Women’s Ministry Booklet Sample
Author Unknown
WOMEN’S MINISTRY
“FOR WE ARE GOD’S WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS TO DO GOOD WORKS, WHICH GOD PREPARED IN ADVANCE FOR US TO DO.” EPHESIANS 2:10
Introduction
This pamphlet is an overview of the Women’s Ministry at Christ Church, Garland, Texas. I am sharing our ministry activities with you so that you can see what we do here.
Christ Church Women’s Ministry Mission Statement
It is important for the Women’s Ministry to have a mission statement that complements the Church’s mission statement. The mission statement should describe the purpose of the ministry in your church. What are you trying to accomplish?
This is Christ Church Women’s Ministry mission statement:
“The Women’s Ministry is committed to encouraging and equipping women in Bible Study, prayer, and spiritual gifts to grow their faith, and, through their service to Him, bring glory to God.”
The mission statement can change as the purpose of the ministry changes.
Women’s Ministry Leadership Chart
Pastor
Women’s Ministry Director
Treasurer/Fundraiser
Ministry Coordinators Ministry Team Members
Bible Study — Candyce Milner Sheri Graham; Bonnie McConnell
Prayer Shield — Niki Jones Barbara Breeding; Alicia Crews
Mom’s Ministry — Bonnie McConnell Candyce Milner
Hospitality — Barbara Breeding Pat West
Coffee Shop Fellowship — Candyce Milner
Ladies Night Out — Karen Powell Theresa Crooks
Memory Makers — No coordinator yet!
Piecemakers — No coordinator yet!
Card Ministry — Linda Alexander
Women’s Retreats — D’Etta Hughes Sherry Crow
Executive Committee Advisory Board
Director, Coordinators, Deacon, Director, Pastor’s wife,
Pastor’s wife (meet 2x a year) Deacon, Treasurer (meet lx yearly)
ACTIVITIES IN WOMEN’S MINISTRY
Bible Studies
The Bible Studies for women at Christ the Redeemer are video-driven studies by authors such as Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, Kay Arthur, Lisa Harper, Liz Curtis Higgs, and James MacDonald.
Bible Studies by Beth Moore
“When Godly People Do Ungodly Things: Arming Yourself in the Age of
Seduction”
“Believing God: Experiencing a Fresh Explosion of Faith”
“Daniel: Lives of Integrity/Words of Prophecy”
“Beloved Disciple: the Life and Ministry of John”
“Esther: It’s Tough Being a Woman”
“Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent”
“The Patriarchs: Encountering the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob”
“James: Mercy Triumphs”
“Here and Now/There and Then: a lecture series on Revelation”
“Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed: A Study of David” by Beth Moore,
Priscilla Shirer, and Kay Arthur
“Loving Well: Retreat Box”
(Bible Studies by Beth Moore not yet presented …)
“David: Seeking a Heart Like His”
“A Woman’s Heart: God’s Dwelling Place”
“Breaking Free: The Journey, the Stories”
“Jesus the One and Only”
“Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit”
“To Live is Christ: The Life and Ministry of Paul”
** Fall 2014 Study: “Children of the Day: 1 & 2 Thessalonians”
Bible Studies by Priscilla Shirer
“Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted”
“Gideon: Your weakness/God’s Strength”
(Bible Studies by Priscilla Shirer not yet presented . )
“He Speaks to Me: Preparing to Hear from God”
“Discerning the Voice of God: How to Recognize When God Speaks”
“One in a Million: Journey Through Your Promised Land”
“Can We Talk?”
