Ministry to Women

Before taking Introduction to Ministry to Women, my understanding of women's ministry was somewhat limited, often confined to stereotypical roles that were drilled into me from a young age. However, as I delved into the teachings of Introduction to Ministry to Women, my perspective started to change, and I realized that women's ministry does not have to stay within the four walls of a church building, nor is the ministry limited to a certain age group. Additionally, I have come to understand the profound impact the ministry can have on the spiritual growth of women in the community.

Currently, in the ministry context I am in, I am not an “official” part of the women's ministry team, but due to taking this class I was allowed to sit in and audit the women’s ministry meetings, and because I recorded the meetings for class, I have become the unofficial secretary for the women's ministry. Through this opportunity, I have begun to gain insight into how our ministry is run, and have discovered some things that our women’s ministry could improve on. One thing our Women's Ministry needs to work on is creating a supportive environment where women of all ages can connect, grow spiritually, and find encouragement in their faith. I have noticed there's a need for intentional engagement with women in all walks of life. This class has illuminated the importance of tailoring ministry approaches to address the unique needs, challenges, and strengths of women and girls in our community.

Another issue I have noticed is that our women’s ministry lacks inclusiveness among the younger generations in our church. Our women's ministry is supposedly open for all ladies aged 18 and up, but our women’s ministry team neglects to share the information regarding events and ministry opportunities with those of the younger generations. When you look up the age most people consider the age of a woman, it states, “It's more common for women above 25 to be considered a woman”, and unfortunately for the longest time, our church did not have anything for those between the ages of graduating high school and mid 20’s.  As a lady myself in that awkward age, I have found that there is often no place for this age group to feel included and a part of a specific ministry group.

Only recently (within the past year) did our church implement a class for college age, but this class lacks inclusiveness within other ministries such as women or men ministry, nor do these ministries openly invite the younger generations to join them. Personally, I feel we could address this issue by increasing the number of events tailored to younger women, as well as creating opportunities for mentorship and connection between the younger girls and ladies within the church. We should strive to create a more inclusive atmosphere by reaching out to provide guidance and support to young women to help them develop their faith and build strong relationships through mentorship programs. Additionally, we should look for ways to involve younger women in the leadership team of the Women's Ministry.

However, even if we were to openly invite the younger ladies to join us for events, or create mentor opportunities for older ladies to mentor the younger women, we run into the problem of childcare. Most of the younger ladies in our church are mothers and have young children who require care in order for the ladies to join us.  This makes it difficult for them to attend our events and get involved in the Women's Ministry, and to help solve this issue, it would make sense to provide childcare options for the younger ladies.

Despite not being an official member of the Women’s Ministry Team, I have had the privilege of engaging with a diverse group of women and girls, each navigating unique life journeys through my involvement in events our ministry hosts, as well as through my volunteering with all ages in our church, and teaching both children and youth in our church. Also, outside of the church, I have been given the honor, through the grace of God, of starting and leading the YDOC Bible study, a Bible study group for middle school through college-age girls, between the ages of fourteen and twenty-three. We have two different groups, an in-person group for those who are local and prefer being around other girls to fellowship, and an online group for those who are out of state or are shy and prefer to not be around others.

Throughout the four years that I have been leading this study, we have seen many girls come in and out of the group as they go through different stages of life. When we first started the Bible study group, we had ten girls in the in-person study group and around one hundred in the online group, and now at the end of 2024, we have four in the in-person Bible study and over six hundred girls in the online group. The best part for me is the fact that three of the four girls in the in-person group are all new girls and were not part of the original ten. I am praying that through the weekly Bible study, I am making disciples out of the girls, and pray that God will grant them the knowledge and confidence to take what they have learned out into the world and accomplish God’s command in Matthew 28:19 of “Make disciples of all nations.” 

Regardless of where God places me, I am beginning to see the potential God may use me to bridge gaps and provide support in different areas outside of the church. All members of the body of Christ, regardless of age, play crucial roles. Through this class, I have come to understand the importance of supporting any form of women’s or girl’s ministry, by helping create an inclusive environment. This involves active listening, fostering mentorship, and acknowledging diverse perspectives. I am now equipped with a toolbox of strategies to help cultivate a thriving women's or girl’s ministry wherever God places.

The class has equipped me with valuable insights into holistic ministry, crisis intervention, event planning, and many more crucial components of effective women's ministry. Holistic ministry, as emphasized in the class, involves understanding and creating a plan to address the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of those in my area of ministry. It also means being aware of the needs of those outside my ministry and being available to provide care and support to help women and girls in the ministries I am involved in. The course also shed light on how to minister to women and girls in crisis, urging me to be prepared to support women and girls during challenging times, by developing a network of resources to help guide them, remaining empathetic towards their needs, and being proactive in offering spiritual guidance. 

Through my interviews with women's ministry leaders, as part of an assignment for a school course, I gained knowledge on how to effectively plan for events that will impact those involved. I learned that well-planned and executed events can serve as catalysts for deeper connections among women. Implementing thoughtful event planning will be integral to fostering a vibrant and engaged ministry.  I am confident that the knowledge I have gained in this course will be invaluable in helping me to create a more supportive and empowering environment for women and girls in my ministry setting. My vision for ministry has been turned toward helping women and girls to be encouraged and inspired to pursue their dreams and passions, and to have a safe space to explore and express their faith and relationship with God. I am confident that this course has equipped me with the necessary tools to make this happen. 

Applying these principles, regardless of where God places me in ministry, I aim to create a comprehensive approach that addresses the spiritual, emotional, and practical needs of the women and girls I work with. I also strive to create a space that is safe and nurturing for women to come and be supported in their spiritual journey. I will also strive to provide resources and opportunities for women to explore their faith and grow closer to God, and to create an atmosphere of acceptance and respect for all women regardless of their background.

In conclusion, the Introduction to Women's Ministry class I took was very transformative in reshaping my perceptions of this ministry, giving me a deeper understanding of the unique dynamics within women’s or girl’s ministry. Additionally, this course has equipped me with practical tools for effective women’s or girl’s ministry, and strategies for improvement. I am excited about the opportunities I will have to (or help others too) implement these insights in my ministry setting, fostering a more vibrant community where women and girls are not only supported but also empowered to grow in their faith and relationship with each other, and with God. I look forward to putting what I have learned into action!