Three years ago I gathered a group of young, influential women around my dining room table and asked what worked and what didn’t work within women’s ministry. The answers varied from outdated to passé. But one voice cut through the others.
The girl I didn’t know would soon become one of my dearest friends spoke words that I’ve only dreamed about in my head. She had seen a movement of women who were passionately pursuing God, worshipping Him with their whole hearts, and living an abundant life in the fullness of God. Who? Where? But more important, how? Annie shared about the global party happening around the world from Sydney to Cape Town to London and we needed to get to this party. I was intrigued…
While American churches are hacking away at ministry sects like women’s ministry in order to maintain a simple-church model, I feel there may be a detriment to the collective good of the body.
The American Evangelical church is 61% female who are more inclined to tithe regularly, serve in ministry, and give of their time in the community. 57% of church volunteers are women and 64% of lay missionaries are women. Sociologist will affirm that women are naturally more communal and when given a collaborative goal, they are more inclined to think of the collective good over their personal gain.
So why all the hate?
It could be a number of reasons. But instead of throwing the baby out with the bath water, why don’t we start asking questions? How can we provide an outlet for 61% of the body to meet not only a personal need, but a Church need. I’ve heard it all, “Women are demanding. They’re so hard to get aligned. Those girls just want to do their own thing.” And it could quite possibly be true.
But true leadership management requires more effort to align a maverick than to cut them loose. If done well, there is a high success rate for true change. But look at Peter! Look at James and John! Look at Gideon! These men suffered from petulance, immaturity, and ego. But when aligned with the vision set before them, radically changed the world.
I believe in you.
YES!!! YES!!! YES!!!!! I love your heart for ministry. I pray that more women rise up, myself included, to bring more to women’s ministry.
I can’t find a place for me in women’s ministries, as of yet, but I haven’t fully given up hope.
The church, as a whole, doesn’t know what to do with older singles or really even professional women. And that makes me sad.
If I could chest bump you through this computer, I would. NAILED IT!
So good, B!
“There were no doilies or teacups or Bunko cards, but there was a feminine mystique that’s unique to a gathering of women. There was a reverence of the past with a relevance for today.”
^^^ YES! Maybe it’s because I’m a unique mix of hippie & ghetto girl, but the typical Women’s events just never snag me. I’ve tried them many a time, but for whatever reason, they never seem to engage me to the point that I want to keep going. I understand that many women enjoy the more feminine decor & topics, but I JUST WANT THEM ALL TO BE REAL WITH ME. I don’t want to talk about love languages or serving my husband (especially since I don’t even have one yet). I want to talk about how we can collectively change the world. I am not a timid person & don’t want to be a timid leader, but it seems that every Women’s event I attend talks about submission & serving behind the scenes. That is not me. (BTW, I take no issue with Biblical submission, serving one’s husband, Love Languages or the like, I just ache for something different.)
I’ve yet to attend a women’s ministry event that I actually liked & have even been guilty of bailing early because I just couldn’t handle the sugar-coated life. My life ain’t sugar-coated ya’ll.
I’m desperately seeking an outlet to change the world in a more dramatic way. I’m already doing my part in some ways, but I’m aching for other women who want to be real & in turn change hearts to Christ because of it. I’m SO happy you’re taking issue with this too & that you’re on the frontlines of change. I’d love to collaborate with you girl!
I think we may be best friends. I totally feel you completely and am a mixture of those two same things! 😉 2 snaps in a double circle!
I was surprised to know that’s still an issue.
Maybe because my church’s Women Ministries is so wonderful, makes you feel spiritually enriched and provides practical solutions to real life issues and the connections between the sisterhood of women are refreshing. We have a lot of support in our ministry, I love it. 🙂
This is so right on time! I’m on staff at my church and some of the younger girls were talking about the disconnect for our generation and the need for something different. So much so that a lot of ladies won’t even go to the “Women’s Ministry” gatherings and activities. There is such a hunger there for women in their 20’s and early 30’s! I’m right there with you. WM is needed and is such a vital part of growth and building women up who will go out and radically transform this Earth for Christ!
P.S. I’ve been listening to the Christine Caine podcasts so it’s great to put a name with a face. : )
Vonae Deyshawn
WoOhOo! That’s awesome 😉