“Seed Pack 1: Forgotten, Enough, Control”
“Seed Pack 2: Armor, Five, Glory”
Bible Studies by Kay Arthur
“Covenant: God’s Enduring Promises”
Precept Study: “Kinsman Redeemer: A Study of Ruth”
The Precept Study of the Book of “Jude”
“Faithful, Abundant, True: Three Lives Going Deeper Still” by Kay Arthur,
Priscilla Shirer, and Beth Moore
“Lord Teach me to Pray”
Bible Studies by Lisa Harper
“Malachi: A Love That Never Let’s Go” “Hebrews: The Nearness of King Jesus”
Bible Studies by Liz Curtis Higgs
“Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible” — 1 session “Bad Girls of the Bible” — 1 session
“Really Bad Girls of the Bible” — 1 session “Unveiling Mary Magdalene” — 1 session
“Embrace Grace” — 1 session
“Loved by God: Trusting His Promises & Experiencing His Blessings”- 6 sessions
Bible Study by James McDonald
“Lord, Change My Attitude Before It’s Too Late”- for men and women! There are many other excellent Bible Studies which you can find at Lifeway Christian Bookstore. It is a great resource for these studies. (www.lifeway.com/women)
Women’s Prayer Shield
The Prayer Shield Coordinator collects prayer requests from the women at each of the women’s activities, emails them to her team, as well as to Deacon Sheri Graham, the Priest’s wife, and me. We also pray for upcoming activities, such as Bible Studies, retreats, Ladies Night Out, outreach activities, etc.
Women’s Outreach
Here are several ways we reach out to the community. We held a baby shower for the Rockwall Pregnancy Center at our church. The women brought gift-wrapped baby items for those women who went to the Pregnancy Center and made the decision to have, rather than abort, their babies.
The women have had several clothes drives for different agencies, including the Genesis Battered Women’s Shelter, the Interfaith Housing Coalition, Life Message, and the International Street Shelter.
We reached out to our immediate neighborhood by inviting women to a Tea. Our speaker, who was from Proven Way and known as “an encourager of women,” gave her testimony. The Gospel was proclaimed, and we gave gift bags and Bibles to all of the attendees.
We have Bible, coat, and blanket drives during the winter season. We also participate in the Samaritan’s Purse Christmas drive by filling boxes with items for children.
Moms’ Ministries
The first moms’ ministry in this church, Moms ‘n Mosaics, was for mothers, grandmothers, and aunties whose children, grandchildren, and nieces/nephews were ages preschool through 12th grade. The group met the first Tuesday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to noon. “Tea and crumpets” were served. The first year, the ladies studied James Dobson’s “Your Child: Essentials of Discipline.” The second year, they studied Tedd Tripp’s “Shepherding a Child’s Heart.”
The third year, our pastor’s wife led a book study on “Mission Motherhood.” She met with a group of moms on the 3rd Saturday of each month to discuss the book.
Memory Makers
This is a group of senior women (although it is open to any age) who gathered for fellowship once a month and worked on community service projects such as making prayer cloths, Christmas stockings, angel ornaments, and many other things to give people in hospitals and nursing homes. They did fundraising by making items to sell at craft fairs. The group also assembled a cookbook of the favorite recipes from the women of our church to sell. Sadly, the coordinator of this group passed away two years ago, and the group discontinued meeting.
Piece Makers
This fall, we will be reviving “Piece Makers,” a ministry for women who want to gather together and work on their crafts: quilting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, photo albums, painting, jewelry making, and other hobbies. The ladies gather in the Parish Hall at Christ the Redeemer and enjoy delicious baked goods and coffee, as well as great fellowship, as they work on their crafts!
Ladies Night Out (“LNO”)
One Friday or Saturday night each quarter, the women are invited to a Ladies Night Out! Events we have sponsored in the past include:
“Movie Night” — The women met at the church with comfortable chairs from home and watched the movie, “One Night with the King.” We ate pizza and drank tea or sodas.
“Game Night” — We also met at the Canterbury House (on the property where we are planning to build our church) and had a prepared meal after which we played board games and had great fun!
“Comedy Night” — The Coordinators of “LNO”, have invited the women many times to their home to watch Christian comediennes on DVD, such as Anita Renfro! All attending bring a snack to share. We also have attended live performances of Christian comediennes at local large churches.
