would make for a great Christmas gift! 😉
Can’t wait to read this! Our women’s ministry definitely needs a facelift. Hopefully I can win a copy!
Shahauna, thank you for your comment! I’m sorry you didn’t win, but I hope you’ll order a copy and that it will bless your ministry!
I read this and would love to bless someone on our Women’s Ministry team with a copy!
Aw, thanks, Kristen! I’m sorry you didn’t win a copy for your team member. It would make a great Christmas gift, though!
So excited for the release of your book. I can’t wait to read it.
Thank you, Marci! I’m sorry you didn’t win, but I hope you’ll order a copy! Can’t wait to hear what you think about it!
I would love to own this book! Women’s Ministry Toolbox has been such a helpful resource-so practical and timely! I have no doubt the book will be just as valuable a resource.
Carol, you are so kind, thank you! <3 I'm sorry you didn't win a copy, but I hope you'll order one!
What an exciting giveaway! I have taken over our women’s ministry the past April. Your posts have been so helpful. This book sounds amazing!
Thanks, Lisa! I hope you’re enjoying it! Congrats on being one of our winners!
This would enhance our Women’s Board’s goal to “rethink womens ministry”. Things have changed over the years so I believe this will be valuable.
Rhonda, you are right – things have changed! I’m sorry you didn’t win a copy, but I hope you’ll order one!
Win or lose I will own this book. I can only imagine the help and life this book can bring to our women’s ministry. Thank you for taking the time to write this book that will help so many in the ministry!
Thank you, Alisha! I pray it will be a great help to many! I’m so sorry you didn’t win a copy, but I hope you’ll order one.
Greetings! I would live to have a copy of this book to share with the Women Ministry Leaders at both the localand district level. Part of our ministry goal this year is to evangelize within the walls (Jerusalem) to bring us together as one body in Christ, which will strengthen us to go outside (Judea, etc.) and share the love of Christ. Our Ministry Leaders would benefit from this book. Blessings!
Kathy, thank you for your comment! I love your ministry goals for this year! I’m sorry you didn’t win a copy, but I hope you’ll order one!
I’ve had the privilege and blessing of serving as Women’s Ministry Director at our church for the past 21 years. I’m amazed at how God has provided through every detail in every area of ministry during these 21 years! I’m definitely noticing a change in “climate” among our women lately. Would love to receive this book as I continue to press forward in these changing times!
Connie, you are observant! Things have definitely changed over the years. I’m sorry you didn’t win a copy, but I hope you’ll order one!
I would love to have a copy of your book to use in our Women’s Ministry. ????
Beth, thank you for your comment. I’m so sorry you didn’t win, but I hope you’ll order a copy!
This looks like a great book! I am a new Women’s Ministries leader in a church where women’s ministries has been a struggle for the past decade or so. I could really use some ideas on how to change things up and reach todays women. Thank you!
I have recently relocated and attending a new church where much life is needed in the Women’s Ministries department. There are a few women trying but the leader definitely need assistance in running a successful ministry. However, as a known past Women’s Ministry director I don’t want to impose my ideas. This book would be the perfect tool to encourage and assist them in a positive way without my input.
We’re a small church. Most of the ladies have known each other since birth. I am not one of them. It’s hard to get a response from a lot of the ladies. I try to change the kinds of events, studies and times offered. I would love some new ideas.
This book will help me TREMENDOUSLY. I have recently taken the position of Women’s Ministry president. We are starting from scratch… no activity for over a year. I have NEVER had a leadership position on a committee.
Would love to receive this book!!
I have just been appointed as the Women’s Ministry leader of my church. I’m sure this book would be an awesome resource for the growth of the ministry and the women involved.
Dear Cyndee,
I would love to have a copy so that my team and I could learn new ways to include and minister effectively to many more women. There’s so much we could do and there’s so much need out there. This would be a big help.
Irene
I would love a copy. We have been praying about rethinking how we do things. I love confirmation.
I would love to have a copy of this book. I send a morning message of encouragement to over 170 women. I have been doing this now since 2006. The purpose is to give them encouragement for the day and to let them know that the Father loves and are concerned about them.
I want to do so much more to bring women together in unity to get a job done in our communities and nation.
I think that this book can and will enlightened me as well as other women to come together more for the common good.
Patricia,
I am very interested in this book, too, but what caught my attention here is your commitment to encouraging over 170 women daily for the past 13 years!! That’s awesome!! You may never know (this side of Heaven) the impact of that commitment. I also wanted to ask you…how do you get it out to them? Text blast? Email blast? Can you give me some help here? This is something I am attempting. Thank you!
Lee, how I love your comments! Thank you for your kind and encouraging words to Patricia. <3 I'm sorry you didn't win and I hope you all were able to connect!
Cyndee,
While I already have a copy, as an Associational Leader, there are 26 churches under me and they all need a copy. Hope I can start with this one.
I appreciate your ministry and I’m sure this book would be super helpful.
Thanks for all you do, Cindy. I’ve come to respect the consistent quality of information you share with your community and the faithful manner in which you lead it. I’m sure your book doesn’t disappoint!
I lead the women’s ministry in our church. There is also a team that works with me to plan, etc. Just this morning I was having a conversation with one of our WM team members about whether or not all the good (even great) things we do in our WM really has a lasting life impact. I wonder if we need to take a good look at everything and be willing to let God take off of our plates anything that isn’t effective in His kingdom. Honestly, not “wondering”. I know this is needed, but how to even start is the question. I hope the book will have some good practical advice and steps for doing that.
We are in a period of transition–as a church and as a women’s ministry. Our pastor has retired, so we are adapting to changes being brought in by the new pastor. I am retiring as women’s ministry leaders, and as my successor takes over, it is the perfect time to “Rethink Women’s Ministry.” I would love to give her a copy of this book!
I would love to have a copy! Our women’s ministry is very vague and has no definite mission statement…only an annual one day conference event, organized by me, along with a few other women within our church. I would love to begin a more organized, actual women’s ministry for our church!
I’d love this book! As a Women’s leader, I know the struggle of getting women to get involved. This year we are trying various opportunities to gather involvement but I’d love to see if we are on the right track to revitalize Women’s ministry.
Looks like a much need book these days.
Me!!
Yes please and thank you! I have been recently appointed as the President of our Young Matron’s Ministry and I am hungry for suggestions and ideas.
I would love a copy of this book! We have had women’s ministries at our church for MANY years and rethinking how we do things is always good (although a little painful).