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A 4-Week Plan To Start (Or Restart) A Women’s Ministry

Jan 1, 2020 | Women | 56

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission from purchased products at no additional cost to you. See my full disclosure here .

Women’s Ministry Ideas, Especially For Your Small Church

Learn how to start a women’s ministry in your Christian church, including outreach events, building relationships, Bible studies, and more.

So you’ve been thinking about starting a women’s ministry, but you’re not sure where to start?

With any desired change, our problem isn’t typically needing to learn more, think more, or pray more. Our biggest obstacle usually is DOING.

Fear holds us back. Uncertainty drives our thoughts. Other important things get in our way. And we just never get started.

In order to get you DOING, here is a 4-week plan to start your women’s ministry, broken down by the weeks with just 7 steps. Once the snowball starts rolling down the hill, it gains momentum and starts growing. But sometimes that snowball needs a little kick to get started.

I always write with the small church in mind. So while large churches can follow these same steps, I promise they can work in your small church too. Whether you have 2 women or 20, a healthy women’s ministry can add a lot of benefits to your church.

A space for women to laugh, cry, and just do life together with other women. It brings us together.
An environment for friendship and encouragement. Growing deeper in relationship is God’s desire for community.
A place to grow to learn about God and His Word. The ultimate goal is knowing Jesus and living for Him.

So here goes!

So, here’s a 4-week plan with 7 actionable steps to build a women’s ministry in your small church . Follow these steps, don’t over-complicate it, and repeat to yourself: Done is better than perfect!

( My assumptions are 1: You know Jesus and feel inspired to do this ministry. 2: You care about the women in your community and desire to meet their needs (not just your own). And 3: Your church leadership supports you and has given you permission to form this ministry. If those things are in question, take care of them first and come back here soon!)

The Foundation Of Women’s Ministry

Women need relationships with other women.

God made us for community : Hebrews 10:25 (don’t give up meeting together)
We make each other better : Proverbs 27:17 (iron sharpens iron)
Women are called to mentor women : Titus 2 (older women teaching the younger)

Looking for a step-by-step to starting or restarting your women’s ministry?

Check out the Women’s Ministry Bundle For Small Churches !

Women’s Ministry Is For All Women

You don’t need to be a girly-girl and you don’t need to like the color pink.

I’ve met so many women who avoid women’s ministries for the following reasons: I don’t really like to be around other women. They’re so catty. I hate girly-stuff. I don’t like crafts. I’m not a stay-at-home mom. I wouldn’t fit in. I don’t know anyone .

You don’t need to be a certain age, life-stage, or personality type.

The truth is a lot of women don’t like pink, don’t like gossip, and don’t like crafts. None of these are essential to a women’s ministry.

Women’s ministries exist to meet needs. Friendship, laughter, support, encouragement, exhortation, service, spiritual growth. The core of a women’s ministry is sharing God’s love and doing what He commands. A healthy women’s ministry attracts an eclectic group.

Olders, youngers, and in-betweeners
Working, stay-at-home, and retired
Introverts, extroverts, and other-verts
Jesus-lovers, Jesus-seekers, and even Jesus-avoiders

A Healthy Women’s Ministry Has A Strategy

Whether you are starting from scratch, reviving your new year, or just wanting to re-boost some momentum, work this 4-week plan. A little intentionality can go a long way!

Refresh your dreams, your lists, and your prayers.
Adopt a strategy instead of just filling a calendar.
Find some support along the way.

4 Weeks To Start A Women’s Ministry In 7 Steps

Week one: find a ministry partner & advertise a launch party, step 1: find a ministry partner (or two) for more effectiveness, better ideas, and less missteps.

Having a team of two or three does some amazing things:

More fun, less stress
Better events
Encouragement to keep going

Even if your church is small, don’t start this ministry alone! We are made for community. Everything is better with a friend. And in a small church, if you plan an event together, even if no one else shows up, you still have your friend!

Doing ministry in teams, even if your team is just two, protects us from burnout and reminds us we are not failing when numbers aren’t what we would like! Because you are never alone. Think about Bert & Ernie, Siskel & Ebert, the Lone Ranger & Tonto. It’s just a better plan.

In addition to support & encouragement, sometimes your best ideas might not be as great as you think . And you need another perspective to bring that to light!

It happens to me all the time: I’ll have this great idea, and I share it with my friend Gwen. Half-way into sharing this amazing notion, I start to question the words coming out of my own mouth. Why did I think this was a good idea? That doesn’t sound as good as I thought.

But as the conversation continues, back and forth, with feedback and input, MY idea becomes OUR idea, and it is SOOOO much better. There is perspective, clarity, and even unintended troubleshooting that comes with a team. Everyone needs a “Gwen.” She makes things better and saves me from a lot of mistakes.

Where Can You Find A Ministry Partner?

There is a woman somewhere who cares about this ministry at your church. It might be the older prayer warrior, your best friend, a young woman who is barely out of high school, or a faithful woman you haven’t really talked with at length. But I think she’s there in your church.

If you can’t find her quite yet, click here to join our Facebook community >> Creative Solutions For Small Churches . And we’ll partner with you until you do!

Step 2: Block Some Time

Many things can keep us from attaining our goals and aspirations. One of those things is time. How many times have you had the thought, “If only there were more hours in the day! Then I could … ” You fill in the blank from there. Whatever that may be for you, it can seem like the clock is your enemy. But what if you could intentionally block your time to make time for your friend? The steps in this guide are easily attainable and are designed to fit within 4 weeks.

Time blocking is a useful strategy that can help when you feel your brain is on overload. When we simply stop stirring and stewing about what we have to do and start taking intentional action like time blocking, a plan forms and starts to take effect. We tangibly see progress and results.

In your personal calendar, block a little time each week for this project. Set aside one time block each week for the next four weeks to work step-by-step through this guide.

If time blocking is unfamiliar to you, simply reserve a 2-3 hour chunk of time. One afternoon, one evening, or one morning each week over the next few weeks. Take some time to prayerfully consider what will work best for you.

Step 3: Advertise A Launch Party

I know we haven’t covered what this Launch Party entails yet, but if you are willing to take a risk and trust me, pick a date toward the end of week three to have a Women’s Ministry Launch Party.

You need to pick the date now so you can advertise it. You’ll learn more about the Launch Party in week 3.

It’s possible no one will join you at this party, but you may be surprised to find others who have been craving a women’s ministry. And you’ll never know unless you ask. So, do a sweeping invite for a women’s ministry Launch Party! It doesn’t matter at all if anyone else ends up joining you – it might just be you and your “Gwen” attending. And that is just fine!

If Others May Never Come, Why Should I Publicize This?

Inviting others into the process does a few things:

It shows you value their input even if they don’t want to give it.
May bring great ideas into the process that you have never thought about.
It builds momentum , whether people come or not. If they come, awesome! You get to learn about their needs and desires. If they don’t come, everyone who saw it advertised will still be wondering what’s coming around the corner!

So pick a date, time, and place that work for you and your Ministry Partner. The location might be your church, your home, or a local coffee shop. And remember, we will cover what to do in this meeting in step 5. All you have to do this week is pick the date, time, and get the word out.

Advertise ASAP in your church bulletin, email announcements, flyers, and social media. Use whatever avenues you have available to spread the news. Let everyone know it’s happening even if you think no one would ever come or you think very few people even care.

Try this for wording: “Hey! Join us for a Women’s Ministry Launch Party! We are starting something new and would love your input. Meet us at (place) from (time) to share your ideas and have a little fun too! Contact (name & number/email) if you have any questions.”

So, week one was all about finding a ministry partner and advertising a launch party. Don’t overthink this. Just Go! You’re going to be okay. Just get the snowball rolling down the hill!

Week Two: Make A Love List & Commit To The Funnel

Step 4: make a love list .

Whether you are a list person or a list avoider, this list is non-negotiable.

But this list isn’t a boring to-do list that you’ll never be able to conquer. It’s a love list!

Grab your journal and list all the women you can think of connected to your church, by name. (If you completed step 1 and have a ministry partner, do this together!)

List women over the age of 18 who are still living and breathing on this earth. Include any woman with a connection to your church.

Regular attendees, occasional attendees, once-a-year visitors
Close friends, acquaintances, friends of friends
Happy women, ticked-off women, even crabby women

If you think of a name, write it down.

If you met them at a friend’s Christmas party
They left your church, but you still see them on Facebook.
If they come late, leave early, and never talk to a soul.

Every Woman Is Included On This List

You might know them a lot, you might know them a little, or you might think you know them better than you do. It doesn’t matter.

All these women matter to God. And all are in your circle of influence. They have needs to meet. And they have gifts to share. Each and every one of them.

Keep this list in a safe place. And be ready to add to it as other women come to mind.

This list becomes a prayer list. A strategy list. A living, breathing, growing list.

Step 5: Commit To The Funnel Strategy

I love to look to Jesus when I’m visioning, strategizing, or just dealing with people. So here is a ministry strategy based on how Jesus ministered on this earth.

Now, I know “strategy” is a business-y word to some, but strategy just means focused planning. And I think God is okay with planning as long as it doesn’t negate Holy Spirit intervention or God-redirection. So let’s embrace this Jesus strategy !

Jesus Exampled A Funnel Ministry, Not A One-Size-Fits-All Ministry

Jesus did not minister to all people in the same way.

He did not give the same message to the curious that He gave to His disciples.
Jesus did not try to meet all the needs of all people at one event.
He wasn’t disappointed that He only had 12 disciples. He expected it.

5000 came out of curiosity and received a free meal on a hillside. Crowds followed Jesus to learn more. He shared relatable parables about farming with people who would relate. Twelve traveled and ate with Jesus, and He taught them to do the ministry. Three came to the Garden of Gethsemane and Jesus urged them to stay awake and pray.

We can learn a lot from this.

A women’s ministry can have a Pajama Pizza Party without a Bible study. It’s okay to have a small group learning about Jesus that isn’t yet committed to evangelism. And it’s great to have just two women in a discipleship group. Because that’s doing ministry like Jesus.

Let me explain.

Understanding The Ministry Funnel

If you pour something in a funnel, it will naturally flow through the top and out the bottom (as long as it’s not clogged).

Imagine this image is a funnel:

Like a typical funnel, it’s clearly larger on the top and gets smaller as it goes down. The top and the bottom are open so things can flow through.

Now, picture people all over this image. Some people are outside the funnel in the white space on your screen, some are jumping in the funnel, and some are traveling down through the funnel. Then watch at the bottom of the funnel: someone is squeezing out of the bottom, grabbing a friend, and jumping back in the top again! Fun, huh?

That’s how ministry works!

So what does it mean?

This special funnel has layers. From top to bottom, biggest to smallest, the layers look like this:

Outreach: Come on in and join us!
Community: Stay in and build relationships!
Growth: Get to know Jesus and learn about God’s Word!
Discipleship: Live what you learn and reach out to others!

If you have women outside the funnel, what would bring them in? Maybe a movie night or a paint party. (Jesus got the attention of non-believers with miracles, stories, and food.)

If you have women who are ready to grow deeper in faith, you may offer a Bible study or a mentoring program. But everyone starts somewhere. And most people dip their toe in the water before they dive deep. Discipleship is a process.

How The Funnel Changes Church Ministry

By applying the funnel strategy to your women’s ministry, you’ll do things with more intention, find yourself less frustrated, and meet needs more effectively.

If you are reading this article, you are probably on your way down the funnel. You want more depth. You want more meaning. And you want more Jesus.

But remember that some of your women aren’t there yet – they might even be outside the funnel. They need an invitation to jump in and dip their toe in the water. Build relationships. Maybe they will follow at a distance for a while.

The funnel reminds us that everyone isn’t at the same place, and every event won’t meet everyone’s needs . There is no failure when more women come to a movie night and less are interested in being mentored. They are just not there yet.

A healthy women’s ministry isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s perfectly healthy to have less women in a Bible study, more joining a walking club, and lots coming to a dessert night. There is no failure there. This funnel leads us to a few principles:

Design events with specific purposes to meet women’s needs
Don’t try to reach every need with every event
Expect to have varied attendance at different events

Be patient. Remember, Jesus did not invite 5000 people to the Garden of Gethsemane. He gave the 5000 free food on a hillside!

Every woman will not be excited about a Bible study, and that is okay. Ministry is about meeting needs and if what they need is friendship, start there. Welcome them where they are, just like Jesus did.

Week Three: Prepare Your Launch Party & Lead With Confidence

Step 6: prepare for your women’s ministry launch party, parties vs. meetings.

Meetings are boring and bland. They involve lectures, learning, and note-taking.

Parties are fun! They are active. They always involve food, usually music, and sometimes even gifts.

While some people like meetings, MOST people like a party.

So, throw a party! Plan to set up the environment like you would a party. Have fun food. Pretty napkins. Maybe even simple welcome gifts, door prizes, or party favors to take home. This could be as simple as a scripture verse printed on a card or even a candy bar!

Music is welcoming as people enter and fill the awkward staggered-arrival time. Set a happy tone with some tunes.

Here are some of your favorite gifts and party favors!

Happy Journal

Travel Size Hand Cream

Scented Candles

Be prepared for your meeting ahead of time so you can be relaxed, relational, and a fabulous welcomer!

( If you are familiar with the Planning Parties & Visions Parties that we teach in Small Church Ministry and in The Small Church Academy, this Launch Party is a cross between the two. We’re rolling a bit of vision and planning together since we’re accelerating the time frame and launching a new thing in just 4 weeks! )

Gather your supplies:

Post-it note pads (1 pad per person)
Snacks & refreshments (keep it simple!)
Music to play and something to play it on
M&M’s (optional)
The M&M’s mixer printout (optional)
Extra paper
Planning Party Agenda (below)

Read over your party agenda a few times so you are comfortable:

If you are not used to leading a group, practice leading the meeting out loud. You will be much more confident if you practice out loud, even if it’s just to your mirror or to your cats!

Step 7: Lead Your Launch Party

Strive to keep each section to 10 minutes as listed. You’ll want to keep the party and the conversation moving. You can set a timer for each section if it helps.

Keep in mind, no one wants to attend another boring meeting – so start with some fun, and definitely some food.

Launch Party Agenda

Start with the m&m candy mixer (10 minutes).

As with any event, start with a mixer. Even if you dislike mixers and games, they serve a purpose. People need to downshift from their days and their worries.

How To Play The M&M Mixer

Have each woman grab a few M&M’s but tell them not to eat them yet! Go around the circle and answer a question for each color. (orange: a favorite book or movie, brown: something you did this week, yellow: something you’d like to try doing, red: something you are interested in, blue: something you are pretty good at, green: a food you don’t like.) If there are only a few of you, still play the game! It’s surprising how much we still have to learn about even our closest friends.

If you want a printable to use for this game, here’s one I found on Pinterest: M&M’s Mixer Game .

Share Your Vision For Women’s Ministry (5-10 Minutes)

Share why you want to start a women’s ministry. Maybe talk about some of the things in the introduction of this article. Share some of your hopes and dreams. This is the time to paint a picture of a positive future and what God might have in store. Read Isaiah 43:9: “Behold, I am doing a new thing … now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” God has done amazing things in the past and He’s still at work today!

Post-It Note Brainstorming (10 Minutes)

In this next section, invite women to dream about their hopes and for a ministry. But do it this way:

Ask them to think about these 2 questions. 1: What would a great women’s ministry look like? And 2: What type of events would you invite your friends to?

Pass out a pad of post-it notes to each woman and tell them we are not going to talk quite yet. Set a timer for 5 minutes and ask them to jot down as many ideas as they can think of, but only write one idea per post-it note. Just one word or phrase per post-it. Your goal is LOTS of ideas, not your best ideas, just LOTS! (One post-it might read: retreat. Others might say: make meals for the homeless, game night, or cooking together.)

Before you start the timer, state a few rules: There are no wrong ideas. All ideas are welcome. No talking until the timer rings.

After the 5-minutes, have everyone share what they wrote. Encourage and thank each one as she shares. (Celebrate all ideas – no negative comments, no judging, no decisions, just sharing!)

IMPORTANT NOTE: Individual quiet writing time is key in this activity. Don’t give into the temptation to skip the post-it notes. In most groups, when the talking begins, a few people dominate the conversation. Those who are quieter or thought-processors get left out of the conversation. By giving time to write and then having each person share what they wrote, you will increase participation and ensure that every heart is heard!

Group The Post-It Notes (10 Minutes)

Work together to group the post-it notes in similar stacks or categories. Maybe everything that is about Bible study is in one pile. Talk about how great all the ideas are.

More post-its in one area doesn’t mean it’s a better idea. You are just grouping to learn more and make decision-making easier later.

Before moving on to the next section, say this: “ These are such great ideas and I hope we will be able to do a lot of them. To get started this year, you’ll probably see some simple events (maybe the mission trip to Haiti will be down the road a bit). But we are going to hang on to ALL these ideas for the future and revisit the ones we can’t do quite yet! “

Introduce Core Values (10 Minutes)

Ask the women how they would describe a healthy women’s ministry. Not the events offered, but the characteristics of the group (like welcoming, happy, encouraging, and supportive).

Make a list together of all the words you can come up with. Then, like you did with the post-it notes, try to group similar words and meanings and see if you can come up with 4-6 words that are most important.

The key question is: What kind of ministry would you like to be part of?

You do not need to finalize this section. Just have a working list.

As you talk about this, you will uncover what is important to the women who are present. And if it is important to them, it should be important to you!

Invite Them To Join The Vision (10 Minutes)

Say, “Every one of you is part of this vision. You all have great ideas, gifts, and talents to share. Can you think of a way you would like to be involved? Would you like to help with certain events? Are there any hobbies you would like to share?”

Just have some free time of sharing. Listen well and take notes! Be thinking about how you can encourage them to use their gifts and talents in this ministry.

Wrap Up The Meeting (10 Minutes)

Before you wrap up the party, go around the table and have everyone share one thing they are excited about in the future women’s ministry. Listen well and take notes.

Thank them for coming and let them know you will create a year calendar of some initial events and have it ready next week!

Week Four: Choose Simple Events For This Year & Publicize Your Women’s Ministry Calendar

Step 8: make your low-prep event calendar.

With the help of your Ministry Partner and input from your planning party, create a yearly calendar within one week of your meeting.

Don’t be intimidated by planning the calendar. It doesn’t have to be perfect. And you may end up doing some additional things. But start here! Putting one SIMPLE event on the calendar for each month will start the momentum.

Follow these starting principles:

One event each month is plenty.
Consider where your women are on the ministry funnel and plan with their needs in mind.
Choose simple events that will be successful even if only 2 women come.

Don’t worry about the perfect calendar. It won’t be perfect.

Knowing that ahead of time takes the pressure off. You will have events that no one comes to. And some events surprise you with way more people than you dreamed. Keep great notes and keep learning.

Women’s Ministry Event Ideas For Starting Out

Choose easy, low-prep, low-cost, low-stress events.

The best events are usually the easiest events to plan and lead. If you are anxious about the details or worry about failing, you won’t be present to listen and love the women who come. You will be distracted and stressed out. And none of us need more stress.

People are busy. And you are busy. If your women’s ministry is high maintenance you will burn out and fail. Instead, choose easy events with great impact, and the greatest impact is relationship.

If you need a few more ideas to get your creative juices flowing, click here for: Women’s Ministry How-To Events . And click here for 3 Low-Stress, Low-Prep Ideas For Women’s Ministry .

Or try some of these:

Pajama & Popcorn Movie Night
Walking/Hiking Meet-Up Day
Bible study video series (recent favorites: Lysa Terkheurst or Bianca Olthoff)
Mugs & Muffins Fellowship
Themed potluck
Q & A panel on a specific topic
Sewing dresses for Africa out of pretty pillowcases
Making meals to freeze for families in need (Here is a book we found that has 150 freezer-friendly recipes!)