“Drama with Dinner” — The ladies have met to share dinner and then attend a live play at the local theater center.
These “LNO’s” are times of wonderful fellowship with one another (with much fun and laughter)!
Women’s Retreats
The women’s retreats are overnight events at a nearby hotel where the women can get away and fellowship together. The “Bible Study Retreats” include a program Friday evening and Saturday morning. We all meet in a room set aside for the program which is usually presented by one of the ladies in our church or an invited guest speaker. We begin after dinner Friday evening. The program picks up again Saturday morning after breakfast. We end in the early afternoon after lunch. At this year’s retreat, we went to lunch at a tea room! (Delicious!) It is a really good time for the women to get away together and fellowship with one another, as well as, learn more about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Coffee House Fellowship
The women bring their friends and relatives to the Coffee House Fellowship on the last Saturday of the month. Karla’s group meets at their church. Our pastor’s wife, Bonnie McConnell, told me about a wonderful coffee shop in old downtown Garland that turned out to be a great suggestion … we love it!
The women have enjoyed gathering together to laugh, cry and share their hearts! The coffee and breakfast are great, too!
Fundraising
Twice a year, at Thanksgiving and Easter, the women have a bake sale. All the women of the church bake delicious cakes, pies, cookies, fudge, breads, brownies, etc., to sell. We have also participated in craft fairs, selling items made or donated by the women. These activities have permitted us to purchase our video-driven Bible Studies, and to participate in outreach to the community. They also provide the money to purchase supplies for our women’s retreats. Fundraising gives everyone in the congregation a chance to participate in supporting our Women’s Ministries.
Women’s Christmas/Epiphany Party
One of the ladies at Christ Church typically offers to host the annual Christmas Party in her home in January. We gather together to sing Christmas carols and praise songs. Sheri Graham reads the Christmas Story from the book of Luke. The ladies each bring a $5 ornament and we play the Exchange Game. There is a box for donated items for the Christmas outreach. At the end of the gathering, we reveal the identities of the Secret Sisters who have been praying for each of us during the preceding year and exchange gifts with them!
More Ministry Ideas!
Fellowship and Fun
1. Single Women — Brown-bag meal — Once a week or once a
month, invite the single women of the church to someone’s home or to the church for lunch or dinner for a time of fellowship. Plan a topic of discussion for each meeting.
2. Praise and Exercise — Start a praise and exercise group! Take turns leading the group and bring your favorite exercise DVD or CD of praise music. After the exercise, have a fellowship time together.
3. Meals to Go — Form a team of women who enjoy cooking and can prepare a meal for women in the church who are sick, have just had a baby, or are in financial need. The team can also take a home-cooked meal to a new woman (or family) in the church.
4. Welcome Wagon — Get a team of “outgoing” women to welcome new families to the church or families who have just moved into the neighborhood. Put together welcome baskets which include information about the area, such as the locations of the post office, library, good and reasonably priced restaurants, parks, grocery stores, as well as information about church services and ministries. Include cookies or muffins in the basket.
5. Early Morning Breakfast Groups — Moms who want to get up at about 6:00 a.m. (before the family is up) can form a Breakfast Group and meet at a local inexpensive restaurant for breakfast and fellowship.
6. Mother and daughter Tea/Mother and son Tea! — Use cloth tablecloths, china, and flowers. Make it a dress-up occasion! Of course, serve tea, cakes, cookies and sandwiches. Have background music and a short program.
7. Other Teas — “Hat” Tea, Neighborhood Tea, New Member Tea
Serving Others
HOMELESS SHELTER MEALS — Arrange with your local homeless shelter to provide the evening meal once every month, six months, or year. Our group made sandwiches and provided chips, bananas, cookies, and milk.
THANKSGIVING BASKETS — Women’s ministry can provide Thanksgiving baskets which include a complete Thanksgiving dinner with all the ingredients necessary for preparing the dinner for families in the church who are struggling financially or with health-related issues. Gather donations for the baskets in October.
