We’ve moved twice within the past three years. Not just down the road, but 10 hours west and 2 states away. And then 8 hours back east.
We’ve had the opportunity not just to visit several churches, but to try to get plugged in once we’ve found our new church homes.
Back when we moved to Kentucky one of the pastor’s wives invited me to my first event at the much bigger, main campus. I didn’t even know where to park or which door to enter. I would have never gone if she hadn’t invited me.
It’s been about 3 months since I almost turned the car around and abandoned the idea of attending my first Women’s Ministry event alone.
Ya’all even as much as I love Women’s Ministry, it was very hard for me to go alone to the first event at our new church home. I had no idea if I would know anyone. Not a single woman from our Sunday School class was in attendance. Every single face was new.
Having freshly walked in the shoes of the “new girl” (again), I thought I’d share a few things I’ve learned.
There are 3 things every “new girl” needs:
1. Invitation – It is highly unlikely that she’s going to come to an event on her own. A personal invitation provides companionship and accountability. Consider inviting her to:
- A Women’s Ministry event
- Bible study
- Breakfast/coffee/lunch
- Your Sunday School class/Small Group
2. Introduction – Connect her with other women in a similar season of life or with similar aged-children. Please do not introduce her to the whole group – she may never come back! Make these introductions 1-on-1. Be purposeful. Don’t abandon her either. Stay and help keep the conversation going.
3. Intentional Follow-up – Don’t leave her hanging. Call and check in with her. Ask her how she enjoyed the event. Invite her to something else. Find out what she needs/is looking for and help her to find it.
Admittedly, there is a fine line between pushy and welcoming.
- You don’t need to call repeatedly, but if she leaves you a message, call her back. Please.
- You don’t need to issue an invitation to every church or Women’s Ministry event, but do hold her hand through a couple until she gets to know a few other folks.
It’s your turn to share! What do you do to make sure new women at your events feel welcome?
You may also want to read:
How to Alienate Visitors
10 Ways We Unknowingly Hurt Women in the Church
Are you craving connection?
Hi Cyndee, you have some very practical ideas to use for women’s Bible studies, etc. and I love your website. I work for a ministry, Just Moved Ministry that I’m not sure if you are familiar with. I was drawn to “The New Girl” as our ministry helps women recover emotionally and grow spiritually when they’ve been uprooted by a move or any life-change. Being a ‘new girl’ in a new community is very challenging. Check out our website http://www.JustMoved.org . Susan Miller has written a book, After the Boxes are Unpacked, Moving on after Moving In. We have After the Boxes study groups across the U.S., in the military and internationally being lead by women who have stepped forward to lead these groups. Of course, during this isolation time, we have started Online Study Groups for women that are interested in a study but do not have access to a local group. Your information is helpful as we start this new path in our ministry and thinking out of the box for churches/military that may need to rethink their face-to-face studies. If you have any questions about Just Moved Ministry, please email.
Paulette, Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate your ministry and heart for those who have moved. <3 I'd love to link arms to help spread the word about your resources. You can check out the partnership opportunities I offer here - https://womensministrytoolbox.com/connect/partnerships/.