Whatever you choose, just start!

Put 12 events on your church calendar, one each month, and start publicizing within one week after your planning party. And get the word out!

Step 9: Promote Your Calendar

Sometimes the lead-up to an event can be the deciding factor if people attend or not. After you create your ministry calendar, you’ll want to publicize it ASAP! Promoting your ministry calendar is an essential step that you don’t want to skip. It notifies others and also keeps you accountable as the planner.

There are many ways that you can approach inviting people to an event.

Including …

Phone calls
Church bulletin

I’d encourage you to promote what’s on your calendar through multiple means of communication. As you may have experienced yourself, people forget, especially if they only heard about “said event” one time. The Quick Start Guide will provide and spark more ideas on how you can best build excitement and start welcoming women to your events.

What’s Next?

Step 10: build a foundation for long-term success.

A women’s ministry is more than just a calendar of events. It’s a community where women can grow together and make a lasting impact. If you want to take things a step further and hit the ground running, there is an additional resource we have designed to help lay the foundation for your ministry.

The Foundation’s Workbook for Small Church Women’s Ministry Success builds a sturdy foundation by getting behind the ‘why’ of your ministry. If you can identify the heart of what you’re doing, then put it in writing, then you will be able to put it into action. With a definitive vision for your ministry, you’ll be less likely to lose your own eyesight. Your attitude and overall perspective will be healthier and thriving. This will be especially helpful for when you are experiencing a lull in your ministry.

Too many times we can get lost in the details: How many people are attending? Are people having enough fun? They look bored. I’m not sure that this is doing anything. The Foundation’s Workbook for Small Church Women’s Ministry Success will eliminate unnecessary detail and really hone in on what matters.

Congratulations! You just started a women’s ministry!

Now, to keep it running and healthy you need to keep learning! But learning as you go is the best way to grow, so don’t wait to start until you get it all down. Remember: Done is better than perfect!

Read More On Building A Community In Your Small Church:

3 Steps to Establish a Care Network in Your Small Church

Why It’s Not About The Numbers (& It Never Was)

About The Author

Laurie Acker

Laurie Acker is one of the top experts in small church ministry and founder of the Small Church Network & Academy. Since beginning Small Church Ministry LLC in 2020, her website, podcast, and conferences have reached over 1 million people in small churches worldwide. Go here to read Laurie’s incredible story “From Jesus-Loving Misfit To Ministry Expert.” If you want to send Laurie a quick message, visit her contact page here .

56 Comments

This 4-week plan is AMAZING! It is clear and step by step. When you break it down into the 7 basic steps, starting a ministry feels like it is totally doable and will be enjoyable. The Funnel concept has helped me to have a greater understanding of “where our ladies are” and be more intentional to the ones that are towards the bottom of the funnel. And BTW- I love the Facebook group… Women in Small Churches – The Creative Little Church Community. We don’t have a big church and I love that after reading this, i feel like events can be fun, enjoyable, have meaning and purpose with only a few people attending.

Hi Cheri – Thanks so much! Here’s a link to the facebook group you mentioned for anyone who wants to join this awesome group: THE CREATIVE LITTLE CHURCH COMMUNITY .

Wow this is an excellent guide. I just love the simplicity

Thank you so much! Let me know how it goes!

I want to start a ministry for the widows in our small church and community. I am not an organizer so need lots of help and ideas. The 4 week plan is a great help. Any help and ideas will be greatly appreciated.

Hi Sharon! I’m so glad this is helpful for you. Please join our facebook community for more ideas, click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CreativeLittleChurch/

This is excellent and most helpful! I am starting a ministry for helping battered and abused women. These steps are a God’s send!! Thank you!!

That is really beautiful. Praying for God-led ideas and support for you. Join us in our facebook group! Would love to know you more! Women in Small Churches

This is very encouraging. Looks easy to set up, though it requires a lot of work and careful thoughts about finding a Ministry Partner. I will try it out

Hi Helen! Thank you for your comment. And you are totally correct. It’s a simple process, but the right ministry partner is really important in the process. Please keep us posted and reach out for ideas or help if you need anything! find us in the facebook group, if you haven’t already joined us. Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CreativeLittleChurch/

Thank you so much for this information it has given me a better understanding of leading a women’s ministry. I really appreciate you. God Bless

Hi Alice, you are so welcome! I’m glad you found value in this! Check out our upcoming women’s ministry conference for small churches! It’s online and free! http://www.smallchurchsummits.com Laurie

Hello and thank you so much for all the ideas. Our women’s ministry has never been much and completely fizzled out when the Pandemic hit. I love helping people and my Pastor asked me to be the leader a few weeks ago and my first thought was “No, nothing to lead”, but God. He wouldn’t leave my spirit settled with “NO”, so here I go. A little intimidated until I came across your info. So I’m going to walk that road and try my best. Thank you for your help in this area. I don’t have Facebook but I’ll do my best. Here goes nothing.

Haha! You sound just like so many of us Jody! It’s a joy to be able to support you. Keep in touch! Laurie

Thanks for such a helpful article! I’m looking forward to connect with your Facebook group. Blessings, Mari

Awesome! I’ll watch for you in there Mari. Looking forward to knowing you.

Thank you for your helps. TRULY helpful. God bless your heart

Awesome to hear from you Liz! Keep us posted on what you need next!

Thank you so much for all this helpful information. I am trying to help start a young women’s ministry in our church and this is an awesome way to get started. I am very excited about using this information from your article. Thank you, thank you and thank you!

Yay! I’m so glad! Come join us in our facebook group – tons of encouragement and help in there too: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CreativeLittleChurch/

I do not have a facebook page. Is there any other way to join you for the encouragement and help?

Hi Rosaline! Yes, absolutely! You can sign up to be on our weekly email list and attend our free online conferences! (also, you can sign up for a free facebook account to join us. Many of our women don’t “do” facebook, but just enter our group and participate in there. You don’t have to even have any friends on fb or ever look at a weekly feed to participate in our fb community.)

Thanks! How do I sign up for the weekly email list.

Hi Rosaline! If you sign up for the 5-day challenge, you’ll be on our list! It’s on the website home page (and most other pages too!) … or you can let me know and I’ll add you! 🙂

Great information! It’s clear and easy to follow. Thank you for sharing!!

I’m so glad, Melissa! The feedback from people who have put this into practice has been FABULOUS!! Let us know how it goes! (join our fb community!)

Thanks! I just signed up for the 5 day challenge. I’m excited to read all the great information and again thanks for sharing.

Hi Rosaline! Yes, I just got your email too! I’m excited to know you!

Thanks, I’m excited to know you too! I also bought the 5 week journal that you download and I think it is great. It really helps you to think about what you want in a ministry.

Yay! Yes, I love it too!

The workbook has really given me a different perspective and outlook on ministry. This is truly a great way to gain insight into what God wants you to do. I have a book of poetry that I had published and would like to share it with you. Do you have an address so that I can mail it to you because I would love for you to have a copy of it. It is called “God is Speaking”.

So excited! Our Planning Party is next Sunday! We have a Community Block Party this Saturday (so our focus on the Planning party starts Sunday), but my Ministry Partner and I have been working through the steps! Thank you Laurie for this great information!

When I started reading this article, I knew this is what God wanted me to do. He laid it on my heart a few weeks prior and I, kind of ignored it (Do we ever listen to Him immediately?). Then, our worship leader, a 24 year old woman, spoke at church, and said if God tells you to do something, do it. Don’t ignore Him – he is telling you for a reason. That spoke to me, but I still reluctantly hesitated to move forward. Then, someone (probably Laurie) posted this article in the Facebook group. I started reading it and was like, I can do this!!! I immediately texted my (future) Ministry Partner and she was like, I’m in! Let’s do this! It is great when God uses others to give you tools for things he placed on your heart. Thank you again Laurie!

PS. I love the Facebook group!

I’d love to know your plan and your testimony after!! Please KEEP SHARING! How exciting!

I’m so glad I found this article. I am currently at a point where I feel stuck in my ministry for ladies and this will so much help me to restart and make lasting impact. God bless you. I will begin the plan this week.

I’m glad you found it to! no need to be or feel stuck. We are anti-stuck here! Have you joined our fb community yet? Check it out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CreativeLittleChurch/

this is so helpful, I am soon starting a ministry at our church for teens and young girls and I have gotten useful ideas from this article. God bless you

Awesome!! I’m so glad it’s helpful. The plan has principles that are easily adjusted for any ministry area!

What a write up! Wow! Thank you so very much for this. I bless the Lord I found this…I’m about lunching out for widow’s ministry. Thank you for this great ideas you shared. God bless you real good. Ready to mentor?

These steps were well put together. God bless you abundantly for making my work easy. Now i and my team can plan the women’s ministry at our church with ease.

Awesome!! 🙂 We’d love to hear how it goes!

i love this article and would like to receive them

I’m so glad it’s helpful! Keep popping back on the website! We add new posts each week!

This site is helpful. I would love to connect with your team.

Come find us in our facebook community! That’s where we hang out! Click Here: Creative Solutions for Small Churches

Wonderful. Thank you so much.

You’re so welcome!

You teaching we found it help full, we are planning how to start women ministry in church. We have arranged one starting meeting three weeks from this date. We started with no background of how it works, and starting up no know how, thank for you article it help us much in future meetings

Thank you so much! I’m so glad it was helpful!

Thank you so much for sharing all of this! I am starting a never before in my church single women’s ministry. I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed with how to even begin a ministry but these tips have really already helped me with a strategy.

Yay! I’m so glad you found it helpful! Come join us in the Creative Solutions for Small Churches Facebook Community if you’re not there yet!

Very interesting. We’re wanting to renew our Ladies meeting. What are some helpful questions that can be asked on our first meeting to see what everyone expects or wants from the ladies meetings?

Hi Debra. I’m so happy it’s helpful.There is an entire agenda in the blog for how to lead the launch party and using the post-it notes strategies to get great input! We suggest using every step in this blog post straight through! It’s intentional, it’s on purpose, and othes have raved about the experience when they followed the steps. The questions are in there step-by-step! Hope it helps! – Laurie

Is it possible to get the workbook in a hard copy? We have a women’s group that has just started. So far all we have had has been “business meetings”. We need some help before all leave!! Thankyou

Hi Linda! We don’t do our own printing or keep an inventory so no hard copy’s to sell you! However, many who purchase the Women’s Ministry Bundle simply send it (or take it) to an office/copy shop and have them print it and/or bind it too! That’s my best suggestion to you! (by the way, way to go!! I’m so glad you’re ready to take some action and help get things moving!!)

Wow, this is exactly the guidance I was looking for. I’m really excited to be launching our Women’s ministry soon and this has calmed my spirit. So many valuable nuggets, I even more excited to launch! Thanks for helping guide us to the beginning of great, impactful ministry.

Awesome to hear!! Thank you!

Developing a Ministry Strategy

How do you plan for future women’s ministry? Do you plan for next year and give no thought beyond that? Begin now to begin planning for years ahead. Ten years from now, do you see women in your church growing spiritually? serving? leading others in their spiritual walk? If so, plan to build a lasting ministry. Strategic planning is not just about running programs; it’s about equipping people, training trainers, and reproducing leaders. If you leave your leadership position, what do you want people to say about you? Would it affirm what God desires in leadership results? What do you need to do now to ensure those results? Your ministry focus must be on Christ and the women with whom He calls you to minister. The Bible has many examples of strategic planning, such as Joseph’s 14-year anti-starvation plan ( Gen. 41:28-36 ) and Nehemiah’s wall rebuilding ( Neh. 2:11-14 ). Likewise, your leadership team must begin a future-focused planning process. This chapter will help you effectively plan for the future. Purpose You must know your women’s ministry’s purpose to plan. Your statement must also support the church’s. Always keep the purpose visible to your leadership team and the church’s women. Constant awareness provides focus, direction, and motivation to serve. Purpose provides a tool to evaluate your women’s ministry and establishes a standard as you plan and set goals. It provides structure for the budget, leadership needs, and planned activities. Consider gathering a group of women (all ages/life stages) to pray and brainstorm reasons for ministering to/with women. Study Scripture to discover a foundational passage for your purpose statement. Consider these essential: ministry, missions, evangelism, worship, discipleship, and fellowship—all undergirded with prayer. Share your statement with the church staff; ask for their support and approval. Objectives After prayerfully determining your purpose, establish objectives for accomplishing it. Objectives are general areas toward which you direct your efforts—the purpose is the “why” and objectives are the “whats” of ministry. Use your purpose and objectives to plan how you believe God wants your ministry to accomplish His desires. Develop main objectives for 1-10 years to focus your time, energy, and budget money. Structure your ministry according to these objectives by setting priorities. Focus on 12-month priorities that are measurable, dated, and drive you toward your purpose and objectives. They guide planning for activities and events that bring objectives to fruition and accomplish their purpose.

This article is adapted from a chapter written by Chris Adams and found in Transformed Lives: Taking Women’s Ministry to the Next Level c ompiled by Chris Adams .

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Starting a Women's Ministry

With a little creativity and persistence you can start a women’s ministry in your church. You never know where God will lead and whose lives He’ll change.

A few years ago my husband and I moved to the suburbs and joined a small Baptist church. Our congregation provided a close-knit sense of family worship and spiritual nurture, but I found myself missing women’s ministries like “Woman-to-Woman” and “Preschool Moms” that had enriched my spiritual walk at our former church.

As we became acquainted with many church members, I asked some of the women about the potential for women’s fellowship.

“Oh, we tried it for awhile, but it fizzled,” a kindly 50-year-old sighed.

“Some of them had other things going on in their lives, and a few just forgot to show up.” Liz shook her head.

Her words challenged me. After all, I had several years experience in organizing committees and chairing meetings at my teaching job. Instead of expecting to be catered to, maybe I should do some of the catering.

“Well, I’m going to give it a try. I’ll ask God to bless or block it, according to His will.” I couldn’t tell if Liz’s smile was sympathetic or encouraging.

I then asked the pastor’s wife for suggestions.

“Breakfasts have worked in the past, but I don’t know about now.” Knowing how busy she was with the choir, children’s Christmas play, nursery administration, job, and family, I asked if she could recommend women from the congregation who might be good speakers. She gave me a couple of names and I got started.

TIPS ON STARTING A WOMEN'S MINISTRY

Here are some of the things I did to launch our women’s ministry:

1. Start with a Small Event

I found a local restaurant to accommodate our 30-something members for a Saturday morning breakfast. Marketing the event and recruitment were my next steps. I designed an attractive flier and sign-up sheet that I placed in the church foyer. The pastor cheerfully agreed to include the upcoming breakfast in his Sunday morning announcements, and I asked the church secretary to include across church communications. Because there was not enough time to make arrangements for a speaker, I decided to prepare a devotional. Though I wasn’t used to this type of public speaking, I had made enough conference presentations to help me “wing it.”

When the day came, 30 women showed up for the event. It was fun to see women from ages 20 to 60 join us, and to hear them laughing, listening, and loving as they eagerly formed new bonds of fellowship or strengthened old ones that had been missing for a while. My talk focused on how to develop communication strategies for building intimacy in marriage and friendships.

Before I left, I announced dates and locations for future breakfasts and continued to publicize. Attendance continued to grow. Programs included a Christmas craft supplied by one of our creative members, and a presentation called “The Easter Dress” the following spring, based on a guest’s personal story. We also drew names for Secret Sisters, who were revealed in our last meeting of the year, and we agreed to start up again in September. Our pastor’s wife offered to start a devotional series on the Proverbs 31 woman since her schedule had freed up.

When our second year began a few months later, numbers dwindled a bit due to weather, a flu outbreak, and a crowded church schedule, yet we never dipped lower than ten. The women remained committed and enjoyed the Secret Sisters ministry. In December we held our “special edition” women’s breakfast which was catered, followed by a church decorating party.

2. Plan for Spiritual Nourishment

By the end of the second year, our women were becoming restless for more spiritual “meat,” as the “milk” was no longer enough. They wanted a deeper study of the Word, more accountability for themselves, and a mutual commitment for prayer and support. As a result, we launched a Tuesday evening Bible study that began meeting the following fall, our third year.

3. Be Open to Creative Ways to Reach Women

The Bible study was bittersweet for me. I couldn’t attend because I already had a teaching commitment on Tuesday evenings. One thing leads to another, especially when God’s hand is in it. In a couple’s study that my husband and I hosted, six ladies and I, close in age, got to know each other and shared occasional comments about mid-life issues and concerns. We decided we needed a forum to discuss anxieties and opportunities associated with mid-life. Voila! “Mid-Life Madness” ministry was born as a plan for an evening of fun, friends, and food to deal with the complexities of peri-menopause issues like “hormonal horrors,” “family feuds,” and “spiritual spotlights.”

Out came another signup sheet and I got busy with flyers and advertising in church communications. I kept the PR simple for this event because some topics required discretion. Our event drew over 20 women who competed for the “memory game” prize, shared favorite Scriptures, and the sharing of information, some of which was presented in the form of books, handouts, and on-line printouts. Just when you think you’ve spent all your creative energy, another idea creeps up and taps you on the shoulder!

4. Be Sensitive to Specific Need Groups

Our church has been growing the last couple of years, drawing many young couples with children, so we’re thinking about starting a group of “Mentoring Moms” to pair older women with younger women, according to Titus 2. The idea really gelled when a 28-year-old mom of three, pregnant with her fourth child, called to chat and became enthused when I shared my idea. She feels that spiritual moms are greatly needed by the young mothers at our church and she is excited about getting her own “Mentoring Mom” since she hasn’t been raised in a Christian home. So we’re off and running again!

I am in awe of God’s timing! He has it all figured out. Each of us is here for a purpose, and He will help us fulfill it. As Solomon put it in Eccl. 3:1-8, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”

New directions continue to multiply! This past year we began another new Bible study on the book of Esther, co-led by three of us. We’ve also invited unchurched women from the community.

Another new initiative was our first women’s retreat that drew 40-plus women for an exciting overnight adventure at a local church camp with a guest speaker who motivated us to see life’s difficulties as learning opportunities.

When our family came to our new small church, I had no idea that so many meaningful ministries would become available in such a short time, and that God would use me to be the catalyst for starting them. A women’s ministry feeds and nourishes women who turn around and impact the world. It is also an exciting opportunity for women to build God’s kingdom, one event at a time.

With a little creativity and persistence you can start a women’s ministry in your church. Just take the first step…you never know where God will lead and whose lives He’ll change.

~ By Debra Johanyak

THE ESSENTIAL CHECKLIST FOR STARTING A WOMEN'S MINISTRY

Women in the church all need a safe place to come where they can connect with each other and grow in their faith. And, a thriving women’s ministry can be the perfect source of spiritual growth, fellowship, and support for women within the church community. If you’ve been yearning to launch a women’s ministry but aren’t sure where to begin, this checklist is for you.

Download your FREE copy of The Essential Checklist for Starting a Women’s Ministry today, and get ready to embark on an exciting adventure of faith, friendship, and service!

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Designing and Proposing a Women’s Ministry

By Anessa Westbrook | Bio

Anessa Westbrook (DMin) is Associate Professor of Bible and Ministry at Harding University. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in Church Growth and a Master of Divinity from Harding School of Theology. Her doctoral research at Fuller Theological Seminary focused on the spiritual development of women.

Figuring out how to define women’s ministry can be tricky. As a term, most people have heard “women’s ministry” used but may not have given it much thought. Is women’s ministry what women do in the church? Is it ministry to women? Or a combination of both? What is the purpose of women’s ministry?

Women’s ministries have often been put together haphazardly with little reflection upon the design. It often begins as a good idea, then friends are recruited and plans are made. However, what’s often lacking is purpose and intentionality. When we begin a women’s ministry, we need to know our “why.” Why are we beginning a women’s ministry ? What is our ultimate goal? The goal of any ministry should be spiritual growth and disciple making, even if it begins as just planting seeds for spiritual growth or constructing bridges between the church and the community.

