The reason I started this ministry over six years ago was because someone reminded me that there is some serious work in the church to get done, and God has called women to minister to women as our part in the task. For those of us in this area of ministry, I know there exists a struggle with some of the relics of the past and sometimes there seems little hope for its future. The known history of women’s ministry in terms of its social-event driven focus often renders it irrelevant to our contemporary church, especially to younger women. But we need not shatter the tea pot to make room for a ministry that reaches into women’s minds and lives. In fact, I challenge you to strategically embrace the “tea pot” or whatever might help you to connect with the women around you. See the possibilities that move us beyond entertainment to discipleship.
1. Equip yourself to equip others. If you are the women’s ministry leader in your church or on a team, consider developing a strategy that allows you to recognize existing and emerging leaders in the congregation, women who will disciple other women. Duplicate yourself! You need to be making disciples–not just converts–and this means you need to be able to effectively communicate what scripture teaches us. Pursue opportunities to develop yourself as the thought leader God wants you to be in this area of ministry and you’ll discover opportunities to engage the minds of women of all ages.
2. Don’t be easily discouraged. If your women’s ministry is struggling in the transition to become one that is intentionally focused on women’s minds and lives, you might need to reconsider method. Events and gatherings that are Christ-centered can still be fun. Though the teapot has become a recognized symbol of some very shallow women’s ministry endeavors, it can prove to be a bridge to more teaching opportunities. Sometimes it is helpful to allow the relics of the past to help deliver the message women need now.
3. Be in constant communication with your church leaders about not only the vision of the women’s ministry, but also its needs. The last thing our pastors need is women’s ministry leaders going rogue. But any ministry effectively serving the mission of the church is one that any pastor will support. Let your leaders know your logistical needs including meeting space, child care concerns, and resource recommendations. Don’t use materials without the knowledge of your church leaders. Not only are they responsible for what they teach on Sunday morning, they’re responsible for what you teach whether it’s Sunday morning or Tuesday night.
4. Who isn’t attending? As you are busy with Bible studies, teaching seminars, and other gatherings, you will get excited about who is attending–but take note of who isn’t there. This is an area of your ministry you need to be intentionally focused on. Sometimes absence has to do with childcare, scheduling, and other basic needs. But you need to ask and find out. Don’t neglect the area of your ministry that might take a bit more work–it might actually be the opportunity to grow some profound relationships with women who really want to know God. This is the heart of ministry.
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