Reaching Women for Christ
February is the month that the Women’s Missionary Auxiliary promotes growth and enlistment to our ministry groups. God’s Word is filled with stories of how He has worked in and through the lives of women of all ages. These are great stories of women who were faithful in service. Many of these stories portray women of different ages learning from each other and growing in their faith. Remember Miriam, the big sister who watched over her little brother Moses hidden in the reeds along the Nile, yet she dared speak to the princess to protect him (Ex. 2:1-10)? Then there are the stories of relationships like Naomi and Ruth (the book of Ruth) or Elizabeth and Mary (Lk. 1:39-56). When I read these stories in Scripture, I am reminded that God’s message is for every woman – no matter her age or season of life. But when you look inside, we are still women with similar needs, desires, hang-ups and worries. By focusing on God’s message and encouraging women from each generation to serve and learn together, we will all be blessed and much richer for the experience. Here are things to remember when building an intergenerational ministry for women: be intentional to reach and involve all ages, and minister to women of every generation; make sure women from every age group are part of the planning team and get their input and ideas; have women from each generation carry out the plan – serving in every area, side-by-side, using their gifts to the benefit of all, but especially the Kingdom; and produce, growth, friendship, and to be a blessing to each other.We have so much to learn from each other during every season of life. Focus on what each generation has to offer and allow these strengths and gifts to be used to the fullest. What a wonderful time we will have! Here are some questions to think about when looking at your women’s group:
- Is your women’s ministry intent on creating a welcoming atmosphere for the regular attenders as well as quests?
- Do you know what criterion first-time quests use to decide if they will return to your church next Sunday, or if they will return to a service after visiting your women’s ministry?
- What kinds of things draw them; what pushes them away?
- How do the women in your church relate to each other?
- What does a quest see when she walks in the door? Are there age-cliques?
- Does she overhear gossip? “. . . walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1-3).
- Are your women’s ministry programs intent on developing mature relationships with Christ even if it means stepping out of comfort zones?
- Is there involvement out of love for the Lord and others? “Now the God of peace . . . equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen” (Heb. 13:20-21).
To reach women for Christ, we must give a little and help a lot. Women need spiritual nourishment and Biblical truths taught to them. We need to use faith-building social media to keep them informed of things happening in our ministries. Our groups should be a sisterhood of women who can share prayer requests, a listening ear, nonjudgmental advice, and a shoulder to cry on when needed. So, get busy and call that lady and invite her to come with you to the next meeting. Make her feel welcome and encourage her to become involved. Sometimes all it takes is a text and asking to reach those ladies.
Charlotte Johnson
National 1st VP
2/2020