Let’s use food as a metaphor to consider how a women’s ministry can aid in spiritual growth. When food is laid out on a table at a retreat center, people have the option to choose what to eat based on what is offered. If only desserts are offered, then that retreat isn’t going to help you achieve any kind of balance in your diet. As we design women’s ministries, we need to consider what we are metaphorically offering on the table to make sure that we’re encouraging the women toward a healthy, balanced, spiritual “diet.”

“As we design women’s ministries, we need to consider what we are metaphorically offering on the table to make sure that we’re encouraging the women toward a healthy, balanced, spiritual ‘diet.'”

Over the years of guiding students as they are designing their own women’s ministries, I have found two especially useful systems which both take a balanced, spiritual approach: the “Directional Approach” and what I will call “Elements of a Healthy Woman.”

The Directional Approach

First, there has been a natural gravitation by many toward the “Directional Approach,” and I am unsure of where or how this has originated. This approach uses the orientation of a particular event to provide an organizational structure. The three categories are as follows:

Upreach : Refers to those events and programs that help women strengthen their relationship with God.
Inreach: Refers to those events and programs that increase connection within the church family.
Outreach: Refers to those events and programs that reach out to the community.

While simple, this system easily allows women to make sure that the ministries they are proposing encapsulate elements that create balance, not putting undue focus on just one category. Common concerns about women’s ministry have been that many tend to focus mainly on Upreach or Inreach events and programs to the exclusion of others. Even when good things are happening in one area, balance is needed in the others.

“Even when good things are happening in one area, balance is needed in the others.”

“elements of a healthy woman” approach.

The second approach is what I refer to as “Elements of a Healthy Woman,” and it focuses on those areas women need to grow into healthy women. Chris Adams, editor of Women Reaching Women , helpfully offers four categories of activities that all lead to spiritual growth: relational, physical, emotional, and mental.[1] The approach I’m advocating for here utilizes the original four categories of Chris Adams’s model, but adds another, so that the five elements are relationships, emotional health, physical well-being, knowledge, and spiritual growth. These five categories focus on the areas of growth that women need to become healthy, balanced women.

1. Relationships:

This area focuses on helping women have the tools and opportunities needed to have healthy relationships. This could include events that increase connection and incorporate fellowship and fun. It may also include support groups or seminars that help women develop relational skills or help mend or manage broken relationships in their lives.

2. Emotional Health:

This area focuses on helping women have the tools needed for an emotionally healthy life. This could be support groups or information that deals with issues such as depression, anxiety, infertility, or any variety of stressors that women face. This is different from the Relationships category because this category focuses less on connections with others and more on the internal things going on inside a woman.

3. Physical Well-Being:

This area focuses on providing the tools and opportunities for women to develop physical well-being. This could come in forms of exercise groups, programs on topics promoting good nutrition or beginning an exercise program, programs for young moms on creating nutritious lunches or meals, or lectures on topics for aging women.

4. Knowledge:

This area focuses on helping women gain knowledge needed for success in any area of life. This could include programs or lectures on finances, retirement, gardening, economical cooking, organization, time management, or anything that increases knowledge about a certain topic and helps improve the lives of women. This category is ripe with opportunities to create “Bridge Events,” which are events attractive to people outside the church that can be promoted within the community as a way to build a bridge between the community and the church family.

5. Spiritual Growth:

This area includes those activities that are helping women grow spiritually. Examples of activities include programs providing encouragement or support for personal Bible reading or practicing spiritual disciplines, Bible classes, spiritual retreats, discipleship training, or ladies’ days focusing on spiritual matters. The ultimate goal of spiritual growth is that they become fully devoted disciples of Jesus, who then are able to disciple others to follow Jesus (see Matt. 28:18-20).

“The ultimate goal of spiritual growth is that they become fully devoted disciples of Jesus, who then are able to disciple others to follow Jesus.”

When an academic program is preparing to undergo accreditation, they begin to look at the content of their classes and degrees. Generally, there are different learning objectives that have to be considered for their programs and courses. Different elements are then categorized according to which objective it meets. When it is discovered that one objective is not receiving enough attention, new activities or courses are then designed to fill that hole.

It’s helpful to use the same type of process when evaluating a women’s ministry. Once you decide on an approach, then you evaluate the activities and programs in the women’s ministry to see which category is the most prominent in each one. For example, a ladies’ day could fill spiritual, emotional, or mental categories depending on the focus. For a mentoring program, you would need to consider its primary objective and determine whether it is primarily from the spiritual, relational, or knowledge category. When you discover that one of the categories is not being adequately addressed, then you can develop new approaches to meet that category.

Changing Women’s Ministry

Whatever model you decide on, you’ll want to take into account the new realities of women’s ministry. During previous decades, like other activities within the church, if you scheduled something, you could expect decent participation. However, as new generations are coming through and the schedules of younger women are full with work responsibilities and increasingly complicated children’s schedules, we can no longer depend on a decent size crowd automatically attending an event. We have to be more intentional, better listeners, and focused on meeting the needs of the women where they are.

In previous decades, older women’s ministry tended to be program-based and had calendars full of activities. Any new model needs to recognize that the church is no longer the hub of community, fellowship, and activities. Instead, women can find those things elsewhere. Women will be asking themselves, “Is this going to be worth my while?” They need to see a direct connection to a benefit that will help them fulfill their roles better or grow spiritually; otherwise they may not prioritize the activity. Women’s ministries today need to be people-focused instead of program-focused. Leaders need to be willing to listen, learn, and adapt.

“Women’s ministries today need to be people-focused instead of program-focused.”

Proposing a women’s ministry.

After you have reflected upon the goals and purpose of your women’s ministry and have selected a tentative structure, it’s time to begin putting things down on paper. Putting together a proposal will help others see your vision for the ministry. I’d encourage you to begin with a page that gives an overview of your vision and include the following items: a purpose statement, a mission statement, and your target audience.

Purpose Statement, Mission Statement, Target Audience

The purpose statement is something that should be detailed enough that it explains what the women’s ministry is about, as well as providing some form for the structure. It should not be so long, however, that it is cumbersome or difficult to memorize.

The mission statement is more succinct but carries the core of what the ministry is trying to accomplish. Some ministries have even chosen a theme verse and used it for this purpose. You will want to be able to use the mission statement on promotional materials as well. One good rule of thumb is to make sure it can fit on promotional items, such as a pen.

Defining your target audience can have a big impact on how your ministry runs. Will you have a starting age at which people can join the women’s ministry? Will the women’s ministry intentionally target and incorporate preteens, high school girls, or college students? Many women’s ministries will want to pick an age at which they begin, but this doesn’t have to be a hard and fast rule.

“Defining your target audience can have a big impact on how your ministry runs.”

The next page should cover the proposed structure of the women’s ministry. Show how the women’s ministry fits into the church leadership structure. Would it answer to the elders, a subgroup of elders or deacons, a single elder or deacon, or perhaps to the ministry staff? Ask questions to find out how the women’s ministry will fit in.

After you have outlined this, you will give the basic segments of how the women’s ministry will be structured. If you are using the Directional Approach, for instance, this is where you would list “Upreach,” “Inreach,” and “Outreach.” Below those categories you can list out some specific examples of activities that may be a part of those categories.

You might also consider how the women’s ministry itself will be organized. Will you have a coordinator over each segment? Will there be a single or multiple coordinators over the entire ministry? Be sure to include that information where appropriate within the structure. It would be helpful if you gave 1-3 sentences about each of the proposed ministries that you are considering under the subsections.

“You might also consider how the women’s ministry itself will be organized.”

The third page of your proposal should address how the women’s ministry will fit into the church structure. There are often concerns about whether the women’s ministry will follow the overall leadership vision and mission of the church. This is where any unspoken concerns can be put to rest. It also shows how the women’s ministry can take an active role in supporting the overall vision and mission of the church. This is also a good place to explain the thinking behind the balance and structure that has been built into the women’s ministry.

If a completely new ministry is being proposed, then it’s important to have some idea of what things will cost so you can propose a budget. This is where thinking through the ministry and providing some specific examples will prove helpful.

There are three options for funding activities. First, the church budget can pay for the activity. This could be costs or supplies associated with an event, or it could be materials for a Bible study. Second, the activity or event can be on cost-recovery. This means that for an event, women will either purchase a ticket to cover the expected costs or donate the needed items. Third, the event could be a mix of both.

An easy way to begin identifying where monies may be needed would be to identify those activities that may need some or all of their funding from the church budget. Make an educated guess on how many may attend and do some rough figuring on how much it may cost. Once you have added up those figures, add a little for unexpected expenses. In all reality, even if the amount you request is approved, the amount you actually need will change. It will take a few years to truly figure out how much the ministry costs.

“In all reality, even if the amount you request is approved, the amount you actually need will change.”

On the final page, include some information on how you will evaluate the effectiveness of the women’s ministry. This proposal needs to have enough information to be self-explanatory. However, you should be prepared to make an oral presentation with this as a complement. Resist the temptation to move it from proposal form to a research paper by including too much information. It’s better for someone to come away with a few questions they want to follow up on in person than for them to give up reading the proposal and put it aside for later.

Taking the time to think carefully through a women’s ministry will bring rewards down the line. If you take the time to formulate the goals for the women’s ministry, then you can put a plan in place to get there. Remember, purpose and intentionality are often the missing factors in a women’s ministry. When we can have a clear purpose and be intentional in accomplishing it, we can be more inclusive, effective, and directed in our efforts. The more intentionality you put into this important ministry, the more you’ll realize that it’s worth it.

[1] Chris Adams, Women Reaching Women: Beginning and Building a Growing Women’s Ministry , Revised and Expanded (Nashville: Lifeway Press, 2005), 11.

2024 National RENEW.org Gathering

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS I am the lead guy at both discipleship.org and renew.org. Both organizations champion Jesus-style disciple making. Discipleship.org focuses on Jesus’ disciple making method. Renew.org focuses on Jesus’ teachings and method. Discipleship.org is broader, for a larger Evangelical audience. I am committed to it because I am called to champion Jesus-style disciple […]

Youth Leader, You Don’t Have to Work Alone. Join a Learning Community.

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Does Science Put God out of a Job?

One of my favorite movies is Nacho Libre, starring Jack Black as a Mexican monk who becomes a champion wrestler. Although Nacho is a devout Catholic, his wrestling partner “Esqueleto” is a skeptic. Before a wrestling match against an intimidating duo, Nacho tells Esqueleto, “Pray to the Lord for strength,” to which Esqueleto responds, “I […]

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Depending on Jesus

“Man–despite his artistic pretensions, his sophistication, and his many accomplishments–owes his existence to a six- inch layer of topsoil and the fact that it rains.” —Paul Harvey Do you ever find yourself caught in a tug of war between dependence on God and self-sufficiency? Maybe you’re there now. You know it is God who has […]

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Erica Wiggenhorn

How to Start a Women’s Ministry

I recently came across a startling statistic: People search “How to make friends as an adult” over 8,000 times per day on Google. It doesn’t take long to look around and realize there are many lonely women in desperate need of meaningful connections.

Relationships provide deep meaning for us. Our relationship with Christ, our families, and our friends hold great significance. In a fast-paced digital world where we can have 5,000 friends on a social media platform yet feel invisible within our community, the church provides a place for women to be seen, heard, and loved.

You may have a strong desire to bring women together, but you wonder how to cultivate community. How do you convince them it is necessary or help them overcome their social anxieties? We will cover specific strategies and ideas in this article.

Another catalyst that may compel you to start a women’s ministry includes spiritual growth or biblical literacy among women. Barna released a study on Gen Z. This study revealed that less than 4% of adults ranging in age from 23 to 26, hold a biblical worldview. This group sees and understands the world fundamentally differently from what the Bible teaches about God and humanity. The need for solid biblical teaching along with learning how to be a disciple of Jesus is staggering.

With thousands of podcasts, books, and biblical resources, how do you guide women toward wise choices that will actually teach them biblical principles? How do you equip them with what they need to effectively read, understand, and apply ancient scripture to their modern-day circumstances and problems? What do we need to provide for them so they can discern biblical truth from cultural lies?

We will give you a list of trusted resources and voices so you have a women’s toolbox to get you well on your way to starting a ministry for women.

You may be encountering greater numbers of women who once regularly engaged in a church community but have chosen to step away. They found the teaching irrelevant to their daily life, or the pastoral staff could not provide the help they sought. When pastors are predominantly men, they don’t always know how to counsel and connect with issues specifically related to women. They can be uncomfortable counseling and discipling women regarding deeply personal issues.

A woman may feel uncomfortable asking a male pastor questions about abortion, providing details about her husband’s pornography addiction, or her own feelings of isolation or loneliness in her family. These topics remain taboo in most churches, so she seeks outside sources for help.

You sense God calling you to bring a safe place filled with biblical truth back inside the church walls. We will discuss event ideas, women’s ministry activities, and the tools needed to work through cultural issues to provide healing.

Whatever your reason for starting a women’s ministry, the excitement can easily be eclipsed by fear.

How do we communicate this need to a predominantly male pastoral staff without appearing condescending or disrespectful?
What if they don’t support our endeavors?
How will we formulate a budget?
Where will we meet?
What activity or event should we start with?
What do we even call this new ministry?
How do we spread the word and invite women?
What if women don’t come?

Often the questions start to crush our enthusiasm and we quit before we ever move past the idea. This article will walk you step-by-step through how to start, build a team, oodles of ideas to get going, and a solid checklist to keep you focused on your original mission for starting a women’s ministry.

When women’s lives are changed, relationships restored, and women have a place to belong and to grow, the hard season of ‘starting’ will soon be forgotten. Confidence crushes fear. The joy of transformation will make it all worth it. Anything worthwhile presents obstacles. The vision may seem mountainous, but Jesus said, “Nothing will be impossible for you,” The experience of being used by God to change someone else’s life is the pinnacle of earthly joy.

The Need for Starting A Women’s Ministry

I remember my very first women’s ministry Bible study. My friend made me come, and to say I went reluctantly would be a dramatic understatement. My husband and I were in the throes of infertility, and if I had to listen to one more pregnancy woe, delivery nightmare, or child bragging fest, I just might burn the church down. Dramatic, I know. But women in pain feel things deeply, and I was in a dark place.

The reality is that over 75% of women in your church are in a dark place. The statistics about our society are staggering. Nearly one in five teens regularly use drugs. Over half of American marriages end in divorce. Eight out of ten teens cite anxiety as a daily or almost daily struggle. More than one-third of Americans worry about how to cover their family’s daily expenses. Over one in four American women have gone through an abortion. Women walk through daily worry and heartache.

People in our churches are hurting. Deeply. And historically, the church has held to the idea that you come inside the walls to worship and get right spiritually. It lets you figure out the rest of your life on your own.

But women know and understand the power of connectivity. Having other women who know their struggles and will offer love and support through them becomes the thin line of difference between standing strong in faith and stepping out of faith. When women feel isolated in their churches, they seek alternative places of refuge, often never returning to the church community.

That first Bible study set my life on an entirely new trajectory. It unlocked the door for me to read and study my Bible. It opened the window to my hurt so that instead of stuffing it, I could release it while surrounded by other women who wanted to help me heal and grow. It led to lifelong friendships that still speak into my life today, anchoring my faith across thousands of miles and endlessly changing circumstances. People who implore me to keep the faith, who pray for me, and who remind me that God is good when everything in my current season seems bad.

Women’s ministry provides tools to help women have more meaningful relationships with other women, with their spouses, their children, their extended family, and friends.

When women learn how to connect with God, all their human connections become stronger and more solidified. When women are connected and have a place to belong, they feel safe. When we feel safe, we become willing to take bigger risks, try new endeavors and explore new things. We become more generous with our love; in doing so our homes, workplaces, and communities become transformed.

Whether you want to start a general women’s ministry for your church or community, or a specific ministry to women who have a certain need, the principles apply. Psychologists have recently cited that the number one vehicle for healing from trauma involves being part of a safe community. This is the crux of women’s ministry.

When we come together as women who follow Jesus, He transforms us in the process, making us more like Him. As we are changed from “glory to glory” as the Scriptures tell us, we can increasingly exhibit the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23).

But this involves centering our women’s ministry around the Person and work of Jesus and the teaching of His Word, the Bible. I have seen addicts set free, families reunited, women lead their entire families to Christ, and former criminals become college graduates and counsel other women in crisis; the stories are endless of what Christ does in the lives of His women.

The lasting change and the replication of that ministry into other women’s lives comes most often through women’s ministry.

Obstacles to Starting A Women’s Ministry

Everything meaningful always faces obstacles. Starting a women’s ministry will be hard. Taking over one initiated by someone else can be even more challenging. When it’s a battle, it most likely will be beautiful.

It will be difficult to initially get women to have a strong buy-in for women’s ministry if you present it in a generic sense. Getting them to commit their time to something is the most costly thing we ask of most women. So there has to be a felt need you are addressing that will make it worthwhile for them to show up.

The wording of the invite or the initial proposed activity may feel “less than spiritual.” We want women to come because we have a strong desire for them to grow spiritually, but we have to make peace with the reality that most women don’t understand what it means to grow spiritually and might not want to at this point. Also, they have so many practical problems they are trying to solve that spiritual growth almost feels like a luxury rather than essential. We must begin with overcoming their obstacles to being part of a women’s ministry.

Time is the biggest obstacle. And weariness and exhaustion are other ones. What is a practical way your ministry provides restoration and renewal to worn-out women? By providing a place for them to build relationships.

Don’t over-program your event so much that women do not have an opportunity to connect in a fun, relaxing way. We need to move away from the idea of always needing to teach them something and include a safe space for them to teach each other as they share their lives and struggles in authentic ways. We also need to move away from over-scripting the connection time. Most women will not find it difficult to keep a conversation going once you get it started. But forcing them to only discuss certain prescribed things without ever allowing the conversation to flow freely will ultimately stifle rather than enable relationships to form.

Women can gather information on Google, but they can’t find meaningful face-to-face connections through phone screens. Provide a place where they can come and relax, find commonalities and make connections with others, and enjoy human interaction without young children in tow or something to prepare before they arrive.

Because women guard their time so vigilantly, you will need a plan. Have a specific start and end time. Don’t start late and don’t go over. Doing otherwise communicates to women that you do not value them or the obligations in their lives.

Intentionally create your event to allow women to continue to gather once the event has ended, but provide a clear exit plan for those who need to leave at the prescribed ending time. If your primary goal is making connections, schedule extra time at the beginning and end of your event. Don’t promote an event about connection and spend the first two hours with someone talking from a platform or playing a video. Make sure you have truth in advertising.

However you promote your event, you need to plan it to match. Once you have a plan for the women’s ministry launch or event, next you need a place.

That leads to the obstacle of space. If your church doesn’t have a place for you to gather, your local community center, coffee shop, or restaurant are good alternatives. If the weather permits, even setting up tables and chairs outside on your church lawn could be a good option.

Women love to be in each others’ homes but for an initial gathering, neutral ground is better, unless women can go online and see who else has signed up to attend the event in a home. No one wants to be the only one showing up on a stranger’s doorstep.

Some great people to connect with to find homes and community centers in your local area are real estate agents. They show people homes and visit communities every day and may already have connections with people in your surrounding area who may be willing to host or donate their community center for your gatherings.

You also will need a budget. Having a spreadsheet whiz on your team will be helpful to calculate the overall cost to launch or host an event. If you are launching, you don’t want to skimp on creating the vibe and culture of the ministry you have envisioned. Make the gathering place welcoming.

Allow the women to feel like you have intentionally prepared this place for them. You don’t need to go over the top, but you need to look prepared. Have places for them to gather and sit. Provide comfortable seating. Make it inviting.

