At some point you are going to host an event that far exceeds your attendance expectations.
You’re also just as likely to host an event that doesn’t come even close to meeting your team’s expectations…
Our second year of MOPS brought about many changes and a decrease in the number of moms attending. I struggled with feelings of failure…My heart wanted to reach as many moms as we could!
I am forever thankful that our MOPS mentor taught me not to get caught up in the numbers.
She encouraged me to remember that God will do anything for just one.
Anything for just one.
Just this last week my reading brought me to the parable of the lost sheep (see Luke 15:3-7). It is such a sweet reminder that God will go after just one.
God had sent every single one of those moms that fall.
Whether He sent 15 or 55 moms, it was our task to serve and love on them as best we could.
I do believe that sometimes our events are just for one.
One sweet soul that Jesus wants to reach.
It’s why every month I would drag my scrapbooking supplies to the church for our monthly crop and would pray even one would show up. And if it was just one then we got the chance to know each other better. And if no one showed I chose not to be disappointed.
Please don’t ever cancel an event God has called you to host if the attendance appears it will be less than desirable.
Embrace the intimacy of a smaller group and love on those that have come. Trust that God has sent each one.
Be careful never to apologize for the lack of attendance. Each one there is worth the effort and you don’t ever want them to feel otherwise.
Our hearts want to reach as many as we can, but sometimes God’s plan for that moment is to reach just a few.
Your turn to share: Have you ever gotten caught up in the numbers?
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Should you cancel your women’s ministry event?
Yes, and I felt just like you said a failure. But our group varies and has gotten larger and I actually sometimes miss the intimacy of the smaller. I pray for God to bring those who need to hear the message and leave it in His hands. Sometimes fear crepts back in.
Bonnie, I am so thankful you appreciate the intimacy of a smaller group! Glad to hear God is growing your group. Sometimes we just need to be patient and faithful! Keep up the good fight!!
Awesome information. I have 14 in one setting and then only 4 in another – God still gets the glory!! Thanks
Shelia, that is great! Sometimes a smaller group is JUST what some of those women need. Each group is God ordained!
[…] You may also want to read: Letting Go of Perfect Don’t get caught up in the numbers! […]
Thank you so much for this post! I am in the process of planning a Women’s Conference and the deadline is fast approaching. We currently have very few women attending. I really needed to be reminded that “God will do anything for just one.”
Jenny, almost every year it seems our women wait until the last minute to sign up. I hope this will be the case for you all. If not, God has something special in store for those that are able to attend!
Thank You, Cyndee!! I really enjoy this website!
Thank you for this reminder! I’ve been involved in some planning, but this is the first time planning a ladies retreat and the numbers are coming very slowly!
Praying God will move on the hearts of those women that He is sending that have yet to sign up!
Our woman have always been last-minute when it comes to signing up, especially for a big event… Hope that is the case with yours!