Crisostomo Licsi Mantes

Rev. Jung Chun Mo, PhD

Effective Ministry
06 October 2017

Womens Ministry

Why Womens Ministry

There are lots of reason why we should have womens ministry in our churches. First, to
help churches grow numerically and spiritually. To help women feel accepted when they join your
church. To open the door to meaningful relationships. To encourage women to discover, develop,
and use their spiritual gifts. To help women fight spiritual battles. To provide vision and
networking for both inreach and outreach ministries. To offer woman-to-woman understanding.
To offer woman-to-woman lay counseling. To follow Jesus' example of ministry to and with
women. To affect families as women's lives are drawn closer to Christ. To encourage spiritually
older women to mentor (teach) spiritually younger women. To minister to today's woman.

The Need for Relevance

It was said that womens ministry is coming of age in our local churches. While various
forms of womens ministry have existed for decades, especially in denominational churches, many
of the present forms have lost their effectiveness and appeal. They are not effective in reaching the
next generation because they dont seem relevant to the issues and needs of women today. To
reach a new generation we, with a heart for women, must be open to change, flexible in our
methods while firmly holding to the center, the Word of God.

Balance Approach to Spiritual Growth

All ministry must be centered on God's Word and our relationship to the God of the Word.
This takes place on Sundays in Bible study and discipleship training as well as at various times
throughout the week in large and small groups. Spiritual growth must always be the ultimate goal
when addressing needs that are: relational (social, family, communication, witnessing, service,
fellowship); physical (health, nutrition, addictions); emotional (self-esteem, depression, crisis
counseling); and mental (decision-making, time management, finances, leadership skills). There
must be a balance between growth and service opportunities available for women. They must be
challenged to put what they have learned into practice and use it to serve the Lord.

Postmodern Woman
The phenomenon of the generation gap reaches beyond familial relationships mothers
and daughters, grandfathers and grandsons into the church body as well. Older women, content
with their traditional, didactic method of Bible study, are puzzled and sometimes threatened by the
younger generations desire for creativity, diversity, and spontaneity. Likewise the teens and
college-aged girls observe their mothers and grandmothers in church and say that church is boring.
And they walk away from relevant truth because they cant relate to an antiquated method. Many
postmoderns, believe they have little in common with the moderns (their parents and
grandparents generations). It is an unfortunate and potentially destructive misconception.

Methods Reaching the Postmodern Woman

Make It an Experience. For all women but especially for the postmodern women it
must be more than an intellectual exercise. It must be an experience! Why? Because our
relationship with Christ involves more than our minds. Yes, it begins there. And we want lessons
and teaching that take us deep into complexities of life and theology. But relationships touch the
heart also. As women go deep into Gods Word, witness the powerful impact of faith in others
lives, and take in images of eternal truths through a variety of media, the experience colors the rest
of their week. In time, as they cooperate with God, they are transformed.

Live Out His Love. We feel loved when others care for us and respect us. We feel loved
when others make it clear that they will not withdraw their affection if we let them down. We feel
loved when they have our best interests at heart. We feel loved when others care enough to tell us
the truth gently. We show these women love by the way we treat them from the moment they walk
in the door. Leaders express love when they create an atmosphere of unconditional acceptance in
the groups. We love them when we give them our best. God created us this way. Lets make it our
goal to express the love of Jesus to women.

Add Art. The Bible is full of powerful stories, songs, poetry, symbols, and images that
shout His love for us. Why not incorporate them into the experience? Add art to your format. It is
a powerful communicator. By touching the senses, art can often reveal truth in unique ways. God
is the great Creator and He gave us creativity. So be creative!

Teach Messages That Emphasize Application. We studied every book of the Bible as
well as a variety of views on almost every theological subject. We learned to think propositionally,
to reason carefully, and to apply biblical truth to everyday life. Most women dont care about the
difference between the deep issues on Calvinism and Arminianism. That is especially true to
postmodern women. The mothers and grandmothers of todays generation come to church asking,
Who is preaching and whats their subject? Today postmoderns ask, Who will be there, and
will they accept me? They want to know if they can find a home and they want to see if we are
real. Therefore, our main idea needs to be practical. Our message outline points need to relate to
real life with words like you and us. And our message should be full of illustrations and stories
that bring theoretical truths alive. Postmodern women arent impressed merely with our
scholarship. They want to see if our faith works.
 Employ Surprise and Variety. Its as in to bore people with the Bible or with Bible
study. If necessary create varieties and only there is a good reason, dont lock yourself into the
same format every week. Have fun with the format and dont be afraid to try something new. It
may bomb and then you wont do it again. But often it will be a special reminder to the women of
how dear they are to you. Each week is another opportunity to enjoy an experience with Jesus.

