Comments on: women’s schministry

By: Wendy Lyons

Wendy Lyons — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 03:14:55 +0000

Hi Ellen. I’ve just discovered your writing tonight… what a breath of fresh air. Thank you!

Women’s Retreats are … nice. Life changing… probably not. Is that even possible? I think not likely.

A little dose of cynicism … We have the opportunity to change our lives each day, each moment. If it doesn’t happen in the moments and days, the event probably isn’t going to do it either… at least not for very long. I’m relating to ModGirl… I want relationship, not hype. With both other women, as well as God.

Perhaps there’s a place for women’s retreat’s … but I’m voting for more challenging relationships that challenge me to grow and change DAILY.

We formed a women’s small group at our church last fall, using the ‘Captivating’ material. It was a small group, and the blessing of intimately getting to know women I would not have otherwise had the chance to interact with on that level was amazing. I would recommend more women’s small groups…. not more retreats and seminars.

By: Claudia

Claudia — Thu, 01 May 2008 21:53:24 +0000

1) I feel WMs are very much needed 2)I guess I used to think or hope someting life changing (me changing ) would happen at a retreat..but since that has never happened ,I hope to have fellowship with the ladies….feel God’s presence 3) I usually gain tremendous fatigue and a sugar hang over.4) If I designed them ? I would include the things that I have enjoyed in previous retreats …Small scale ,close to nature but with all the luxuries of home …running water ,heat ,air ,indoor bathroom ,Hot showers!….Good food but no over load on junk .Quiet time to walk , meditate and pray …Small group prayer always blesses me directly or seeing some one else being blessed…Worship howevver that unfolds..Faceing the hard issues in light of God’s word….Issues that may not bring warm fuzzies but conviction to our lives . So much of what we need …EVERY THING we need has to come from the work of the Holy Spirit ..So seeking God in prayer with the ladies involved in planning must be a priority ….I’ve been involve in women’s ministry leadership at two different churches ..Each uniquely different but one thing that was the same at each ,the team developed a relationship with each other that never would have happen other wise …

By: Jaime

Jaime — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:02:20 +0000

ellen, I’ve always known that we share similar heartbeats =) I know we’ve had these discussions before, and been heartbroken about what always seems to be missing in these meetings…

I have no doubt you will champion something great for us women as you chart new paths in ministry. I am one of your biggest fans! God has ordained you for something great, I know.

jaime

By: Mod Girl

Mod Girl — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:43:15 +0000

Wow, your thoughts here really resonate with my own feelings and experiences. I’ll tell you… I am over retreats. Been there, done that. Unless it’s a small, intimate group of dear friends who really know me and are spiritual mentors I’m just not going to dedicate valuable time to a retreat/conference/stadium gatherings. When I gather with women I want to be in the Word, studying and praying. Iron sharpening iron.

This past year I’ve been serving on a committee within our church specifically dedicated to seeking out a purposeful direction for the “women’s ministry.” Through our study and prayer the conclusions that we’re drawing are that the most meaningful aspects of the ministry are mentoring-type relationships and outreach. I’m a firm believer that it’s the strong relationships, built over time, women investing in each others’ lives that are the core of women’s ministry and I believe the Bible reflects this.