Why do we need a women's ministry in the Worldwide Church of God?
Women's ministry is a ministry that arises out of Scripture. Paul encouraged women to teach, nurture and help each other become mature Christians (Titus 2:3-5).
Women's ministry provides an opportunity for women to get together as sisters in the Lord, where being a Christian is the common ground, with the goals of strengthening relationships with Jesus and with each other.
Those who are already involved in women's ministry have found healing, bonding, deeper friendships and greater fellowship with the Lord, through small groups, Bible studies, prayer meetings and prayer partners and women's retreats.
Women are encouraged to discover their spiritual gifts, and through prayer, learn where their passion to serve is. It is our hope that women's ministry will equip and empower women to then carry out their own ministry of service to the church.
The spiritual and practical benefits of women's ministry are immeasurable. As we grow toward the fullness of the measure of Christ (Ephesians 4:13), we love and serve the body of Christ with more zeal and enthusiasm than ever before. We reach out to our families and to the world with open arms.
Women's ministry is not an end in itself, but a tool to help women reach their full potential as Christians. Women's ministry is part of the total ministry of the church, helping all of us pull together and better reflect the image of God.
Is a manual for women's ministry available? Are there guidelines we should be following?
We have developed a women's ministry information packet that was made available to pastors in the summer of 1996 for use by individual congregations.
The packet is a general guideline that includes mission and philosophy statements for women's ministry, as well as a list of books we have found helpful to read before getting started.
Also included is a sample survey that can be used to assess the needs and interests of the women in a congregation, and tips on choosing a leadership team.
We have no manual for women's ministry since each group of women is unique, with varying ages, occupations, home situations and cultures. We feel women's ministry will flourish in a setting where the women themselves develop the structure and organization, always with the pastor's knowledge, support and encouragement.
Women's ministry is only limited by the creativity of the women involved. With the proper foundation of prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit for guidance, women's ministry can give women opportunities to develop their skills in many areas.
The packet is available from your pastor, so if you would like a copy, please ask him. If you are unable to obtain one from your pastor for any reason, we can, by special request, send one electronically or through the mail. We plan to update and redistribute the packet later this year.
March 18, 1997, WN, page 6
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