The State of Women’s Ministry

This past Sunday evening our church held a members’ meetings during which I gave a short update on our women’s ministry.  I discussed our current Bible study, the weekly blogging and potential plans for the future.  What I put forward felt quite inadequate.  I was waiting for someone to say, “Is that all you do?” 

As I was thinking on this later I began to feel the old, familiar clouds of doubt and inadequacy gather about me. The poor women of Cornerstone have me as their leader!?!  As busy as I feel, it never feels like enough and I am so very imperfect.  Yet God, in his ever gracious way, began to remind me of some very important facts.  First, ministering to women is not the responsibility of a single person.  Women are discipled and taught by both men and women in a variety of settings.  Secondly, a great deal of ministry to women occurs outside of organized events.  Much ministering to women is happening all around me, and when I stop to think on it, it is overwhelming. 

Women’s ministry is happening when:

• …two women meet to read the Bible, talk about life, and pray together.
• …we seek a sister out to see how their walk with the Lord is going.
• …we help each other work through some tough scripture.
• …a hug is given to one who is hurting or just because you care about them.
• …we kneel in the quiet of our bedrooms to pray for one another.
• …we send a written note or an email with words of Scripture to encourage a struggling sister.
• …we sit around a kitchen table sharing God’s Word, praying for each other and laughing about how terrible the coffee is (I seriously just followed the directions!).
• …we volunteer to watch little ones in the nursery so a mother can be in service.
• …women engage with and connect with the girls and young women of the church.
• …women encourage other women to attend studies or times of fellowship, even offering rides.
• …we text prayer requests to one another throughout the week.
• …loving correction is given using God’s Word and grace.
• …we visit and pray with a new mom and baby to make sure they are really doing okay.
• …we know the needs of one another and take them to the Lord each day in prayer.
• …we use our gifts to help and serve one another at church.
• And so many more.

To think that I might be the center of women’s ministry is absurd.  That place belongs to Christ alone. “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and faithfulness!” (Psalm 115:1).  It is God’s Word that transforms the hearts and minds of women and he is faithful to fulfill his promise of growth in us (Phil. 1:6).

Is there more to come for the women of Cornerstone Church?  Yes, God willing.  But we cannot lose sight of all the good that is happening already.  God is always at work and I love getting to be a witness to a portion of it.  It is Jesus that is shining through these women; all I can do is give him praise.  “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:15).
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So, women, keep ministering!  Continue to “stir up one another to love and good works,” and “encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25).  Press into the Lord and his Word and care for one another…just as sisters should.