Women's ministry will only flourish in the local church if women are willing to get involved. And that means giving time to it. And that often means asking people to step out of their comfort zone. But what kind of women can get involved in women's ministry?
The short answer to that question is: any woman who believes in Jesus!
But the slightly longer answer is: any woman to who believes in Jesus and is willing to work in his strength, for his glory and in accordance with the gifts that he has given.
The first criteria is faith. Only those who believe in Jesus can serve Jesus and point others to Jesus. A vibrant relationship with the Lord is key.
The second criteria is sound doctrine - a stipulation that the Bible seems to make for any sort of ministry (eg Titus 1:9 - this was written to men in leadership, but I think the criteria are transferable)
The third criteria is that of good character - no-one with a quick temper, poor morals or addiction problems need apply (eg (Titus 1:7-8). Humility and servant-heartedness are key (Philippians 2)
If someone fits those criteria, there is a place for them on any church women's ministry team. But the specific role is still up for grabs ...
The temptation in some churches can be to try to turn every woman involved in women's ministry into a teacher who reads the Bible one-to-one with other women or leads Bible studies. But teaching is a gift - Romans 12:7 - and not everyone has the same gifts. It is important to discern what gifts God has given the women in your church and encourage them to serve in line with those gifts. Any women's ministry initiative will need people with the gifts of administration and hospitality as well as teachers and people with counselling skills. And people of all ages - young and old - and all backgrounds - stable and chaotic - will be able to use their varying gifts in different ways.
My suggestion for a core team to spearhead an initiative would be:
And on top of that, there can be innumerable women willing to serve in other ways.
But that's an ideal! If that list looks like an unobtainable goal - just go for ladies who loves Jesus, understand his word and long to serve others. God knows what the women in your church need and he will provide.
Helen Thorne is Director of Training and Resources at Biblical Counselling UK. She formerly worked with the London City Mission and has written Hope in an Anxious World, Purity Is Possible, Walking with Domestic Abuse Sufferers and 5 Things to Pray for Your City. She attends Dundonald Church in Raynes Park, London.
