WOMEN'S ADVISORY TEAM GUIDELINES

The Women's Advisory Team is a steering council to lay the groundwork for a women's ministry program. This panel will provide vision and also be a decision-making body for ministry to women in the local church.

This is a historic time for the women of the Worldwide Church of God. We are creating a ministry that will be used by God's Holy Spirit to reach out to other people. Much prayer and fasting should go into assembling the advisory team. This group of women should have a wide range of age and experience. Include career women, mothers of young children, single women, divorced women, younger women, older women, women of various races. Each should be chosen on the basis of character, leadership and ability.

It's imperative that a member of the advisory panel be able to commit herself to at least one year with the team--two would be preferable. Meetings will be biweekly during the first few months. Her consistent attendance is important. If she misses three successive meetings, it will be assumed that she does not have the time to commit to the advisory panel.

Members should receive an agenda before each meeting letting them know what topics will be discussed. They should read each agenda carefully and be ready to contribute their ideas at the meeting. A typical meeting will begin and end with prayer. After the director/coordinator's opening comments, a brief presentation relating to women's ministry will follow. Then agenda items will be discussed and committee reports given. Meetings can also include devotional time and leadership training.

Membership on the women's advisory team does not mean that a woman will necessarily head up a particular ministry program. It also doesn't mean she won't. If she has the time and interest and gifts to do the job, the job may be hers.