Plan Tight, But Dont Appear Structured. Postmodern women prefer more relaxed
approach. They want to make every minute meaningful, but they dont like to feel rushed.
Normally we follow schedules, but if situation needs some quick adjustment then make
adjustments. Dont make an issue of time. Women appreciate a more relaxed atmosphere even
though every minute is planned for maximum effect. Its just another way to make the experience
pleasant in a 24/7 world.
The experience you create each week is a powerful tool to transform women. Not all
women will be faithful. Studying the Scriptures is hard work. But those who do, a great reward
awaits them an intimate relationship with Jesus, the great Lover of their souls. Knowing that you
had a part in bringing them together is one of lifes greatest joys!

Ministering to Women in General

Women have some strong feelings and opinions on how to do women's ministryand
about their experiences in women's ministry programs.

1. Recognize that women are not all the same. Those who are called to women's ministry
have their work cut out for them. It's not an easy job to minister to such a diverse group of
people. But anyone who wants to appeal to women in general must recognize that women
come in many different shapes and must create programs that appeal to more than one type.
This is the same for any demographic group in the church, but perhaps most of all for
women. Our lifestyles, circumstances, and preferences are so diverse. Not everything has
to appeal to every womanbut if NOTHING about a church's women's ministry program
appeals to a particular woman, she'll quickly get the message that she's not OK and not
wanted.
2. Respect women's intellectual abilities. Too often, we seem to buy into the world's lie that
women are purely emotional beings, at the whim of fantasy and hormones, and not smart
enough to go deep. God created women to feel and to think. Their souls hunger not only
for the presence of God, but also for knowledge of his truth. Ministries that focus only on
women's emotional needs or that stay on a shallow level are doing a disservice to their
women and to the larger body of Christ. And they're failing to reach many women, who
will never be engaged by a ministry that does not challenge their intellect.
3. Recognize that women are not just wives and mothers. Women aren't required to fill
these roles in order to see God's purpose for their lives. It's pointless to ignore the
 importance of these roles in the lives of many women, but we must acknowledge that
women are unmarried, childless, divorced, single, struggling with infertility, focused on
their careers, and everything in between. They're all important to God, and none of them
should have the impression that God's plans don't include them.
4. Make it safe to talk about real life. If a women's ministry program were able to make it
safe to talk honestly and biblically about our experiences with spiritual doubt, depression,
injustice, loneliness, temptation, abuse, regrets, sex, career success, insecurities, need to
achieve, perfectionism, financial worries, sexual harassment, boredom, anxiety,
exhaustion, great books, compulsive eating, addictions, and things that keep women awake
at night, that ministry would produce some powerful life change.
5. Affirm real women. We should not walk out feeling worse about our potential in Christ
than we did when we walked in. Many women feel torn down and devalued by the church
- simply because they are women or they are the sort of women God has made them to be.
Any women's ministry program must everyday women feel like they belong.
6. Challenge women. Besides the nursery, women's ministry may be the only place where
many of their ministries seem designed only to make them comfortable.

Womens Transformation
We need a ministry model that meets the needs of todays women, both modern and
postmodern. Postmodern women demand that our ministries offer authentic, substantial
opportunities to grow and serve. Modern women want that too.

Scripture. If we envision womens ministry as a wheel, the hub of the wheel is the study
of Gods Word. Bible study is the primary activity of the ministry. It is the one component that is
designed with all the women of the church in mind. All other ministries are the spokes of the wheel.
These spokes give women opportunities to use what they have learned in Gods Word. And they
are the place we narrow the focus and minister to women with specific needs. Without Gods Word
there will be no spiritual transformation for women.

Relationships. Although Scripture are the focus of a life-changing womens ministry, mere
knowledge of the Bible is not the desired goal. Rather it is first a deeper relationship with God,
because without a doubt God values relationship too, and then healthy, intimate relationships with
other women. Women love to connect some more than others. Relational women look for
genuine friendships.
Women on campuses are hungry for connection. They also need relationship with Jesus
first. But often they are not aware of that need. They will join in just to make meaningful
friendships. Many campuses lack a ministry that offers both a relationship with Christ and also
with other women.
 Around the world, women have the same needs. Missionaries find that bonding between
American teams and nationals is a number-one priority. Different languages and cultures
complicate the relationships, but the basics dont change. Growing to love one another and
building relationships is second only to centering on Scripture.

Differences. Segregating women by ages and categories violates the Titus 2 mandate in
Scripture. Most women enjoy being with women from different backgrounds and life stages.
Below are the benefits of bringing different women together. Some may resist the idea, but you
might be surprise if you make your survey that most women want to be in a mixed group.
Real-life examples to consider:
In a small group, a single woman sees the tears and hears the woes of a woman who married
carelessly. The single woman thinks seriously about whether or not to accept an invitation
from a nonbeliever (man) at work which has invited her to dinner.
A young mother shares her struggles with her strong-willed two-year-old. An older mother
explains what worked in her childs life. She cautions her not to overreact and comforts
her with the knowledge that all two-year-olds throw tantrums.
An African-American woman prays for a white womans ailing mother. The white woman
has never experienced the delight of sisterhood with a woman of a different color. Both are
blessed. The white woman views a racially motivated crime on the news with a new
perspective.
A working woman vents frustration at her bosss inappropriate advances but she loves
her job. A professional woman with thirty years of experience takes her aside and helps
her discover her options. She provides resources that will help if necessary. And she prays
with her.
The mother of a prodigal connects with a young woman who resembles her daughter.
Together they talk through some of the issues that have estranged them and the mother
begins to understand her daughter in ways she never had before. The mother takes steps
toward her daughter and in time the relationship is healed.