Military ministry notoriously lacks funds. Officers’ wives will often collectively donate their own funds creating a budget for their post to host something for their women. When I travel to military bases to connect with women, 9 times out of 10 the stage or table decor comes from someone’s home and gets brought to the venue.

If you have some DIY specialists who love to craft, ask them if they might be willing to create something for you. You can ask for donations or sell tickets. But if you ask women to pay, you may come across another obstacle: promotion.

Your church leadership may be uncomfortable with you charging women to come. They may also be uncomfortable giving you money to launch a ministry or put on an event. You can feel caught in the middle. Some ideas could include hosting a bake sale on Sundays to help fund the ministry, asking a photographer to donate photo sessions, assembling raffle items, a spring cleaning sale, or simply asking for monetary donations.

Even without money involved, your pastoral staff may be reluctant to help promote your event. They may worry that if they promote this area of ministry, they will have droves of people coming out of the woodwork asking them to promote their ministries as well.

But with a plan, promotion becomes possible. Hand-select ten women at your church to invite another ten women they know. You have now invited one hundred women to your women’s ministry event without spending a single penny and only using your cell phones. Communicate the clear value proposition of their attendance. Examples could include:

Take the night off from cooking
Meet five new women with whom you have something in common
Get outside the four walls of your house and spend some time in the sunshine
Let dad change the diapers while you get pampered
Experience adult conversation without interruption
Provide your input on what you need in this season of life
Discover you’re not alone in your parenting struggles.

These clear value proposition statements give women a specific reason for relinquishing their valuable time to be part of women’s ministry. Of course, you’ve got to deliver on what you promise, and this goes back to having a clear plan. If your launch or event delivers and women make connections while there, chances are they will come back.

Your launch will make or break you. You must structure your event around the value proposition you have communicated. If you do this, future attendance will be a much easier sell, because you will have already shown them that women’s ministry is the place where they will find the one thing they crave most: connection.

Initial Steps for Starting Your Ministry

Getting started is half the battle. I love to dream, but when it comes to the doing part I often get stuck. Maybe you can relate?

You have one thousand ideas and a big vision or maybe simply a burning heart, but trying to put it into action feels overwhelming.

Let’s walk step-by-step through starting and setting up a women’s ministry plan. Maybe you’ve stepped into an already existing ministry, but you sense God calling you to give your women some new tools, you want to adjust your women’s ministry toolkit and do some repairing and restoring of the original vision.

Wherever you are on your women’s ministry journey, these five steps will get you going again.

1. Women’s Ministry Mission

Determining your mission is foundational to any women’s ministry. We can generate ten thousand women’s ministry ideas, but unless they align with your overall mission, chances are they may be fun but they won’t result in any dramatic impact on women’s lives. And again, you must make good on the value proposition you pose to your women should they agree to give you their time.

If you are starting a women’s ministry under the auspices of a church, your mission should align with its overall mission. You don’t want the church to be passionate about a particular direction, and then you take the women and run the opposite way.

Is your women’s ministry primarily evangelistic? Is your desire to create entry point events and activities to bring women from the community into the doors of the church? Or is your ministry more discipleship focused, and you long to gather your women to help them grow spiritually? Maybe you long to create a ministry to meet a specific need, such as guidance in parenting their children or walking with women through grief.

If you are part of a church, you may feel that your church already provides a plethora of spiritual growth opportunities, and you want your women’s ministry to be more community-oriented, a place for women to gather and find friendships. Maybe you long for your women’s ministry to be all those things!

However, when you start from scratch, you need to focus on one or maybe two areas first. You can always expand and develop over time, but when you are at the beginning, figure out what your primary aim is going to be.

In deciding your focus, a good place to start is to ask yourself two questions.

What are the needs of the women around me that God keeps showing me? Is it a lack of biblical knowledge, loneliness, exhaustion, inability to prioritize, grappling with grief, fear in parenting, marriage issues, etc.? Which particular needs of women does God continue to present before you that He is nudging you to act on?
What is something I am personally passionate about seeing happen in the lives of women? Do you long to see them reading and understanding Scripture, making meaningful relationships, finding freedom from addiction, recapturing the joy in parenting, and finding life after loss? What makes your heart beat with excitement over the thought of women experiencing engagement with women’s ministry?

There could be a thousand more examples or areas, but these are just a few to give you an idea of some possibilities. Once you have answered these questions, God will narrow your primary mission in starting a women’s ministry. Your mission should include a specific structure that defines who you are reaching and how their engagement in women’s ministry will impact their lives. For example,

We exist to ____________________________ so that women can ________________________.

Your “so that” is your why. It is the outcome in women’s lives. In my latest Ignite Influence course, one cohort group developed this mission statement for their women’s ministry:

“Manna in the Desert is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting unhoused women in the Phoenix, AZ Metroplex by serving as a resource epicenter so that she can rebuild her life by experiencing wholeness and healing through coaching and counseling, gain access to practical resources, and develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.”

In the above example, their ministry focuses on women who lack housing, need counseling and practical help to rebuild their lives. Maybe you feel called to a broader population of women or to serve all ages of women in your church or community. Your heart beats for women to engage with God and with others. Your mission statement might sound like this:

“We exist to create space for women to connect with God and with one another, growing in knowledge and relationships so that Jesus Christ holds the greatest influence in her life.”

Your audience is generic, but all of the activities you choose involve helping women grow in their knowledge of God and their relationships. It means your women’s ministry will have more of a discipleship focus. It makes evangelism in your ministry take more of a backseat. But if your church is diligently focused on outreach, you may long to provide this supplemental aspect of ministering to women’s needs.

If your church is already heavily discipleship-focused with myriads of Sunday School classes and small groups, you may feel called to mobilize your women to step outside the church walls, engage regularly with the community, and provide events for them to invite their friends and family members who lack connection to a local church.

We cannot define the success of a ministry without establishing the mission. When we follow the mission God gave us, we are already successful. He will establish it.

But the mission also guards us against drift and taking on every good idea presented. It also guides us in building our team because everyone needs to agree on the primary mission and focus of the ministry. The mission becomes the glue that binds us together as we plan women’s ministry activities, ideas, schedules, events, etc.

When we focus on the mission, the measure of success becomes, “Did we stick to our mission?” rather than how many people showed up, got baptized, or rated us highly on a survey.

Contrarily, if we continue to pursue our mission and never see God blessing our obedience, we may want to gather as a team and commit to an extended time of prayer, asking God if He is calling us to shift our mission in some way.

Another thing that will often stifle the success of a women’s ministry is ego. Too often, we become overly tied to our role as a women’s ministry leader instead of letting go and allowing God to raise leaders in His way and time.

When things begin to grow stale, it may signal time for a shift in leadership. That doesn’t mean the existing leader stops leading. She may just need to take a different role and pursue an aspect of women’s ministry of which she is particularly passionate, allowing someone else to cast a vision for the overall mission of women’s ministry.

While living back east, our women’s ministry director passed the baton to a successor. However, she did not step entirely out of women’s ministry. Instead, she started leading marriage retreats and mentoring sessions with her husband. Establishing thriving marriages had always been a particular passion of hers, but overseeing women’s ministry as a whole did not allow her to develop this aspect of ministry to women to its fullest capacity.

Succession ought to create expansion. So, while God may call you to start a women’s ministry, hold that role loosely. Once it is up and running, He may place you in a particular area you feel uniquely called to minister.

Another aspect of creating your mission involves research. In the example above, Sheila noticed more women in their women’s ministry whose marriages blew up, ending in divorce. As she watched this over time, she could not continue to ignore God’s nudges to do something about it.

What are you noticing? Research these observations. Google statistics. Seek out the existence of similar ministries in your area or other places nationally. This information will help guide you in creating your women’s ministry.

Does an identical ministry already exist right down the street? Connect with them. Maybe you can outsource this particular need of your women elsewhere and broaden your mission. Or get involved in that ministry for a while. learning and growing in preparation to start your own women’s ministry in the future.

Contrarily, you may find the statistics overwhelming and the needs so great you simply cannot ignore them. God will use the information to confirm His call upon your life to start a women’s ministry. Start crafting your mission and finding your team.

2. Establishing Women’s Ministry Leaders

Scripture provides multiple examples of the power of a pair. You cannot start or refine any women’s ministry alone. You will need at least one person to help you, probably more.

Your mission will help determine your organizational structure and how many leaders you need to execute it. If you host quarterly events, you will need several volunteers to prepare and coordinate your event. A good starting place would be to plan your activity and then delegate the various tasks to pairs of people.

Who will run registration/check-in?
Who will decorate?
Who will be in charge of icebreakers/games?
Who will emcee?
Who will be in charge of food or refreshments?

As the women’s ministry leader, you don’t want to run around trying to do all the things. You want to be available to connect with the women.

Every task is delegated so you are merely there to oversee and answer questions. The more people you have involved, the greater attendance you will have at your event.

If your mission is more discipleship focused, you will need leaders to teach, coach, mentor, and facilitate. Every leader ought to also have a “leader in training.” It is someone younger or newer to the faith in whom the leader sees significant potential. If you have three table leaders for a Bible study, you need three table leaders in training. If one of your leaders is absent, you already have a built-in substitute.

Again, you will need people checking people in, setting up, creating decor, managing refreshments, providing worship, and running slides or videos. The more you delegate and get others involved, the greater your attendance will be.

Challenge every leader to find their leader-in-training and invite someone to join them. Model the power of the ‘pair’ to your leaders.

When our ministry expanded with the creation of our Ignite Influence Course, we compiled this list of team members for our everything to run smoothly:

Cohort Leaders + cohort leaders in training
Admin for email responses, payment processing and materials prep
Security Team- volunteers to escort women to and from the parking lot and remain present in case of any emergencies
Prayer Coordinator who sent out weekly prayer requests to attendees and behind the scenes prayer team
Hospitality Coordinator to prepare our place where we gathered
Celebration Dinner Coordinator who handled a team to coordinate the meal, decor and food service and cleanup

Try and think through as many tasks as possible that you can delegate. This will unload excessive work as well as allow you to expand your leadership team.

3. Scheduling Your Women’s Ministry Gatherings

Again, your mission will drive this decision. Your mission helps define your projected participants for your women’s ministry and their unique needs and obstacles to gather.

Do most of your women work outside the home? Are they single moms who will require childcare? Can they drive at night

Your mission helps define your projected participants for your women’s ministry and their unique needs and obstacles to gather.

Not only will that determine the time, but it will also steer location possibilities. If you need childcare, you will have to plan space for that. If you have women in recovery meeting at a restaurant with a large bar probably is not a good idea. Hosting your retreat with minibars in the hotel rooms will prove to be a temptation.

Once you have established your mission, ask your women questions to help determine the best time and places to meet. Women with school-age children will be juggling after-school activities or sports commitments. They may homeschool during the day.

There are many factors to consider, and it will be impossible to accommodate everyone. But taking the time to connect begins to build trust among your women, and shows you deeply desire to serve them. It also shows that you long to understand their needs and the reality of their daily lives and commitments.

Posturing yourself this way as a humble leader makes you approachable and caring. These two perceptions go a long way in building trust, causing women to take a step toward engaging in any ministry opportunity you offer.

Choosing A Theme for Your Women’s Ministry

Once you have a mission and a plan, you will also need a theme. The mission is evergreen, meaning it does not shift from year to year, but your theme may be tied to a one-year plan, a semester, or an individual event. The theme ought to involve an aspiration or a promise to the women who will be part of the ministry.

The theme can be a Scripture that includes a promise or a daily principle for living. For instance, Psalm 46:10: Be Still and know that I am God. Your theme is stillness or trust, and your aspiration or promise is that through the events and activities throughout the year or at this particular retreat or event, women will learn to be still and trust God to a greater degree. Some good questions to ask might be:

What is something specific God longs to accomplish in the lives of our women this year? Rather than a more generalized “spiritual growth” or “biblical literacy,” determine a specific area of obedience, such as learning to be still and trust Him as in the example above.
What is a particular area of struggle that our women seem to consistently wrestle with? In the above example, maybe it’s that your women always seem to be exhausted. Or they wear busyness like a badge of honor instead of seeing their disobedience in crowding God out of their lives. Maybe it’s learning how to pray or finding a place to serve.

Once you land on a theme, you can move to some specifics.

Choosing Your Ministry Name and Logo

If your theme is Still , your logo and branding should reflect something peaceful and calm. Probably not a bright red flame, but something blue or green and steadfast. Maybe a tree or a lake scene with mountains.

Chances are someone you know loves Pinterest or photography. Have them research colors, symbols, and items that reflect the theme. If your theme is Ignite, then the bright red flame fits.

Your women’s ministry theme fulfills your mission but specifies it for a designated amount of time. The overall women’s ministry logo should reflect your mission and be more generic. Your theme is transitional and specific.

When choosing the name of your ministry, it will be helpful to tie it locationally to something, especially if you decide to include an outreach component. Have the name of your church, city, or state in the name of your social media handles.

Let’s say you go very generic. You are starting a women’s ministry for your church. You attend Compass Church in Plant City, Arkansas. Your name is simply Compass Women of Plant City. Your social media handles are @CompassWomeninPlantCity. This way, when people find you online or search Compass Women, they don’t accidentally confuse you with the women’s ministry of Compass Church in Juno, Alaska!

Your ministry name needs to be informational. It gives an idea of your location and whom you serve.

Choosing Your Annual Theme

Again, your theme needs to be aspirational. It includes a promise or a principle that will be gained or applied. Like a goal, it needs to be actionable and doable. Something women feel is attainable and desired.

If your women’s ministry includes women mostly over 65, you probably don’t want a theme of Still. Why? Because most of them desire to be more active, not less. But if your women’s ministry primarily includes women working, raising families, or having babies, then Still is an aspiration for them.

What would excite your women or meet a longing in their life? For busy women, Ignite might feel overwhelming. They already seem to be burning the candle at both ends. More fire doesn’t seem to be too appealing! Think and pray through this and ask what your women really need.

Imagine you decide on the theme of Still. For your retreat, purposefully include a time for them to be still. Include a time of quiet prayer journaling. Or to go for a walk or take a nap. Structure your events to match your theme.

Choose a book from the Bible or a study book that focuses on trust such as Unexplainable Jesus: Rediscovering the God You Thought You Knew . Host a night about prayer journaling. Send out a worship playlist to the women and challenge them to get outside to go for a walk while listening to it. Plan a book club on letting go of things in your life that weigh you down. Letting God Be Enough: Why Striving Keeps You Stuck and How Surrender Sets You Free is a good one for this.

Your theme will help drive your activities, decide on books, studies, icebreakers, and games, and point women toward your mission.

Choosing Your Seasonal Theme

Having a year-long theme might feel too restrictive for you. Planning per semester might seem more actionable. In Arizona where I live, we have a radically different population in our women’s ministry in the winter than in the summer.

Our size doubles with the arrival of Snow Birds, retired and semi-retired folks who come to spend the winter in Arizona. These women crave connection and continuity in their relationship with God and others.

During the spring and summer, they leave. We are mostly left with young families. So our themes shift based on our population changes.

One warning about seasonal themes: they are often deeply rooted in church tradition. “We always host a Christmas Tea.” Or a spring luncheon. Or whatever. If the aspirational promise is not being met but merely a tradition being kept, I suggest rethinking it.

Part of the beauty of choosing themes that are aspirational rather than seasonal is that it gives you a blank canvas to which you can add details to bring your women’s ministry mission to living color.

Choosing Your First Women’s Ministry Bible Study

Some of you might be thinking, “I thought women’s ministry could just be fun and evangelistic?!” It can be, but ultimately, if you are gathering women, the Word of God must be the bedrock of continual gatherings. You may launch with something fun and lighthearted, but we must always land on the unchanging Word of God where life’s ultimate meaning and satisfaction are found. If everything is only fun and connection you’re not a ministry, you’re a club.

Your Bible study should match your theme, which is rooted in your mission. If your theme is Arise, choose studies that invite women to begin living with greater faith and boldness like An Unexplainable Life: Recovering the Awe and Wonder of the Early Church . You won’t want to choose the study Breathe when your theme is about getting up and getting busy.

If you give women one particular thing to focus on, it becomes much more attainable and the continuity points them toward a specific action. When women see how they are growing and changing due to involvement in women’s ministry, they will be more committed to it.

A word of caution: you should always preview any Bible study or book before bringing it before your women. If you do not feel confident in discerning the biblical soundness of a particular work, then ask a pastor or someone else in your church whom you trust to preview it. Being highly rated on Amazon doesn’t mean it’s in doctrinal alignment with your church.

More and more Christian publishing companies are owned and run by secular agencies. We need to do our research before encouraging women to read and listen to works that focus on biblical study and interpretation. Moody Publishers, Crossway and Lifeway are all publishers that place a heavy emphasis on sticking closely to the Word of God.

Another solid practice is to research the author’s website and examine their statement of faith. If they don’t provide one either in the footer of their website or somewhere on their ”About” page, it should be a red flag. Sharing that Statement of Faith with an elder or pastor for clarification could be a quick way to vet whether a particular author stands in alignment with your church’s teaching.

What Will Make Your Women’s Ministry Bible Study A Success?

A common issue women’s ministry leaders face in planning and hosting Bible studies includes the drop-off rate. Many women sign up, but throughout the study, attendance begins to slip. It can become discouraging.

Here are a couple of pointers to help prevent this from happening. One we already mentioned in the Women’s Ministry section above regarding recruiting leaders and volunteers. The more tasks you delegate and the more people you involve in your Bible study time, the greater your attendance will be. Ask women to be greeters, prayer warriors during one week of the session, coffee makers, set up and tear down helpers, worship leaders, tech assistants, etc. Invite several women to share their testimony throughout the study. Invite each table to take a turn to teach or demonstrate a short object lesson. Having something new each week in conjunction with the study material keeps women coming because they don’t want to miss out.

A second factor to keep in mind is the only thing women will miss if they don’t attend the study: connection. Most likely, they can access the teaching online somewhere. They already have their book. But what they don’t have is a place to belong and feel heard, seen, and known. It is something they will only receive via their attendance.

So making connection time a priority during Bible study will prove indispensable in keeping them engaged. It doesn’t mean a time when they sit at tables and the facilitator does all the talking. It means strong leaders who keep one person from dominating the table and allow for everyone to participate.

If women don’t complete their study homework outside of class, you might feel like you are failing as a Bible study leader. I would suggest that your strongest indicator of success is attendance. If they are coming and attending, their hearts are open to receiving. It is what we want most. Especially for women who are newer to Bible study, who will most likely learn more from the women around the table than they will by studying at home. They’ll get to personal study eventually, but getting them to Bible study will be the fastest way they will grow in their faith and their desire to study on their own.

If you find that most women struggle to complete the study materials, consider choosing studies with less individualized work or encourage them to follow the Bible reading plan for the week. You don’t start training for a marathon by running twenty miles on day one. You start with a few miles and continue to add more. If you have a lot of busy women in your studies who work full time, are single mothers, homeschool their children, or have toddlers and babies at home, you may need to rethink the type of study you select so they are not consistently feeling overwhelmed. Once they get a few short studies completed, you will find God will turn their duty of daily homework into a delight!

How Many Bible Studies Should You Do Per Year?

The number and length of women’s bible studies in your women’s ministry will tie directly with both your mission and your theme. If you are focusing heavily on service, you may want to read together through a chapter book with a few discussion questions and spend the predominance of your time out in your community completing service projects. If your theme for the year is Be Still, you may again want to do a study with less daily homework and implore the women to work through a guided prayer journal. Think about your current mission and theme and what is going to best meet the direction you sense God leading you.

You may want to do a longer study in the fall, something shorter in the spring, and a book club in the summer. Or you may want to reverse it and start with a book in the fall to whet their appetite, and then beginning in January, dive into a meatier study.