WIDOWS LUNCHEON TEA — Host a luncheon or tea for the widows in your church. Use china and fabric napkins and tablecloths. Have a group of ladies serve them and another group clean up afterwards. Have praise music and a small devotional to encourage them.
UNSEEN HELPERS — Some women want to help but don’t want to call attention to themselves. There are always areas around the church that need to be organized and/or cleaned. These women typically enjoy helping in this manner, working together (and having fun) with others to get the job done.
ERRAND RUNNERS — Help the older or disabled parishioners by running errands for them. Make a list of the people who could use a hand and ask them if they need help with anything. Make a list of women who would like to help out.
FREE DINNERS — Reach out to the neighborhood by holding a free dinner at your church once a month (or weekly if you are a large church). Serve any main dish such as chili, spaghetti, sloppy Joes, vegetable beef soup, casseroles, etc. Pass out flyers in the neighborhood.
NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYERS — Form a group of women who want to go to businesses or homes in the neighborhood to ask if they have any prayer requests. I went to the businesses around our church (which is presently in a shopping center,) and the people I spoke with offered their prayer needs. I was so amazed that they didn’t ask me to leave because they were busy! One woman’s father had a brain tumor and she was devastated about it and was grateful for any prayer I could offer on her father’s behalf. That is a good time to ask the person if you could pray for them at that moment. Generally, they say “yes,” or “please do!” RETIREMENT HOMES,
ASSISTED LIVING CENTERS, and NURSING HOMES — It has been my experience that these residents love visits from anyone who will show some interest in them. It’s great to have someone take a guitar and play while the women from the church sing as they encourage the residents to sing along with them. After the singing, each woman from the church can find one of the residents to speak to personally. This is a good thing to do every month and not just at Christmas!
LIGHT OF THE WORLD — At Christmas, make flyers to give to the neighborhood that say, “Find out more about the Light of the World!” Take a group of women, the flyers, and several votive candles to go Christmas caroling and sing a carol at each house. If the resident opens the door, after the song, hand the person a flyer and a lit votive candle and say “Merry Christmas!”
Post Script!
Chris Adams tells us in Women Reaching Women, “As team leader, you are the head cheerleader of the team.” We should be cheerleaders for the team members and encourage them, as well as, all of the women of the church! We can help the women find their calling and watch them with excitement as they serve the Lord!
During this fall season, we will be preparing for the upcoming Bible Studies, outreach projects, fellowship gatherings, etc. Let us remember why we need Women’s Ministry in our church. Women need encouragement in today’s world with all its “busyness” and stress … single moms, moms who homeschool, working moms who work long hours, women of divorce, widows, all women! These same women can feel loved and connected through women’s activities in the Body of Christ.
Your calling as the Women’s Ministry Leader is important! Sharon Jaynes, author of Building an Effective Women’s Ministry said, “As women ministering to other women, we offer an ‘indescribable beauty’ of our own … God’s power working through us is breathtaking, God’s potential working in us is unlimited, and Gods’ love spilling over from us knows no bounds.” May God bless you as you serve the Lord!
Bibliography
Chris Adams, Women Reaching Women, pg. 115
Sharon Jaynes, Building an Effective Women’s Ministry, pg. 15 (she also borrowed words from
Bill Hybels’ book, Courageous Leadership [Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 2002, Pg. 23])
Women’s Ministry in the 21st Century, Group Publishing, Inc
The above article, “Women’s Ministry Booklet Sample” was written by Author Unknown. The article was excerpted from Christ Church in Garland, Texas. June 2016.
The material is copyrighted and should not be reprinted under any other name or author. However, this material may be freely used for personal study or research purposes.
This article may not be written by an Apostolic author, but it contains many excellent principles and concepts that can be adapted to most churches. As the old saying goes, “Eat the meat. Throw away the bones.”