Meaningful Minutes. We live in a 24/7, all-the-time world. People expect to be able to

buy anything twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Work follows us home on the Internet.
We wake up in a different world than the one in which we went to sleep. Change happens so fast,
we cant learn about it before it is obsolete. The pace of modern life isnt healthy. When people
come into church, we want to offer them a haven where rhythm slows down. We want to turn our
thoughts to God, relationships, and meaningful endeavors. We want to rest and focus on whats
really important in life. And we should.
But time is tricky in ministry today. Women wont tolerate your wasting their time. They
are busy, and most have multiple choices concerning how they will spend their free time. Some
women have almost no free time, and joining your ministry comes with great sacrifice. They
schedule in only what they believe is valuable. If our womens ministry is not covered in prayer,
well planned, and expertly executed, women will not participate. It had better be worth their time.

Build Teams. Our world is in desperate need of Jesus. The numbers are huge. If you are praying
that God will enlarge your influence and bring you women of all generations, then you need a team. You
need and army of women at your side. You will never be able to meet those needs by yourself. Building a
team and delegating the ministry means you give up control. And you will invest countless hours recruiting,
training, and encouraging your team. Teams are not an option especially in a postmodern world. Teams
and community are effective witnessing tool to postmoderns. They wont be impressed if you are a one-
woman show. No matter how gifted or passionate you are, ultimately you cant do it alone.

Add Variety. It is normal that people will expect variety about things. In the church and
on the campus, women expect a medley of ministries especially the postmoderns.

Prepare for Conflict. Conflict is like a country road. You never know where it will lead.
Unless you prepare ahead, conflict will take you where you dont want to go. Many women assume
that they can avoid conflict by making everyone happy. They think that because we are Christians,
we wont disagree. Both assumptions are wrong. No matter what you do, you cant make everyone
happy. And believers do disagree, sometimes so fiercely they dishonor God and damage the church
or ministry they love.

How to Begin an Effective Women's Ministry

Below are consilidated tips in starting womens ministry.

PRAY with others who have a heart for reaching and discipling women in your church
and community to discover where God is already at work.
SHARE your vision with your pastor or other staff member.
SURVEY the women. Circulate a survey to find out who your women are, what their
specific needs are, and what types of programs they are looking for. Just remember, you
cant please everyone, but you can try for a majority.
FORMULATE A PURPOSE STATEMENT that supports the overall purpose of your
church.
ASSESS NEEDS by taking a survey or interviewing women to discover women's needs
and how they would like to become involved in ministry.
DETERMINE PRIORITIES using your assessment as a guide. Start your ministry
small and continue to grow and build as needs change. Biblical discipleship studies,
prayer, praise, and worship are foundational to all other ministries with women.
SECURE FACILITIES AND CHILD CARE to create an atmosphere that encourages
women to attend and return. For mothers of preschoolers, child care is essential.
PROMOTE AND PUBLICIZE through church newsletters and bulletins, direct mail
flyers or brochures, public service announcements on radio and TV, news releases in
local newspapers, and phone contacts.
 NETWORK with people in the church. These people might include pastors and their
wives, the church secretary, scheduler, Sunday school coordinator, etc. These people can
offer necessary assistance. Find out from them what has worked or not worked in the past
and build on that.
DELEGATE the right people. Put out a sign-up sheet for volunteers. Post a notice in the
church bulletin. Make phone calls. Shoulder-tap women who are looking for spiritual
growth or ministry challenges. Emphasize the blessings these events provide for harried
moms and working women. Such events really do make a difference that can change the
course of a womans life.
BEGIN WITH A SMALL AND INFORMAL activity. A monthly breakfast or quarterly
dinner is good because they allow todays busy women to carve out some time that isnt a
big commitment. Theres no pressure if someone forgets or misses one of these events, but
rather theres a more come-as-you-are-and-as-you-can risk-free approach.
LAUNCH MINISTRY with a special event.
EVALUATE all aspects of your ministry. Variety and flexibility are key issues in
keeping the ministry fresh and vital for the women in your church and community.

Reference(s):
New Doors in Ministry to Women by Sue Edwards and Kelly Matthews

http://www.lifeway.com/Article/Organizing-your-womens-ministry
http://www.christianitytoday.com/women-leaders/2007/september/ideas-for-womens-
ministry.html
http://justbetweenus.org/ministry/womens-ministry/7-steps-for-an-effective-womens-ministry/