I would try to do at least two books or studies per year and mix up the style, length, and author to give your women a variety of study experiences. Most Bible study authors have both study workbooks and chapter books that include discussion questions and Bible reading plans.

The primary goal of all women’s Bible studies is to teach the Word and to teach them how to study the Word on their own. Check out my blog post on How to Study the Word for a deeper explanation about this.

Booking Women’s Ministry Speakers

I recently had a pastor email me asking me to speak to the women at his church. He said, “Our women have completed several of your studies, and I want to surprise them this year by inviting you to come speak!”.

Bringing in outside speakers, especially published authors, will most likely be the costliest piece of your women’s ministry budget. Unless they are local, you will have airline expenses and an honorarium to consider. Many bestselling authors charge upwards of $10,000 to speak for one session. Lesser known authors can range anywhere from $1,000 to $3,500 for an honorarium fee for a weekend.

The primary question to ask in justifying such an expense is this: What added value will this person bring that I cannot provide through women in my own church or organization?

Bringing In A Speaker from the Outside

As my dad used to say, “An expert is anyone who comes from at least 50 miles away and carries a briefcase.” Most women’s speakers do not carry briefcases, but they will come with a presentation that your women will give more weight to simply because of who they are.

So, if you have a hard topic that you know needs to be lovingly addressed, bringing in an outside speaker will most likely result in your women receiving it with more grace. If you are hosting an outreach event, inviting a high-profile speaker to come will encourage your women to more proactively invite members of the community.

In my personal example above, you may feel compelled to just surprise the women with a special day! I will add that this pastor did ask me to cover some specific topics he felt would help his women grow in Christ.

Again, go back to your mission and your women’s ministry theme. Will this speaker be the best fit and worth the added expense? Most professional speakers include topics on their speaking page . You may quickly find that a particular speaker of interest has a talk/retreat prepared that clearly matches your yearly or semester theme.

You may wish to have a local person come to teach their entire study or book to your group and come for multiple visits. Some possible ways to make this beneficial for the author and cost-effective for your group would include:

Purchase a copy of the author’s study book for every woman in your group and ask them to write a review for the author.
Ask your tech team to video the author’s teaching so they can utilize the videos on their website or for other promotional purposes.
Ask the author what would bless them and make it worth their while to invest their time ministering in this capacity.

Some authors simply desire to speak, get practice teaching, and welcome the opportunity to have a live group in front of them!

Recruit Speakers From Inside Your Church

The safest way to have people speak from inside your church is to pre-record them. It allows you to be certain they will stick to your schedule, and any parts you might not feel comfortable having them share can be edited out. You could also ask them to submit their notes to you prior so you can review them.

Inviting women to share their testimonies creates connections across your women’s ministry as they are introduced to other women with shared struggles. Inviting other staff members to speak to your women communicates to them that the male pastoral staff values women’s ministry and what is happening in it.

Some women’s ministry teams intentionally meet with women, helping them learn how to teach, and training them to regularly teach the Bible without remaining dependent on outside curriculum. If you have women on your team who can coach and train other women in hermeneutics and message delivery, it can become a powerful piece of discipleship and ministry multiplication.

At MyOnlyAim.com , my ministry partner and I host a ten-week course training women how to study and teach called Ignite Influence.

Preparing Your Speakers to Succeed

Most outside speakers have a Speaking Agreement or contract outlining their preparation for your group or organization along with any expectations they may have from you. It would be wise, as a women’s ministry leader, to keep copies of these contracts on hand as you may wish to create a modified version for anyone within your church who plans to speak. Make sure it includes items such as:

How many times will they speak?
How long will each session last?
Do you want them to prepare follow-up discussion questions to go along with their presentation?
Do you want any guided prayer prompts?
Do you want them to prepare a short video clip promoting your course or event?
Would you like to preview their notes before they speak, and if so, how long before the event do you need to preview them?
Does your pastor, elder board, or CEO require any approval of the contents before they are shared with your women?
What happens if you need to cancel or reschedule the event?
How will travel arrangements be handled and reimbursed?
How soon in advance do they want to know the schedule for the day?
What type of tech support will they need, what type of audio/visual materials would you like from them, and who will format them (slides/handouts/promo materials, etc.)
What time do you need them to arrive, and realistically, when they should expect to be finished?

Planning Your First Semester of Women’s Gatherings

Planning your women’s ministry events will be as diverse as the women who will attend. Some love crafts and others love games. Some are extroverted, others are shy. Finding the right balance of activities can be tricky! Whether it’s women’s ministry icebreakers or games, you’ll have lovers and haters every time. That’s okay. The important thing is to mix things up and take your post-event feedback seriously.

You can have icebreakers happen in a large group, in a group of three or four, or at a table. Try and provide a variety so all women have a chance to participate in a way they feel comfortable. Games should be voluntary and women who just want to watch should not be made to feel bad or pressured to participate. A simple Google search of “Youth Group Activities” often provides a lot of fun and silly ideas for games.

Discussion can include your icebreaker, starting with

Getting-to-know-one-another questions Share the last photo of your family on your phone Share a photo of the last place you visited on your phone

Don’t open a discussion with a deeply vulnerable question that will make women immediately uncomfortable. Laughter leaps over walls. So if you can get women to laugh during your icebreakers and games, you will have overcome their defenses and become allowed to access their hearts. This is the underlying purpose behind icebreakers and games, not just time fillers.

Announcements should be kept to a minimum. Don’t try and recruit women to attend future events or studies before the event at hand has even started. Save follow-up opportunities for the end or create a video for them to watch toward the end of your gathering. Follow up with them again via email inviting them to participate in your next women’s ministry theme or event.

Expectations for Your First Year of Women’s Ministry

Women’s ministry is challenging. Starting one from scratch or taking one over, setting a new tone and expectations is even more difficult. Starting with your mission and moving to your yearly or seasonal theme will help guide your steps and give you a measuring stick of accomplishment.

Did we stay true to the mission? It will be your yardstick of success. Your numbers may be smaller than you hoped. You may have women who balk at your chosen activities. You may have to shuffle some traditions and try new things, causing some people to get upset. But if you stuck to your mission, then you succeeded.

We often want to run ahead and choose study materials or plan an epic event, but if we don’t solidify the mission first, we will always miss the mark. We won’t know the “why” behind what we are doing, and we won’t have developed a proper standard for success.

If you have one thousand women at your event and no one connects, grows spiritually, or makes a commitment to continued involvement, was your event successful based solely upon attendance? Only your mission can measure success.

Most great ministries are built over time. It will be tempting to quit when you receive more negative feedback than positive, or you feel like you are pulling teeth to try and get women to attend.

But if you prayerfully follow the mission you know came from God, He will bless it over time. Oftentimes, as women’s ministry leaders, God fosters our faithfulness before He pours forth success based on our standards.

So don’t quit. Stay faithful, and God will bear fruit through your obedience!

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Essentials to Start a Women’s Ministry #2: STRATEGY

At this point, you’ve been praying ( Essential #1 ) and have the go-ahead from your church leadership to start a women’s ministry. Now it’s time to strategize.

If you were designing a house, you would plan it around what you want to do there. You might want a craft or exercise room. For foodies and cooks the kitchen would be central. Because the same is true with ministry, you must begin with your purpose so that you can strategize your design.

Gather a group of spiritually mature and diverse women who are excited and ready to help build this house. Plan on meeting for at least a year before the ministry launches. Prayerfully begin with the church’s mission statement, and determine how your ministry fits within it, keeping in mind the biblical imperatives, and write it as a purpose statement.

For example, a church mission including outreach, discipleship, and care may be the same purpose for women. It may be, however, that your purpose is simply to strengthen discipleship specifically for women. If so, write the statement with that part of the church’s statement as central.

Your purpose statement provides the what and why of your ministry. Think of it as the foundation of your new home, God’s layout of what you will do there.

For example, my late friend Vickie Kraft was a pioneer in women’s ministry. She recognized the Great Commission as the purpose of any church. Because Titus 2:3-5 commanded older women to teach younger women both scripturally and practically, those purposes required that she create spaces for teaching and mentoring. With that in mind, she created the Bible study as the centerpiece of the house. There and in smaller areas for one-on-one relationships, mentoring could occur.

Your purpose both limits and guides your strategy. It limits you to activities and ministry areas that achieve your purpose and also points you to activities that you must engage in.

When the crowds of Galilee demanded that Jesus stay with them, Jesus refused saying, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose” (Luke 4:42-44). If he was to fulfill his ministry, he had to leave these people behind. To say yes to his mission meant that he had to say no to what was outside of it. His purpose limited his time there and guided him elsewhere.

You will have to make the same kinds of choices to fulfill your purpose.

Ask questions. How will you best accomplish your purpose? What is the best strategy for your women that fits the church’s vision and mission? What’s working and what’s not with what you’ve done in the past? What is best way forward? Your team will need to take a great deal of time to work through the possibilities and determine which is best to start with in your particular church. And you will need to focus on the big things.

To focus well, consider ways to combine resources of people, money, and time. Some things won’t be chosen; some things may need to wait. To focus, you don’t want to have too many options competing with each other.

Your strategy needs to maximize the work that the larger church can do best and not try to replicate it. For example, if the church is already strong in caring for its neighbors, find a way to fit within its framework rather than do your own thing.

Focus means that something isn’t done simply because someone wants to do it. It requires that the team strategically and prayerfully consider the purpose and mission of everything.

Strategic planning requires ongoing evaluation , so plan to keep evaluating everything you choose to do. Nothing is built in stone. Everything needs tweaking, and some things need a total restart.

Consider watching our free videos on strategic planning . You can also read our posts on strategy or evaluation . (Search strategy or evaluation on this blog for more links.)

Next: Essential #3 Unity

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Start or Grow a Woman's Ministry

Featured resources.

Is It Time for a Ministry Inspection?

Starting a Women's Ministry from Scratch

" 10 Marks of Ministry " by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth
" Called to Lead " by Linda Green
" Core Values of Women's Ministry: The Long-Term Influence of Your Life " by Susan Hunt
" Igniting a Passion for True Womanhood in Your Church " by Leslie Bennett
" Leading Women in the Local Church " by Leslie Bennett
" Philosophy of Women's Ministry " by Panel Discussion
" Philosophy of Women's Ministry in the Church " by Susan Hunt
" Vision for the True Woman Movement " by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth
" Women's Ministry in the Local Church " by Susan Hunt
" Sample Covenant for Women's Ministry Volunteers "
" Women's Ministry Assessment Tool " by Leslie Bennett
" 4 Fundamentals Mistakes to Avoid in Starting a Women's Ministry " by Susan Hunt
" 5 Secrets to Building a Women's Ministry Team " by Erin Davis
" Avoiding Open Mic Night " by Ellen Mary Dykas
" Biblical Framework for Women's Ministry " by Erin Davis
" The Best Question to Ask of Your Women's Ministry " by Christina Fox
" Does Your Ministry Need a Makeover? " by Katie Laitkep
" How to Cultivate Community in Your Women's Ministry " by Christiana Fox
" Examining the Heart of Women's Ministry " by Karen Hodge
" Fostering Community, Not Competition, in Your Church " by Shannon Popkin
" The Gift (And Curse) of Vision " by Erin Davis
" How to (Biblically) Encourage Your Ministry Team " by Christina Fox
" How Can We Be Word-Based, Not Event-Driven? " by Erin Davis
" How Much Is Unity Worth? " by Shannon Popkin
" How to Plan a Leaders' Retreat " by Leslie Bennett
" If Jesus Wrote a Letter to Your Church " by Jean Wilund
" Is It Time for a Ministry Inspection? " by Leslie Bennett
" Is Sin Stunting Your Ministry Growth? " by Erin Davis
" It's Our Responsibility to Raise Up Younger Leaders " by Heidi Jo Fulk
" Leaders Know: Clarity Is Kindness " by Erin Davis
" Reaching the Introverts in Your Women's Ministry " by Erin Davis
" Remember Women on the Sidelines " by Christina Fox
" Singleness in the Church " by Lore Wilbert
" Start a Women's Ministry from Scratch " by Christina Fox
" Whether or New, Let Your Ministry Be True " by Susan Hunt
" What If Our Women's Ministry Isn't Valued? " by Erin Davis
" Why We Must Stop Squashing Women's Stories " by Leslie Bennett
" Word-Driven Ministry Is What We Need the Most " by Judy Dunagan

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How to Start a Women's Ministry

Group of Women Outside Church During Women's Ministry Event

Women's ministries are crucial for promoting spiritual development and building a sense of community among the women in your church congregation. However, forming a successful women’s ministry is easier said than done. This guide explores how to start a women’s ministry and addresses some of the most important challenges and considerations you’ll encounter along the way. Let’s dive right in.

Table of Contents

The Importance of Women's Ministry in a Church Community

The First Steps to Start a Women’s Ministry at Your Church

The Importance of Marketing and Recruitment Strategies

Spiritual Nourishment and Growth
Strategies for Outreach and Community Involvement
Resources and Tools
Challenges and Solutions
Tips for Forming a Women’s Ministry

An established women's ministry offers a supportive space for women to strengthen their faith and experience a sense of belonging. Through Bible studies, prayer groups and other events designed specifically for them, women can find strength and encouragement in their spiritual paths.

These ministries also play a vital role in building community within the church. By providing opportunities for authentic connections, they foster relationships that go beyond the church walls. As women unite to support each other, a sense of camaraderie grows, laying the groundwork for a strong and lively church community.

Incorporating Perspectives from Church Leaders and Members

Understanding the diverse needs and experiences of your congregation is crucial when establishing a women's ministry. Gather perspectives from both church leaders and members to shape the direction and focus of your ministry. Actively seeking and incorporating input from both groups ensures a more comprehensive and inclusive approach. It also sets the foundation for a women's ministry that resonates with the hearts and lives of women it aims to nurture and uplift.

Church leaders can offer valuable guidance in aligning the women's ministry with the overall vision of the church, ensuring it complements existing programs and addresses the spiritual needs of the women in your community. On the other hand, every member of your church brings a unique perspective shaped by their individual journeys. Engaging with the women in your congregation to understand their challenges and aspirations will help create a space where members feel comfortable sharing their spiritual journeys with one another.

The First Steps to Start a Women’s Ministry at Your Church

Photo taken during Womens Ministry event at church

As you build your women's ministry, it’s often best to begin on a small scale. Plan some simple initial gatherings, such as breakfast meetups or coffee sessions, to provide a relaxed setting where women can connect. Once you initiate the process with some of these smaller events, you can begin to plan a formal women’s ministry in earnest.

1. Define Your Vision

The initial step in establishing a women's ministry is to precisely outline its vision. Clearly express the purpose, goals and values that will steer the ministry. Take into account the distinct needs of the women in your congregation and how the ministry will enhance their spiritual growth and overall well-being. A well-defined vision, plus your women’s ministry goals and objectives, act as the basis for all subsequent decisions and actions within the ministry.

2. Assemble a Planning Team

Creating a committed planning team is crucial for the success of the women's ministry. This team acts as the driving force behind the ministry's events and activities. The planning team will have a central role in brainstorming women’s ministry ideas , coordinating events and ensuring the ministry aligns with the overall mission of the church, so it’s important to assemble it carefully. Choose individuals who are enthusiastic about building connections within the church community and genuinely interested in women's ministry. Strive to include diverse team members who can bring different skills and experiences to the table.

3. Conduct a Needs Assessment

Next, conduct a thorough needs assessment for your ministry to women by engaging with the women in your congregation. The best ways to do this are usually through surveys, focus groups or casual, one-on-one conversations. Try to pinpoint the specific needs, interests and preferences of the women in your congregation. This information will help the planning team customize the ministry's activities for its members.

4. Choose a Leadership Structure

Establish the leadership structure for the women's ministry by outlining roles and responsibilities for each team member. Clearly define leadership positions such as coordinators and event planners. A well-organized leadership structure encourages efficiency and accountability within the ministry team.

5. Plan Your Budget

Create a detailed budget that outlines expected expenses for events, resources and marketing efforts. Work together with the planning team to prioritize spending and explore possible funding sources. A carefully crafted budget guarantees financial transparency and responsible stewardship, allowing the ministry to operate sustainably.

6. Choose a Venue

Choosing the right venue for women's ministry events is essential for creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. When your members feel at ease in the chosen setting, they are more likely to participate in meaningful conversations and build connections with fellow attendees. Opt for venues that are easily accessible, either within the church premises or the local community. This ensures that women can take part without dealing with too many logistical challenges. Also, think about the venue size in relation to the expected attendance.

7. Design Activities and Bible Studies

Plan a variety of activities that meet the diverse interests and needs of the women in your congregation. Include engaging elements like icebreaker games , small group discussions, short devotionals and creative workshops. You can also plan Bible studies around relevant topics or themes to offer opportunities for spiritual growth among participants.

8. Establish Communication Channels with Members

Set up clear and consistent communication channels to keep your members informed, whether you use a traditional platform like the church bulletin or a more tech-savvy option like social media. Make sure the communication goes two ways — the women in your congregation should also have a way to reach out to the women’s ministry with questions or comments. Promoting open dialogue is an essential part of establishing effective communication within any type of ministry.

Womens Ministry marketing team working on recruiting more people to join-1

Successfully promoting and recruiting participants for your women's ministry events is crucial for its success. One effective approach is to leverage word-of-mouth marketing within your church community. Use church communication channels like bulletins, newsletters and service announcements to promote upcoming gatherings and ensure your entire congregation is aware of the women's ministry and the opportunities it provides.

Similarly, encourage current members to share their positive experiences with the women's ministry and invite friends and acquaintances to join. Personal recommendations from trusted individuals often carry significant weight and can contribute heavily to the growth of your ministry.

Establishing an Online Presence for Your Women’s Ministry

In the current digital era, establishing an online presence for your women's ministry is crucial. Create a dedicated section on the church website and use social media platforms to share information about upcoming events, showcase the impact of the ministry and connect with potential participants. Engaging content, such as event highlights and member testimonials, can generate excitement and attract new members.

Spiritual Nourishment and Growth

A thriving women's ministry is about more than just casual social gatherings — it should also be a platform for deepening your members’ spiritual growth. Here are a few ways to create opportunities for spiritual nourishment within your women’s ministry.

1. Organize Bible Studies

Establishing regular Bible study sessions is a foundational element for spiritual nourishment and growth in your women's ministry. Customize these sessions to meet the specific needs and interests of the women in your congregation. Choose topics or study guides that resonate with the diverse experiences and spiritual journeys of the ministry’s participants. This intentional customization ensures that the content speaks directly to the hearts and minds of those involved.

Encourage open discussions and reflections during Bible studies to create a dynamic and participatory learning environment. Foster an atmosphere where women feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and questions. Through interactive engagement, participants can deepen their understanding of Scripture, strengthen their faith and form connections with fellow members on a profound spiritual level.

2. Establish Prayer Groups

Forming prayer groups establishes a dedicated space where godly women can unite in solidarity and support each other through prayer. Create an environment that encourages open sharing of personal prayer requests, fostering a sense of vulnerability and trust within the group. This practice allows women to genuinely connect with each other on spiritual and emotional levels.

These prayer groups go beyond being just a space for supplication; they become a source of comfort and encouragement. Women find solace in knowing that their concerns are being supported by a community that truly cares. Establishing prayer groups contributes to individual spiritual growth and strengthens the collective spiritual fabric of the women's ministry.

3. Organize Women’s Retreats

Organizing retreats can be a powerful way to provide women from your community with a dedicated time for spiritual reflection and renewal. Choose a serene location for your retreat that offers a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Incorporate worship, teaching sessions, opportunities for personal reflection and more to create a transformative experience for participants.

Retreats provide a unique space for women to encounter God in a profound way. They’re a great way to foster spiritual growth, make space for personal renewal and forge deep connections with fellow participants. Plus, the impact of these retreats can extend far beyond the events themselves and influence each woman’s ongoing spiritual journey.

Strategies for Outreach and Community Involvement

Womens Ministry volunteers collaborating for outreach ideas

Once you establish interest and a core group of women at your church, think about expanding your women’s ministry activities to reach the broader community. As you forge your community outreach strategy, consider tailoring some events specifically for unchurched women in your community. Creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere allows everyone to explore the adventure of faith in a supportive environment.

Here are a few ideas to inspire your women’s ministry community outreach efforts.

1. Collaborate with Local Organizations

Establish collaborations with local organizations or charities to engage in impactful community outreach. This might involve joining service projects, coordinating outreach events or supporting initiatives that address the needs of vulnerable populations, such as single mothers . Through active involvement in the community, your women's ministry can become a beacon of love and compassion.

2. Host Community Events

Host events that welcome the entire community, not just church members. Workshops, seminars or health and wellness fairs can serve as platforms for positive interactions with the broader community. Showing dedication to the well-being of the community fosters goodwill and offers chances to build lasting connections.

3. Create Educational Workshops

Conduct workshops on pertinent topics like financial literacy or parenting. You can collaborate with local experts or professionals to offer valuable insights to women in your community. These educational workshops benefit attendees and establish your women's ministry as a valuable resource for ongoing learning in your area.

4. Volunteer at Local Shelters or Food Banks

Mobilize your women's ministry to volunteer at local shelters, food banks or community centers. Participating in hands-on service to those in need not only embodies the spirit of compassion but also establishes a visible presence in addressing community challenges.

5. Participate in Environmental Initiatives

Demonstrate your ministry’s commitment to environmental stewardship by organizing initiatives like community cleanups or tree plantings. This benefits the local environment and shows your women's ministry's dedication to the overall well-being of the community.

Resources and Tools

Securing the sustainability of your women's ministry requires careful resource management. There are many tools and resources that can help you streamline administrative tasks and improve the overall ministry experience for both leaders and participants. For example, Vanco's eGiving solutions provide convenient and secure options for managing the financial aspects of your ministry, enabling leaders to concentrate more on the ministry's mission and less on administrative details.

Checklist for Starting a Women's Ministry

To guide you through the process of initiating and growing a women's ministry, we’ve created a convenient checklist covering all the key steps. Use this checklist to ensure a systematic approach to establishing a successful women's ministry at your church:

Define your vision
Assemble a planning team
Conduct a needs assessment
Choose a leadership structure
Plan your budget
Choose a venue (or venues)
Design activities and Bible studies
Establish communication channels with members
Market the ministry and recruit members
Plan inclusive outreach and local collaborations
Explore Vanco’s eGiving solutions

Challenges and Solutions

Women smiling during a coffee meet up for their Womens Ministry

Establishing a women's ministry is not without its share of challenges. It’s crucial to recognize the most common obstacles so you can develop effective strategies to overcome them.

1. Participation

A typical challenge involves the struggle to attract and keep participants, a concern you can tackle by organizing creative and diverse events. Consistently evaluating and adjusting activities based on feedback ensures inclusivity and meets a variety of interests.

2. Leadership Burnout

Leadership burnout is another challenge, often caused by overburdening leaders with responsibilities. To prevent burnout, it's crucial to promote a culture of shared leadership. This involves distributing responsibilities among team members and encouraging adequate rest and self-care.

3. Budget Limitations

Financial constraints may limit your budget for events and resources. To overcome this challenge, explore cost-effective alternatives like collaborating with local businesses or leveraging community resources. You can also hold fundraisers within your congregation to help minimize financial strain.

4. Communication Issues

Communication breakdowns are common and can lead to misunderstandings. Establishing clear communication channels and regularly updating members through channels like newsletters or social media is crucial. Be sure to encourage open dialogue and feedback to further strengthen communication within your women’s ministry.

5. Inclusivity and Diversity

Establishing an inclusive environment for diverse backgrounds poses a challenge for many women's ministries. To tackle this issue, consider actively seeking feedback and involving members in decision-making processes. It’s also very important to ensure representation in church leadership. Consider how to expand your church family with different people and ideas.

Tips for Forming a Women’s Ministry

Womens Ministry group coming up with recruiting ideas

Here are a few practical tips you can use to improve your women’s ministry and avoid or overcome challenges like the ones we listed:

Regularly reassess your women’s program: Consistent assessment is essential for regularly gauging the effectiveness of your events and programs. Soliciting feedback with surveys can allow you to adjust and refine your ministry based on your participants’ evolving needs.
Establish mentorship: Implementing mentorship initiatives within your women’s ministry can be beneficial in many ways. Pairing experienced members with newcomers is a great way to provide them with guidance and support.
Invest in leadership training: Investing in leadership training for your church leaders can help to equip them with the skills they need to navigate challenges and foster a positive ministry environment.
Collaborate with other church ministries: Seeking collaboration with other church ministries broadens your influence and creates opportunities for joint events and shared resources.
Remain adaptable: Adopting a flexible approach is vital to meet the evolving needs of your ministry. Be open to experimenting with new ideas and adjusting strategies based on feedback and changing circumstances.
Rely on prayer and spiritual guidance: Integrating prayer and spiritual guidance into the fabric of your women's ministry creates a safe space for members to share prayer requests and engage in spiritual practices that foster a deep sense of connection.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions among church leaders when it comes to building a thriving women's ministry.

How do I start a women's ministry in a small church?

Starting a women's ministry in a smaller church requires a careful and intentional approach. Begin by evaluating the distinct needs of the women within your congregation. In the context of a smaller community, organize intimate and engaging gatherings that promote close connections. Work closely with church leaders and members to establish a foundation for a women's ministry that not only nurtures spiritual growth but also enhances the sense of community.

What are some engaging activities for women's ministry groups?

Interactive activities are crucial for fostering a vibrant women's ministry.

Think about arranging events like themed Bible studies that delve into topics pertinent to the experiences of the women in your congregation.
You can also offer craft or DIY workshops that enable creativity and bonding.
Participating in community service or outreach projects helps the women’s ministry make a positive impact beyond the church.
Book clubs centered around inspirational literature can nurture both intellectual and spiritual growth.

How can we fund our women's ministry effectively?

Successfully financing a women's ministry sometimes requires exploring different strategies. One effective strategy is to encourage financial contributions from members through donations and offerings during church services. You can also forge partnerships with local businesses and investigate opportunities for sponsorships. You might also try exploring grant options from local foundations or religious organizations that endorse community initiatives.

What are the best ways to promote a women's ministry?

Promoting your women's ministry is crucial for its success. Use church communication channels like bulletins, newsletters and announcements to keep your congregation informed about upcoming events. You should also establish an online presence for your ministry by creating a dedicated section on the church website. Posting on social media can help you reach an even broader audience. Don’t forget to stir up some word-of-mouth marketing by encouraging your current ministry members to share their positive experiences and invite their friends.

How can we balance the spiritual and social aspects in our women's ministry?

Striking a balance between the spiritual and social aspects of your ministry is essential. Make sure you’re integrating spiritual practices into your ministry's schedule, including regular Bible studies, prayer groups, worship sessions and more. At the same time, plan social events like casual gatherings or retreats to encourage camaraderie and strengthen personal connections among attendees. Most importantly, invite regular feedback from your participants to help you evaluate the current equilibrium between the spiritual and social elements of your women’s ministry.

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40 Empowering Women’s Ministry Ideas To Elevate Your Church

Table of contents.

If you’re eager to dive into the world of women’s ministry but are in need of fresh ideas to get started, you’ve come to the right spot.

From inspiring retreats to engaging events, focused Bible studies, and close-knit small groups, we’ll help you discover effective ways to create profound and impactful experiences for the women in your church.

By embracing the purpose and significance of women’s ministry, you’ll be better equipped to cater to your congregation’s distinct needs and leave a lasting imprint on the lives of the women who engage with your initiatives.

So, let’s begin to unveil women’s ministry ideas that will spark your passion.

Women’s Ministry Ideas: Identifying Needs

To embark on a successful women’s ministry journey, you must first understand the unique needs of the women who will be attending your ministry.

Within any church community, you’ll find a diverse group of women who all share a common yearning for fellowship and growth.

Their stories and experiences vary, but their common thread is a profound desire to connect, grow, and deepen their relationship with God and fellow believers.

Many have hearts that are aflame with devotion.

But these women yearn for more than just routine church attendance; they are eager to cultivate deeper bonds within their faith community.

They understand that faith is not a solitary journey but a collective journey enriched by shared moments, heartfelt conversations, and the support of like-minded individuals.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) : “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of encouraging and supporting one another, all with a desire to witness and be a part of deeper fellowship and growth.

In these women you’ll find the enthusiasm to form connections that extend beyond the four church walls.

Their faith is the foundation of their lives, and they are committed to nurturing it.

They hunger for opportunities to delve into Scripture, explore theological concepts, and apply these teachings to their daily interactions and experiences of life.

These women are not merely seeking personal growth; they are also motivated to support one another in their walk with Christ.

They understand the power of a listening ear, a comforting presence, and a helping hand.

Hebrews 10:24 (NIV) : “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

We are called to encourage, motivate and inspire each other to acts of love and service, echoing the heart of women’s ministry to support one another in one another’s walk with Christ.

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It’s within this beautiful tapestry of shared faith and genuine fellowship that your women’s ministry will find its purpose and flourish.

Providing a nurturing space for these remarkable women to thrive in their faith and connections.

However, to meet their needs effectively, you’ll need to engage with them on a personal level.

Active listening and engagement are paramount.

Host regular meetings, surveys, and focus groups to gather insights directly from the women in your congregation.

Create a safe space where they can voice their concerns, share their aspirations, and express their pains and challenges.

By fostering open dialogue, you’ll gain valuable insights that will shape your ministry initiatives.

As you delve deeper into understanding the needs of the women in your ministry, it’s crucial to recognize that these needs can extend beyond faith building issues.

Some members of your congregation might be single mothers, facing the challenge of balancing faith and parenthood.

Consider offering a ministry daycare center that not only nurtures their spiritual growth but also provides practical support.

Additionally, there may be widows among your community who are grappling with grief and loss.

A bereavement group can provide them with a safe community to share their experiences and find solace in like-minded individuals.

Mental health groups can also be instrumental for those facing life’s myriad challenges, providing a space for healing and support.

Remember, the best women’s ministry ideas are formed out of meeting the deepest felt needs, and addressing these practical and emotional needs can further strengthen the bonds within your faith community and women’s ministry.

Leveraging Resources for Effective Women’s Ministry Ideas

When it comes to establishing a thriving women’s ministry within your church, making strategic choices with available resources is paramount.

Whether your church has limited financial means or an abundance of resources, thoughtful decision-making can make all the difference.

Resource Allocation

Optimizing your resources begins with thoughtful allocation.

If your church operates on a tight budget, consider marking a dedicated portion for women’s ministry.

However, even with limited financial resources, you can maximize your impact.

Explore creative and cost-effective marketing strategies, such as harnessing the potential of social media platforms.

These platforms offer a cost-efficient way to reach a broader audience, connect with women in your congregation, and promote your ministry initiatives without straining your budget.

Volunteers and Expertise

Beyond financial resources, consider the wealth of skills, talents, and dedication within your congregation.

Engaging volunteers who are passionate about your ministry’s vision can be a game-changer.

Harness their expertise in marketing, event planning, or leadership to expand the reach and effectiveness of your women’s ministry.

Technology and Collaboration

In an age of technology, don’t underestimate the power of digital tools and collaboration.

Leverage technology to connect with your target audience, facilitate virtual gatherings, and share resources efficiently.

Collaborate with other church ministries and organizations to pool resources and amplify the impact of your initiatives.

Sustainability and Growth

Sustainability is key.

Evaluate the long-term sustainability of your ministry ideas and investments.

Focus on initiatives that offer lasting benefits and align with your church’s vision.

Consider creating a financial plan that includes revenue sources beyond the church budget, such as fundraising events or partnerships with local businesses.

Creating an Open Environment

Lastly, ensure that your resources and initiatives are welcoming and accessible to all women in your congregation, regardless of their financial situation.

Consider providing supported funding or fundraisers for events or activities to make participation more attainable.

By making thoughtful decisions your women’s ministry can thrive and make a lasting impact within your church community.

Aligning with Your Women’s Ministry Vision

Setting your women’s ministry with your church’s overarching vision is not merely a suggestion but a cornerstone of long-term success.

It’s a process that requires proactive engagement and careful consideration of your church’s mission and goals.

Philippians 2:1-2 (NIV) : “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”

This verse underscores the value of unity and being of one mind, which is essential for aligning your ministry with your church’s vision.

Let’s take a look at some examples:

Regular Communication: Open and consistent communication with church leadership is fundamental. Actively involve church leaders in your women’s ministry planning and execution. Share your vision, goals, and progress with them. Seek their guidance and input to ensure that your initiatives align seamlessly with the broader church mission.

Collaborative Synergy: Collaboration among different ministries within your church is where unity and transformation take place. Seek opportunities for engagement with fellow ministry leaders. When different parts of the church body work in concert, it amplifies the impact of your efforts. For instance, collaborate with the youth ministry to engage young women in leadership roles or with the missions ministry to integrate service into your women’s ministry initiatives.

Faith Alignment: Rooting your women’s ministry deeply in the Christian faith is not just a checkbox—it’s the foundation of your ministry. Emphasizing core Christian values and beliefs that deeply resonate with the women in your ministry is paramount.

Biblical Foundation : The Bible is your guidebook. As you begin your ministry’s programs, teachings, and activities, ensure they are firmly grounded in biblical teachings and principles. The Bible provides timeless wisdom and guidance, and integrating it into your ministry will connect women to a rich spiritual heritage.

Spiritual Growth : Emphasize spiritual growth and empowerment. Your ministry should be a place where women can deepen their relationship with God and explore their faith in a supportive environment. Create opportunities for them to dive into Scripture, engage in prayer, and nurture their faith walk.

Personal Connection: Recognize that each woman’s faith journey is unique. Encourage personal connections with God by fostering an environment that allows women to express their faith authentically. Provide resources and experiences that meet them where they are on their walk with God.

Encourage Widespread Engagement: Acknowledge that women within your congregation may be at different points in their spiritual journeys. Your ministry should welcome and support them all, offering a safe space for growth and exploration.

By strengthening your connection with the church’s vision and infusing your women’s ministry with deep faith alignment, you create a potent combination that not only enriches the lives of the women you serve but also contributes to the overall growth within your church community.

Looking for more inspiration on how to expand your women’s ministry? Check out our post on 38 Impactful Women’s Ministry Event Ideas .

Now, let’s delve into an extensive list of 40 creative women’s ministry ideas.

40 Women’s Ministry Ideas

1. Mentorship Programs: Connect seasoned women in the church with newcomers, fostering deep bonds and providing guidance for navigating life’s challenges. These mentorship relationships offer a safe space for personal growth and spiritual development.

2. Women’s Empowerment Workshops: Host interactive workshops focusing on leadership development, self-confidence building, and goal setting. Empower women to step into leadership roles within the church and community, nurturing their self-esteem and potential.

3. Monthly Prayer Gatherings: Organize monthly gatherings where women can come together to pray, share their joys, and lean on one another during difficult times. These gatherings create a strong network of support and deepen connections.

4. Community Service Projects: Engage women in meaningful community service projects, such as volunteering at local shelters or organizing charity events. These initiatives not only serve the community but also strengthen the bonds among women in the ministry.

5. Women’s Retreats: Plan annual retreats set in tranquil natural settings, offering women a space to disconnect from the hustle of daily life and reconnect with God. These retreats provide opportunities for reflection, renewal, and lasting friendships.

Interested in starting up your own Women’s Retreat? Check out our post on 38 Lifechanging Women’s Retreat Ideas .

6. Book Clubs: Establish a women’s book club focused on Christian literature. Reading and discussing books that delve into faith can deepen understanding and provide a platform for thought-provoking conversations.

7. Women’s Fitness Groups: Promote physical wellness by offering women’s fitness groups or classes. These activities encourage healthy lifestyles, bonding through exercise, and emotional well-being.

8. Creative Arts Nights: Organize evenings dedicated to expressing faith through art, music, and drama. These gatherings allow women to explore their creativity while strengthening their connections with like-minded people.

9. Women’s Conferences: Host annual conferences featuring inspiring speakers, workshops, and worship sessions. These events provide women with an immersive and uplifting time in worship and engagement.

10. Financial Literacy Workshops: Empower women with financial literacy workshops that equip them with essential financial management skills and promote financial independence and biblically.

11. Support Groups : Create safe spaces where women can openly discuss challenges they face, such as parenting, grief, or mental health. Support groups offer emotional solace and practical advice.

12. Bible Study Circles: Form small groups for in-depth Bible study and discussion, encouraging women to explore Scripture together, share insights, and strengthen their faith.

13. Online Devotionals: Share daily or weekly devotionals through social media and email, providing women with convenient access to spiritual nourishment and reflections.

14. Cooking Classes: Organize cooking classes where women can learn to prepare nutritious meals while bonding over shared culinary experiences and cultural traditions.

15. Women’s Leadership Training: Offer leadership training programs that equip women with essential leadership skills for church and community roles, empowering them to take on leadership positions and offering more responsibility.

16. Mission Trips: Engage women in mission work, either locally or internationally, to serve those in need and deepen their sense of purpose and connection with God.

17. Women’s Business Network: Foster entrepreneurship and networking among women by creating a supportive business network within the church community.

18. Financial Aid Programs: Establish financial aid programs within the ministry to provide support to women facing economic hardships, helping them overcome financial challenges.

19. Gardening Club: Cultivate a community garden where women can bond over gardening, fostering teamwork and promoting relaxation through nature.

20. Mother-Daughter Retreats: Strengthen family bonds by organizing special retreats where mothers and daughters can grow together in faith and build cherished memories.

21. Tech Training Workshops: Offer digital skills training workshops to bridge the technology gap, empowering women with essential tech skills.

22. Women’s Choir: Form a women’s choir to enhance worship services, community events, and gatherings with the power of music and harmony.

23. Parenting Seminars: Host seminars that provide practical guidance and support for effective parenting and addressing family dynamics from a Christian perspective.

24. Life Skills Workshops: Offer practical life skills workshops that cover topics like budgeting, time management, and stress reduction, enhancing women’s daily lives.

25. Outreach to Single Mothers: Create specialized support and resources for single mothers within the congregation, addressing their unique challenges and needs.

26. Counseling Services: Provide counseling services and emotional support for women facing various challenges, helping them navigate life’s complexities.

27. Elderly Outreach: Connect with elderly women in the community through visits, assistance, and companionship, fostering intergenerational connections and serving those in need.

28. Crafting Clubs: Promote creativity and craftsmanship through crafting clubs where women can engage in various artistic endeavors.

29. Nature Retreats: Organize retreats in natural settings, providing women with opportunities to deepen their connection with God while embracing His creation within the natural world.

30. Young Women’s Mentoring: Pair older women with young adults to mentor and guide them in their faith and life journey.

31. Youth Engagement Programs: Engage young women in leadership roles within the church, empowering them to actively participate and shape the ministry’s direction.

32. Interfaith Dialogues: Foster understanding and dialogue by hosting interfaith conversations with women of different faiths, promoting unity and respectful exchange.

33. Culinary Ministry: Share recipes, cooking skills, and hospitality tips, emphasizing the importance of fellowship and community through shared meals.

34. Crisis Support Teams: Form crisis support teams within the ministry, offering emotional support and care during challenging times in women’s lives.

35. Parent-Child Workshops: Host workshops that focus on building strong parent-child relationships, emphasizing Christian values and communication.

36. Testimony Nights: Create heartfelt nights where women can share their personal faith journeys and experiences, fostering empathy and connection and wisdom through what each has learned in their own journey with God.

37. Environmental Stewardship Initiatives : Engage women in eco-friendly initiatives and projects that promote environmental awareness and care for God’s creation.

38. Hiking and Outdoor Adventures: Arrange hiking and outdoor adventure activities that encourage physical fitness and appreciation for the beauty of nature.

39. Creative Writing Workshops : Host creative writing workshops that allow women to express their faith and spirituality through writing, poetry, and storytelling.

40. Outdoor Worship Services: Hold outdoor worship services in natural settings to provide a unique experience that celebrates God’s creation through praise and thanksgiving.

Building a thriving women’s ministry is a journey that requires careful planning and dedication.

By adopting listening, allocating resources wisely, aligning with your church’s vision, and implementing creative ideas, you can empower and engage the women in your church community, creating a vibrant and open space for growth through women’s ministry.

If you’re enjoying delving into this post then you’ll love reading our article on 20 Men’s Ministry Ideas .

Fostering Success in Your Women’s Ministry Ideas

Embarking on women’s ministry initiatives is a journey filled with purpose and potential.

As you navigate the path towards enriching the lives of women in your church community, it’s essential to consider key strategies that can make your women’s ministry ideas thrive.

Strong Vision and Alignment: Ensure that your ministry has a clear and compelling vision that aligns with your church’s overarching mission and goals. This alignment fosters unity and purpose. Infuse every aspect of your ministry with deep faith alignment. Root your programs, teachings, and activities in Christian values and beliefs, allowing women to deepen their spiritual connections.

Broad Participation: Recognize and celebrate the diversity within your congregation. Welcome women at different points in their faith journey and create a welcoming atmosphere. Foster an environment where women can personally connect with God and fellow believers. Offer resources and experiences that meet individual needs on their unique paths.

Active Engagement and Communication: Maintain open and consistent communication with church leadership. Share your ministry’s vision, goals, and progress, and seek their guidance for alignment. Actively engage with women in your congregation. Host regular meetings, surveys, and focus groups to gather insights and feedback directly from them.

If you want to learn more about how to effectively grow your ministries to see lasting change, then check out our post on How to Promote Church Events .

Flexibility and Adaptability: Be responsive to the evolving needs and interests of the women in your congregation. Be willing to adjust your ministry initiatives to better serve them effectively. Regularly assess the impact of your women’s ministry ideas. Seek feedback from participants and measure the spiritual growth, sense of community, and personal empowerment that your ministry fosters. Based on feedback and insights, make adjustments and improvements to your programs and activities to ensure they remain relevant and impactful.

Success in women’s ministry ideas isn’t solely measured by numbers but by the depth of transformation and connection experienced by the women you serve.

By actively engaging with the community, and continuously nurturing spiritual growth and fellowship, your women’s ministry will flourish and fulfill its purpose within your church community.

We hope these ministry ideas have encouraged and ignited a new passion for women’s ministry within your church and community groups.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Women’s Ministry Ideas: FAQs

1. How do I choose the most suitable women’s ministry ideas for my church community?

Consider the unique needs and interests of your congregation, and consult with the women themselves to gather input. Start with a few initiatives and gradually expand based on feedback and engagement.

2. What can I do to overcome financial constraints when implementing these ministry ideas?

Explore partnerships with local businesses, seek sponsorships, and encourage voluntary contributions from your congregation. Additionally, consider low-cost or free initiatives that rely on the skills and talents within your community.

3. How can I ensure that my women’s ministry initiatives are aligned with the church’s overall vision?

Maintain open communication with church leadership and actively participate in strategic planning discussions. Ensure that your initiatives complement the church’s mission and goals.

4. How can I involve younger women and engage the youth in the women’s ministry?

Create specific initiatives tailored to the interests and needs of younger women. Encourage them to take on leadership roles and actively participate in the decision-making process.

5. What are some effective ways to promote women’s ministry events and activities?

Utilize various communication channels, including social media, church newsletters, and word of mouth within the congregation. Collaborate with other church ministries to cross-promote events and activities.

About The Author:

Sophie Lister

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Ilove this information, its so helpful thank you

Very helpful information.

We are glad to hear you found it helpful!

This has really helped me thank you very much

I have learnt so much in reading this article. God bless your labour of love

Let us know how else we can serve in the future!

Thanks so much for your kind words. Let us know how else we can serve you in future articles and content!

Looking forward to use this article to have a renewed women ministry in our church

Thanks for your comment! Let us know how things progress with your women’s ministry.

Very enriching. Thank you.

Thanks so much for you comment! I’m glad to hear you found the article helpful!

Thank you for this great article. I will share this as the main topic for the ladies’ ministry fellowship this month. God bless you and keep up the good work sister.

Thanks Jessie for your comment! I’m glad your found the article helpful – we pray God blesses your ladies ministry as you begin implementing some of the ideas discussed in the article.

Thank you for this great article. It’s nice to share! God bless you and keep up the good work sister.

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Women's Ministry Tips

Tips, tools and women's ministry resources!

Tips for leading a women's ministry

Writing a Women’s Ministry Purpose

Tips for leading a women's ministry

Listen! I am all about empowering women and exploring the importance of a Women’s Ministry purpose . That’s why I created this blog! I’m glad you found it. Sometimes, it happens in church; sometimes, it happens elsewhere. Lately, I’ve noticed that women’s ministry has gained significant traction in a variety of ways. Church and community groups are exploring ways to foster space where women can unite, support one another, and grow collectively.

Example of Women’s Ministry on TV!

Have you seen the “Better Together” show on TBN? I think Laurie Crouch created it. I love it.

It is a conversation between Christian women talking about topics that touch all our lives – faith, friendship, challenge, and Godly character. There is a commonality about it.

You can learn more here . It speaks to the heart of exactly what women’s ministry purpose should be: sisters lifting one another up in a safe, non-judgmental environment. If you haven’t seen it, check it out on YouTube !

What is a women’s ministry’s purpose?

I genuinely believe the purpose of a women’s ministry is to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for women to grow in their faith, develop meaningful relationships, and engage in service to their community.

Step 1: define your women’s ministry purpose.

The purpose of women’s ministry goes beyond merely organizing events or meetings; it’s about creating a nurturing and uplifting environment where women can flourish and reach their potential.

Women’s ministries are designed to address the unique challenges, experiences, and needs women encounter.

Whether pursuing personal growth, spiritual enrichment, professional development, or emotional well-being, women’s ministries aim to provide resources, guidance, and a sense of community to help women thrive.

What need are you fulfilling in the lives of the Christian women? What is needed? Is someone else in the church or community doing what you’re endeavoring to do?

The concepts below may help you answer that question.

Select from one of the ministry purpose ideas below:

Purpose idea: personal and spiritual growth.

I think good women’s ministries offer opportunities for personal and spiritual growth, catering to women’s diverse interests and aspirations.

Women are interested in so much more than cooking, eating, wife-life, and mom-dom. Still, that’s what a lot of women’s ministries focus on.

Such much more abounds and looms in the realm of possibility.

You can do workplace workshops, Christian growth seminars, Bible Study retreats, and study groups. Women’s ministry could also explore self-care, leadership skills, relationship building, DIY projects, and spiritual exploration.

If you plan it well, these settings can provide a safe space for self-discovery and self-improvement, enabling women to embrace their identities and embark on journeys of self-awareness!

Open your mind! Find out what modern women are interested in and create a safe place to experience those interests.

One women’s ministry I know hosted a music writing workshop . Go figure.

It did not appeal to everyone, but why should it? The key is having a rotational calendar that eventually offers something for everyone.

A womens ministry purpose could be prayer focused

Be sure to read my other posts!

Purpose idea: Mutual Support and Encouragement

One of the cornerstones of women’s ministries is the sense of camaraderie and support that emerges from a community of like-minded women. I have been a part of a women’s ministry that created a safe space for us to come together and grow spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.

Through regular gatherings, whether in the form of Bible studies, retreats, or social events, we had the opportunity to connect with one another on a deeper level. It didn’t seem forced or rushed. But, it seemed intentionally free-flowing. I loved it.

In these settings, women can share their experiences, joys, and struggles, knowing they are surrounded by a supportive network of individuals who truly understand and empathize with them.

Purpose Idea: Empowerment and Leadership

Let me return to the leadership element. I think that’s an important part of women’s ministry.

Another part of women’s ministry purpose is encouraging women to take on leadership roles within the ministry and in various aspects of their lives.

By providing opportunities for skill-building, mentoring, and networking, these ministries contribute to the growth of confident and empowered women who can effect positive change in their families, workplaces, and communities.

Examples of women’s leadership activities in women’s ministry:

Leadership Workshops and Seminars: These are interactive sessions where women learn about various aspects of leadership, such as communication skills, decision-making, conflict resolution, and strategic planning. Workshops often include real-life case studies and practical exercises to help participants apply their learning.
Mentorship Programs: Mentorship programs pair experienced women leaders with aspiring leaders to provide guidance, support, and advice. Mentors share their insights, experiences, and lessons learned, helping mentees navigate their leadership journeys more effectively.
Networking Events: Networking events bring women together from diverse backgrounds and industries to build connections, share experiences, and exchange ideas. These events can range from casual meetups to formal conferences, fostering a sense of community and enabling women to expand their professional networks.
Leadership Retreats and Conferences: Retreats and conferences offer immersive experiences where women can dive deep into leadership topics, engage in workshops, hear from inspiring speakers, and participate in skill-building activities. These events often provide a transformative environment for personal and leadership growth.
Online Webinars and Courses: In the digital age, online platforms offer a convenient way for women to access leadership training. Webinars and courses cover a wide range of topics, from emotional intelligence and negotiation skills to public speaking and time management.
Women’s Leadership Circles: These are small, intimate groups of women who meet regularly to discuss leadership challenges, share experiences, and provide support. These circles create a safe space for open conversations and collaborative problem-solving.
Empowerment Workshops: These workshops focus on building women’s self-esteem, confidence, and assertiveness – essential qualities for effective leadership. They address issues like imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and fear of failure.
Community Outreach Programs: Leadership building can extend beyond professional settings. Community-based programs encourage women to take leadership roles in local organizations, grassroots initiatives, and volunteer efforts, empowering them to positively impact their communities.
Skill-Building Initiatives: Programs that offer hands-on training in specific leadership skills, such as project management, team collaboration, and public speaking, equip women with practical tools they can apply in various leadership contexts.
Diversity and Inclusion Training: Effective leadership includes understanding and embracing diversity. Programs that focus on diversity and inclusion help women develop the skills to lead diverse teams and create inclusive environments.
Women’s Leadership Academies: Some organizations and institutions offer comprehensive leadership academies tailored specifically for women. These academies often include a structured curriculum covering a wide range of leadership competencies.
Business Incubators and Accelerators: In the entrepreneurial space, women’s leadership programs can focus on helping women launch and scale their businesses. These programs provide mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities to support female entrepreneurs.
Women in STEM Initiatives: Many fields, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), have underrepresented women. Initiatives targeting women in STEM aim to encourage their leadership by providing mentorship, networking, and skill-building opportunities within these industries.

Purpose Idea: Addressing Unique Christian women’s Issues

Women’s ministries acknowledge and address issues that are unique to women’s experiences.

Whether it’s the challenges of balancing family and career, navigating gender-based discrimination, or grappling with self-esteem issues, these ministries provide tailored resources and support to help women navigate these complexities.

Women’s ministry serves as a beacon of empowerment, personal growth, and support for women from all walks of life.

By recognizing and addressing women’s unique challenges, these ministries create spaces where women can thrive, develop their potential, and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society.

How to think about your purpose:

Now that your creativity is sparked, remember that your purpose is at the top of your women’s ministry strategy.

What do I mean?

I think you should be able to align your ministry purpose with your mission statement and your vision statement. If you would like to see examples of vision statements, click here.

Mission, vision, and purpose are interconnected concepts that guide your women’s ministry’s actions and direction. In my opinion, They are not concentric but build upon one another – as in the graph above.

Let’s break down how they are connected:

Women’s Ministry Purpose: Purpose is the fundamental reason for existence. It’s the “why” behind what a women’s ministry does. It represents the core motivation and the underlying cause that drives actions. Purpose gives meaning and direction to everything an entity undertakes.
Mission : The mission statement outlines what a ministry aims to achieve in the short to medium term. It is a concise statement that defines the actions, goals, and focus areas necessary to fulfill the purpose. The mission provides a clear sense of direction and serves as a roadmap for daily activities and decision-making. (Click the link above to view more thoughts.)
Vision : The vision statement paints a picture of the desired future state that an organization or an individual aspires to achieve. It’s a long-term perspective that encapsulates what success looks like. The vision statement is closely aligned with the purpose and mission and provides inspiration and motivation to work towards a better future. (same as above; click the “vision” link above.

Connecting these concepts:

Purpose to Mission: The purpose serves as the foundation for the mission . The actions outlined in the mission statement directly relate to fulfilling the purpose. The mission is a practical expression of the overarching purpose, detailing how the purpose will be pursued in concrete terms.
Purpose to Vision: The purpose provides the underlying drive for the vision . The vision represents what the organization or individual aims to achieve in alignment with their purpose. It represents the ultimate realization of the purpose’s impact and significance.
Mission to Vision: The mission is the strategic pathway toward the vision . The goals and actions outlined in the mission statement are the steps taken to move closer to the envisioned future. The mission’s achievements contribute to the realization of the broader vision.

In essence, purpose defines the “why,” mission outlines the “what” and “how,” and vision illustrates the “where” an organization or individual is headed.

Together, these three components create a cohesive framework that guides decision-making, actions, and growth.

For both organizations and individuals, aligning purpose, mission, and vision is crucial for achieving meaningful and impactful outcomes.

Specific women’s ministry purpose IDEAS

No article is worth it’s salt without giving you ideas.

As I mentioned above, know what need you are solving with your women’s ministry.

Some everyday struggles and needs women may want to explore are:

Balancing Roles: Juggling multiple roles, such as being a wife, mother, career professional, and ministry involvement, can lead to feelings of overwhelm and a struggle to find balance.

Identity and Self-Worth: Society’s standards and pressures can lead to insecurity and a struggle to find one’s identity and worth outside of external validation.

Comparison and Inadequacy: Social media and comparison culture can foster feelings of inadequacy and the belief that one’s life doesn’t measure up to others.

Cultural and Moral Influences: Navigating a culture that might not always align with Christian values can lead to inner conflict and challenges in staying true to one’s faith.

Marriage and Relationships: Maintaining a healthy and God-centered marriage and navigating challenges in relationships can be a struggle.

Parenting: Raising children in a rapidly changing world while instilling Christian values and principles can be challenging.

Workplace Challenges : Balancing faith with career aspirations, facing workplace discrimination, and navigating ethical dilemmas can be difficult.

Mental Health: Addressing issues like anxiety, depression, and stress while seeking to maintain a strong faith can be complex.

Singlehood and Singleness: Navigating the challenges of being single in a society that often prioritizes marriage and family life can be isolating.

Body Image and Self-Care: Struggling with body image concerns and finding a healthy balance between caring for oneself and avoiding vanity can be challenging.

Sexuality and Purity: Navigating issues related to sexuality, dating, and maintaining purity can be particularly relevant for Christian women.

Gender Roles and Equality: Balancing biblical teachings on gender roles with the desire for equality and respect in all aspects of life can be a source of tension.

Spiritual Growth: Finding time for consistent Bible study, prayer, and spiritual growth in a busy world can be a challenge.

Loneliness and Community: Building and maintaining meaningful, supportive friendships and a sense of belonging can be challenging in a fast-paced society.

Cultural Pressures: Navigating societal pressures related to career success, appearance, and personal achievements can impact faith and self-esteem.

Free Download – Plan the purpose of your women’s ministry with this worksheet.

Direct Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r1DDMl_G5e9Q4V6JZ-Hki6M8SyllW0DR/view?usp=sharing

I hope this was helpful.

This a great video that is for nonprofits, but could be useful for women’s ministry too!

If you think about what need your ministry is fulfilling and how it links to your other strategic plans, you’ll find you’re very close to your ministry’s purpose. Blessings!

How to conduct a women’s ministry meeting

Bible verse for working together in Ministry

Talking how to run an effective women’s ministry

More From Forbes

How women can build business credit scores pivoting as entrepreneurs.

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Creating a business credit score strategy as a women entrepreneur is essential to growing and ... [+] sustaining your business.

Becoming an entrepreneur takes more than just opening an LLC. The pivot requires a business plan, marketing strategy, whether manufacturers will be involved, and, most importantly, financing. However, when it comes to financing , the challenge often hinges on one key factor—the business credit score. Building a robust credit score for your business can unlock more opportunities for growth, better credit terms and a stronger financial foundation.

Understanding the ins and outs of business credit scores is essential for women entrepreneurs to excel.

“That concept of ‘I have good business credit history and don’t want to go into debt, it feels risky to me.’ That’s a very common conversation I hear amongst women that I talk to,” states Val Jones, SVP, senior lead strategy consultant at Wells Fargo, who leads small business development for women-owned businesses. “I’m like, ‘Ok, I hear you. I don’t think that’s a great idea either. But let’s take a look at your business plan. What do you want to accomplish in five years? What would you need to help you get there? Would it make sense to have an injection of capital in a smart way that you’re going to pay it off?’ Is it going to help you grow your business? So thinking about credit as equaling debt, I think, hurts women.”

Jones started with Wells Fargo in 2000, working at a branch. She worked her way to a field support role in the organization’s small business lending department. Here, she learned about underwriting and how business credit works. She then pivoted to leading all of the small business for Texas, which led her to her current role. She’s in a strategic position now, guiding the diverse customer segments of the team.

Val Jones leads small business development for women-owned businesses at Wells Fargo

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Wwe wrestlemania 40 results and everything that happened as the rock pins cody, wwe wrestlemania 40 results as jey uso defeats jimmy uso, why business credit scores are important.

Just as a personal credit score signifies an individual’s creditworthiness, a business credit score serves the same function for a business. Your organization is its own entity with its own tax ID number, just as you are a separate entity as a consumer.

“Just like you need to establish that credit on the consumer side, you need to do that on the small business owners side for the exact same reasons,” Jones explains. “Maybe you’re just starting your business today; a business credit card can be helpful to get the credit going to give you something for your day-to-day expenses. But what you’re doing is you’re setting the foundation for down the road, when you’re like, ‘I think I need a business line of credit to help me take advantage of this business opportunity to grow.’”

Business credit scores help with the following:

Financing opportunities: A good business credit score opens doors to various financing options with better interest rates and terms.
Supplier Relationships: Suppliers often check credit scores before extending trade credit. A better score means better credit terms.
Business Valuation: If you’re planning to sell your business or attract investors, a strong credit score can increase your business’s valuation.

Personal Vs. Business Credit Scores

While your personal credit score is tied to your social security number, a business credit score is linked to your business’s tax identification number (EIN). There are several key differences between credit accounts:

Personal liability: Personal credit scores can directly impact your personal finances, while business credit scores are typically limited to the realm of business finance.
Credit history length: Business credit scores typically consider a shorter historical period than personal credit.
Information disclosure: Business credit reports are often public, meaning anyone can check your business score if they’re considering doing business with you. In contrast, personal credit scores are private.

The Importance Of Early Attention

For women who are just starting in business, it’s vital to:

Separate finances: Don’t blur the lines between personal and business finances. Keep separate bank accounts and credit cards for your business.
Build relationships: Establish good relationships with suppliers and lenders early on. Prompt payments with these entities can help build your credit history.
Monitor your score: Regularly check your business credit score to ensure accuracy and understand where you stand.

Val Jones speaking at a meeting of the National Association of Women Business Owners.

Steps To Build Your Business Credit Score

Building a strong business credit score isn’t an overnight process. However, by taking measured steps, you can gradually enhance your score:

Incorporate or form an LLC: This helps to separate your personal credit from your business credit.
Obtain an EIN: This federal tax identification number is needed to open a business bank account and is used to establish your business credit file.
Open a business bank account: Use this account to pay for all business transactions to keep a clear record of business expenses.
Get a business credit card: This will help you build credit if it reports to the credit bureaus. Always pay on time, and try to pay more than the minimum due when possible.
Establish trade lines with suppliers: Many suppliers extend trade credit, which means you can pay several days or weeks after receiving goods or services. Ensure those suppliers report to credit reporting agencies.
Borrow responsibly: Take out a small business loan or line of credit and make timely repayments. Late payments can severely damage your credit score.
Keep your credit utilization low: Avoid using more than 30% of your credit limit at any given time.
Use Credit Monitoring Services: Many credit card issuers and financial institutions offer free credit monitoring services to their customers. These services provide real-time alerts on any changes to your credit report.
Utilize CDFI Loans: Research Community Development Financial Institutions Fund for more creative lending opportunities. They use monetary awards and training opportunities to invest in and build the capacity of CDFIs, empowering them to grow and achieve organizational sustainability.

“So, what makes you look great to an underwriter?” Jones concludes. “How long have you had credit? The longer you’ve used credit, the better because you have this track record. If you’ve had credit for 20 years, never made a late payment, and paid everything, this is great. This is what’s going to give you a really strong track record. The other thing that I like to see is a variety of kinds of credit that you’ve used. So credit cards are fine—bank credit cards are better than store credit cards. We like to see loans. So, if you owe loans, student loans, or mortgages, we want to see how you use both credit that is revolving. You can use it, pay it back, use it, pay it back. How do you deal with monthly payments and with term payments? Can you balance both of them out?”

By addressing the importance of building business credit scores early in the life of your business, you lay a strong foundation for future growth and success. Make your business credit score a priority, and it will serve as a powerful tool for building the enterprise you envision.

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Women's Ministry Toolbox

Equipping leaders to cultivate a Christ-focused community

The Ultimate Women’s Ministry Event Planning Resource List

Conferences & Retreats , Organizing Events

Planning a women's ministry event? Check out this list of tips and ideas!

I have written dozens, if not hundreds, of posts related to women’s ministry event planning over the years.

We’ve talked about whether or not you should charge for your women’s ministry events, where you should publicize your events, creative ways to give away door prizes, how to warmly welcome guests, selecting the best theme, finding a speaker, and so much more!

I thought it might be helpful if I compiled the links to every post that relates to planning women’s ministry events in one place.

I’ll do my best to update it as new posts are written.

For those of you looking for a primer on event planning, consider enrolling in the Women’s Ministry Event Planning online course . You’ll find exclusive information (not found on the website), worksheets, and short videos that will take you step-by-step through the whole process.

To assist in your search for resources, I’ve broken the posts into the following categories:

Devotionals.

Door Prizes

Event Ideas

Icebreakers

Planning Tips

Registration.

Scroll down to find the section(s) you need most.

12 Creative Ways to Reduce the Cost of Your Women’s Ministry Event Budgeting for an Event (Free Printable) Is your event budget realistic? Should you charge for your women’s ministry events? What should you charge for your retreat? What should you charge for your women’s ministry event? (Free Event Pricing Guide)

Childcare Forms Childcare Solutions for Women’s Ministry

Decor and Favor Ideas for Your Summer Event Decorating for Your Women’s Ministry Retreat Excessive Decorations Photo Booth Ideas for Your Retreat Table Decor Ideas Part 1 Table Decor Ideas Part 2 Tablescape Inspiration Trendy Table Decor

How to Share the Best Devotional Ever The Best Devotional You Can Share

Door prizes, favors, and gifts

$10 (or less) Door Prize Ideas 15 Creative Ways to Give Away Door Prizes Double-Duty Door Prize Slips Mother’s Day Door Prize Ideas Retreat Goodie Bags and Gifts The Door Prize Basket The (Door Prize) Golden Ticket Women’s Ministry Door Prize Idea

10 Sweetheart Banquet Ideas 10 Tips for Your Christmas Coffee or Fellowship 30 Summer Fellowship Ideas 31 Christmas Fellowship Ideas 60 Service Project Ideas 101 Christian Ladies Night Out Ideas Eight Planning Teams You Need for Your Table Event Fellowship Idea: Coffee, Cake, and Comedy Night Fellowship Idea: Comfort Food Fellowship Idea: Guess who’s coming to dinner! Fellowship Idea: Workshops! Five Great Reasons to Host a Christian Comedy Event Homeless Event: Rachel’s Story & Care Packages How to Host a Bible Journaling Event How to Host a Memorable Movie Night How to Host an Operation Christmas Child Packing Party How to Plan a DIY Spa Event Last Minute Christmas Fellowship Ideas Mother’s Day Tea Ideas Mission Project: Operation Sandwich Speaking to Sparrows Table Event: Hostess Responsibilities

Addressing Diets & Food Allergies Eight Food Bar Ideas Fellowship Food Fix Serve Food Faster at Your Next Women’s Ministry Event Take the mystery out of your next potluck! Transform Your Coffee Station What will you eat on your retreat?

9 Secrets to Making Guests Feel Welcome 12 Ways Women’s Ministry Teams Can Warmly Welcome Guests How to Alienate Visitors What the New Girl Needs

10 Things Icebreakers Should Not Do How to Determine the Best Icebreaker for Your Event Icebreakers & Games List Why Women’s Ministry Events Need Great Icebreakers

Creative Uses for Name Tags Do we have to wear name tags? Name Tag Tips for Your Retreat Why Name Tags are Important

3 Keys to Planning a Successful Women’s Ministry Event 10 Reasons to Host a Summer Women’s Ministry Event 10 Reasons to Host a Women’s Ministry Event in January 10 Things to Do After an Event 10 Things You Can Do to Reach Younger Women in Your Church and Community Before Your Next Event Don’t get caught up in the numbers! Hosting Fellowships with Purpose How to Know If it’s Time to Let Go of a Women’s Ministry Tradition How to Pick the Best Date for Your Women’s Ministry Event How to Tackle Taboo Topics Is your ministry button stuck on repeat? Not enough bathrooms! The One Thing You Must Never Do

5 Ways to Pray for Your Retreat (Free Printable) 8 Ways to Ramp Up Prayer Before Your Event Prayer: Direct vs. Bless Setting Up a Prayer Room for Your Retreat

13 Ways to Publicize Your Event Inside Your Church 13 More Ways You Can Publicize Events Inside Your Church 25 Ways to Publicize Events Outside Your Church Walls How to Create Social Media Graphics How to Create a Social Media Plan How to Schedule Social Media Posts Publicity Checklist Publicity Form (Free Printable) Publicity Secret for Your Women’s Ministry

Creating Registration Forms How to Get Women to RSVP How to Get Women to Show Up Should you cancel? Why Women Aren’t Coming to Your Women’s Ministry Events Why Your Women Need Save-the-Date Cards

10 Benefits of Using an In-House Speaker for Your Women’s Ministry Event 11 Benefits of Using a Professional Speaker for Your Women’s Ministry Event How to Find a Speaker How long should your speaker speak? How to Select and Book the Best Speaker for Your Women’s Ministry Event Questions for Potential Speakers What Your Speaker Needs to Know

Evaluating Your Retreat Post Event Evaluation Form (Free Printable) Seven Super Survey Questions The Most Revealing Question You Can Ask After an Event Women’s Ministry Surveys: Online vs. Printed

The Best Women’s Ministry Theme Ever How to Pick a Retreat Theme How to Select Your Verse & Women’s Ministry Theme for the Year Women’s Ministry Themes

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Choosing Worship Music Worship Ideas for Your Retreat

Have other questions that I haven’t answered here? Be sure to let me know and I’ll do my best to address them in a future post!

May God bless the plans of your team and each woman who attends!

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I quit my tech job to be a stay-at-home boyfriend who cooks, cleans, and sews for my girlfriend. I have no plans to return to the 9 to 5.

William Conrad, 25, and his girlfriend Levi Coralynn, 26, have been together for three years.
Conrad is a stay-at-home-boyfriend, while Coralynn, a content creator, supports them financially.
Conrad previously worked in tech but has no plans to return.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with William Conrad, a 25-year-old stay-at-home boyfriend and content creator from Canada. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

For the last three years, I've been a stay-at-home boyfriend. I cook, clean, and do the laundry — and I've never been happier.

My girlfriend Levi is big on social media and makes enough to provide for us both financially. She works from home, and I do 90% of the domestic chores. Our dynamic very much flips societal norm on its head, but it works for us, and we love it.

On a typical day I wake up a little earlier than Levi to make us some coffee. We usually share a coffee, hang out for a while, and do Wordle together. Then, she'll do some work while I either prepare food or do other household chores. If we're not ready to eat, I might do some work on the computer alongside her.

Since she works from home, we pretty much spend every minute of every day together, which I love because she's my best friend before anything else.

We lead a very communal life, and that applies to how we navigate money too. We've never had the perspective of "this is my money, this is your money." It's very much a joint venture, and most of our purchases are done together anyway.

Being a stay-at-home boyfriend allows me to do what I love

Levi and I met on Hinge around three years ago when we were living in different cities. I was living in Toronto, near where I grew up, while she was in Alberta. We started talking online and knew we needed to meet in person, so she came to see me in Toronto.

Our first date was a week long and we stayed in an Airbnb . Shortly after that, we moved in together in Ontario, and we've been together ever since.

Growing up, I didn't have a strong sense of what I wanted to do, but I knew I didn't want to sit in an office all day looking at a monitor. I've always liked creating things and working with my hands. But I ended up studying computer science at college and then found a job at a tech startup .

When I met Levi, I was doing freelance jobs here and there, and some more consistent stuff in the tech world. She was deep into her career as a content creator and needed help running her online business. She thought I'd be the perfect fit and asked if I would work for her. So I quit my job and became a full-time stay-at-home-boyfriend.

It wasn't that I didn't enjoy my job, but this was just a greener pasture that I could step toward. It was an opportunity that was better suited to me, I think, in the long run. I was really into cooking and sewing before I even met Levi, and this meant I could focus on those interests more and hone my skills.

I have no plans to return to the 9-to-5 and would only do so if our online businesses stopped working.

I started posting online to show the world a softer type of masculinity

In August 2022, I started posting snippets of my life on TikTok. My videos mainly showcase the meals I cook for Levi, but sometimes it's me braiding her hair, hemming her clothes, or fixing things around the house. I'm soft-spoken and have a gentle manner, and the comments from my mainly female audience have been overwhelmingly positive. These are all things I do anyway, but it was Levi's idea to share it with the world.

It was around the time that Andrew Tate , the anti-feminist influencer, was really popular, and there was an oversaturation of toxic masculinity online. We saw this need and an opportunity to present a kind, loving man in the online space. One thing I'm very proud of is showing the duality a man can have. I have both feminine and masculine characteristics, but I'm still a man.

I was raised in a very nurturing household where both my parents worked and split the domestic tasks evenly. Everyone contributed to the household, and gender was never tied to a specific role, so living this way has never affected my sense of masculinity.

Social media is giving young men a skewed image of what women want

Women often comment things like "Where do I buy mine?" on my content. And while it's always nice to hear that someone thinks I'm a good boyfriend, it's also sad that a loving dynamic seems to be a scarce thing.

Lots of women are looking for a man who will cook them a nice meal and be gentle, but maybe not enough men value these things.

I think toxic masculinity on social media might be giving young men and boys a skewed perspective of what women want. I hope to inspire other men to lean into their feminine traits more without feeling like it threatens their manhood.

Watch: It's tougher out there, says Diageo North America's chief marketing officer; "Productivity is really important"

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Ministry Business Plan Template
Ideas For Women's Ministry
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Ministry Strategic Plan Template
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A 4-WEEK PLAN TO START (or re-start) A WOMEN’S MINISTRY WITH 7 EASY

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Women's Ministries National Congress Opening Ceremony|| Empowered to Go, Get Involved Now
here's to 2023
Week 10, Day 3: Numbers 22-24, Balak, Balaam. & the Burro
Week 10, Day 2, Numbers 21, The Fiery Serpents
Week 11, Day 1: Joshua 1 & 2, God Commissions Joshua
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COMMENTS

A 4-Week Plan To Start (Or Restart) A Women's Ministry
Whether you are starting from scratch, reviving your new year, or just wanting to re-boost some momentum, work this 4-week plan. A little intentionality can go a long way! Refresh your dreams, your lists, and your prayers. Adopt a strategy instead of just filling a calendar. Find some support along the way.
How to Start (or Rebuild) a Women's Ministry
He will provide exactly what you need to start or rebuild a women's ministry. Before we jump into the nitty-gritty details, I want to pray for you. Dear Lord, I thank you for the one you've given a burden and desire to start, or re-start, a women's ministry in her church. I ask you to go before her and smooth her path.
Women's Ministry Goals and Objectives
The Strategic Plan for Women's Ministry . ... You can learn from them and discover how they process things and manage their business systems. Consequently, running a business is not much different from running a business. Ask questions. Raise your hand and engage. Besides, you never know who is a Christian and may be willing to help you in ...
Your Guide to Creating a Purposeful Ministry Business Plan
Craft a strategic plan outlining the steps required to fulfill your mission. Identify key milestones, set measurable goals, and establish a timeline for achieving them. A strategic plan provides a roadmap, helping you navigate challenges, stay focused, and measure your ministry's progress. 4. Create a Budget.
PDF Strategic Plan Template for Ministering to Women
Women instinctively understand one another—the understanding and compassion offered in a one-on-one relationship can be a catalyst for healing and restoration. • We understand the needs women face today are great. Many are not prepared for the demands of life. Every week women walk into our church looking for hope and someone to care.
PDF Developing an Effective Women's Ministry
Wherever you are in your women's ministry journey, this resource was designed to help you have the most effective women's ministry possible! Please note: We also are available for free ministry consultations. Below are 10 important ingredients for an effective women's ministry. We're all on the same team, not in competition with one ...
Building a Strong Women's Ministry
Try these steps to gather new women to your team…and keep them! 7 STEPS FOR BUILDING A STRONG WOMEN'S MINISTRY. Step 1: Identify potential leaders. It may sound simplistic, but first pray that God opens your eyes to the women He might have in mind to serve. Then think about the women you connect with at church.
Developing a Ministry Strategy
Use your purpose and objectives to plan how you believe God wants your ministry to accomplish His desires. Develop main objectives for 1-10 years to focus your time, energy, and budget money. Structure your ministry according to these objectives by setting priorities. Focus on 12-month priorities that are measurable, dated, and drive you toward ...
How to run an effective women's ministry
As you plan your women's ministry programs, consider the women's availability. Consider having events on Saturdays for those who work. Or even on Sunday afternoons since husbands and families might be available to babysit. A women's ministry can provide a variety of resources to support women's spiritual growth.
Starting a Women's Ministry
A women's ministry feeds and nourishes women who turn around and impact the world. It is also an exciting opportunity for women to build God's kingdom, one event at a time. With a little creativity and persistence you can start a women's ministry in your church. Just take the first step…you never know where God will lead and whose lives ...
Designing and Proposing a Women's Ministry
Women's ministries have often been put together haphazardly with little reflection upon the design. It often begins as a good idea, then friends are recruited and plans are made. However, what's often lacking is purpose and intentionality. When we begin a women's ministry, we need to know our "why.".
Building an effective women's ministry
Establish goals as you build your women's ministry. Setting clear goals is a powerful catalyst for success! This is true in everything from building an effective women's ministry to reaching those pesky weight loss goals. By crafting goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), your women's ministry ...
How to Start A Women's Ministry
A national speaker with Aspire Women's Events, Erica also speaks at women's retreats, large conferences or her own kitchen table.Erica longs to bring Scriptural Truth and see lives transformed. Erica also serves on the Proverbs 31 Ministries writing team. An award-winning author with Moody Publishers, she wants people to discover delight in God's Word as they become equipped with tools ...
How to Start a Women's Ministry in Your Church
If you are a woman desiring to start a women's ministry in your church, find some like-minded women who will begin praying with you for open doors to talk to your church leadership. When God provides these opportunities, walk through them confidently. 2. Identify a leader. If you are a pastor or church leader, try to identify a woman in your ...
Crafting a Solid Women's Ministry Mission Statement
1.Your women's ministry mission statement should align closely with the mission of your church. We want to compliment that mission, not compete against it. We're also not operating in a silo. You may have heard people refer to women's ministry as a silo ministry. We are not a silo.
Essentials to Start a Women's Ministry #2: STRATEGY
At this point, you've been praying ( Essential #1) and have the go-ahead from your church leadership to start a women's ministry. Now it's time to strategize. If you were designing a house, you would plan it around what you want to do there. You might want a craft or exercise room.
Start or Grow a Woman's Ministry
Featured resources for starting or growing a women's ministry. Articles "4 Fundamentals Mistakes to Avoid in Starting a Women's Ministry" by Susan Hunt "5 Secrets to Building a Women's Ministry Team" by Erin Davis "Avoiding Open Mic Night" by Ellen Mary Dykas "Biblical Framework for Women's Ministry" by Erin Davis "The Best Question to Ask of Your Women's Ministry" by Christina Fox
How to Plan the Content for Your Women's Ministry Meetings
Today's Toolbox Task: Determine your meeting goal. That means looking at that big umbrella of your mission statement and your theme for the year, but also your specific goal or intended outcome for that meeting. 2. Decide which meeting components should be included.
How to Start a Women's Ministry
Once you initiate the process with some of these smaller events, you can begin to plan a formal women's ministry in earnest. 1. Define Your Vision. The initial step in establishing a women's ministry is to precisely outline its vision. Clearly express the purpose, goals and values that will steer the ministry.
40 Empowering Women's Ministry Ideas To Elevate Your Church
40 Women's Ministry Ideas. 1. Mentorship Programs: Connect seasoned women in the church with newcomers, fostering deep bonds and providing guidance for navigating life's challenges. These mentorship relationships offer a safe space for personal growth and spiritual development. 2.
How to Build a Women's Ministry Team
1.Make a list. Prayerfully put together a list of names and then submit that list for approval to your pastors. They may have information you do not know that might disqualify someone from leadership, or maybe just put a pause on asking them to serve in leadership. You want to get their approval.
How To Start Writing A Business Plan That Works
1. Regular reviews and updates. Markets shift, consumer behavior changes, and your business will grow. Your plan must evolve with these factors, which makes regular reviews and updates a must-do ...
Writing a Women's Ministry Purpose
The purpose of women's ministry goes beyond merely organizing events or meetings; it's about creating a nurturing and uplifting environment where women can flourish and reach their potential. Women's ministries are designed to address the unique challenges, experiences, and needs women encounter. Whether pursuing personal growth ...
Watch: While Delta's business is 'extremely robust,' the airline's
A Delta Air Lines passenger who says she was is calling on the carrier to change its policy. Lisa Archbold was due to fly from Salt Lake City to San Francisco when airline staff, she said, took ...
How Women Can Build Business Credit Scores Pivoting As ...
Building a robust credit score for your business can unlock more opportunities for growth, better credit terms and a stronger financial foundation. Understanding the ins and outs of business ...
The Ultimate Women's Ministry Event Planning Resource List
3 Keys to Planning a Successful Women's Ministry Event 10 Reasons to Host a Summer Women's Ministry Event 10 Reasons to Host a Women's Ministry Event in January 10 Things to Do After an Event 10 Things You Can Do to Reach Younger Women in Your Church and Community Before Your Next Event Don't get caught up in the numbers!
Stay-at-Home Boyfriend Quit Tech Job, Doesn't Plan to Return to Work
Health. I quit my tech job to be a stay-at-home boyfriend who cooks, cleans, and sews for my girlfriend. I have no plans to return to the 9 to 5. As told to Kim Schewitz. Apr 4, 2024, 1:02 AM PDT ...