Sue Edwards, Henry Rogers Men and women working together can be a powerful ministry partnership, but it can also raise a lot of prickly questions:. Is that relationship a reality in our ministry? In Mixed Ministry , the male and female authors explore these common and thorny issues in depth. Using biblical examples; personal interviews with ministry leaders; and practical advice on topics such as modesty, boundaries, communication, and interaction as siblings; the authors outline how staff and lay leaders can develop healthy working partnerships in their ministries.
New Doors in Ministry to Women Kregel, coauthor: Stay-at-home moms and working moms. New Doors in Ministry to Women presents a life-changing strategy that adapts to the unique circumstances of various ministries. This strategy, the Transformation Model, provides direction for building a ministry team, creating dynamic Bible studies, and preparing for and surviving conflicts. She has more than twenty-five years of experience teaching, pastoring, and directing women's ministries. In addition, Sue speaks at retreats, conferences, and seminars across the country, and is author of the Discover Together Bible Study Series.
Add to wish list. Hooked on the Net. Soul Food for Youth Workers. Show Me How to Share the Gospel.
Creating a Culture of Invitation in Your Church. Ministry Nuts and Bolts, Second Edition.
Ethical Dilemmas in Church Leadership. Numerous studies have shown the benefits of living in community, from better mental health to greater longevity. Networking gives us a chance to point one another toward the blessings of knowing and serving God in ministry. In 1 Thessalonians 5: Read articles written by and for women ministers on the Women in Ministry website womeninministry. You may also enjoy reading and posting on the Women in Ministry Facebook page. Better yet, get acquainted with your peers locally and regionally.
The rowdy gaggle of second-graders met in a furnace room stairwell because there was no other space for us in the small church. Norma sat at the top of the stairs, maintaining order as I taught, and graciously offered me invaluable advice at the end of each lesson. Through her words and actions, Norma instilled confidence in me as a young minister-in-training. I think of another kind and patient sister in the Lord, named Gerri, who taught me how to manage a Vacation Bible School with kids in attendance — my first week on the job.
The history of the Assemblies of God is replete with examples of women who not only served in ministry but also led the charge on many fronts. Our Movement started with ladies stepping up as missionaries, evangelists, and church planters. They were aggressive, and they were prophetic and apostolic.
They started orphanages and were some of our first missionaries. They took the gospel to places it had never before gone. These Spirit-filled women sprinted past social impediments and boldly stormed the gates for Jesus. Nothing could stop them from doing what God had put in their hearts to do or going where He had told them to go. We need such workers in this generation, called and chosen women who will dare to follow Jesus wherever He leads — from pulpit to polity to the ends of the Earth.
Of course, the reality is there is still room for progress. Yet some doors of ministry remain closed to them. For instance, while women today assume a variety of other pastoral roles, many congregations are reluctant to consider a woman candidate for the position of senior pastor. Others forbid women from serving on deacon boards.
Some argue that the Bible excludes women from certain ministry positions.
However, when you look at the whole volume of Scripture, you see women playing a prominent role in the Early Church. Paul refers to women again and again in his greetings to the churches. I believe they were involved in actual ministry and service. They were prophets, teachers, and house church leaders. The gospel opened doors of opportunity for women.
Mothers and grandmothers. Students and singles. Stay-at-home moms and working moms. How can your women's ministry become a celebration of the church's. New Doors in Ministry to Women. A Fresh Model for Transforming Your Church, Campus, or Mission Field. New Doors in Ministry to Women.
Who are we to slam them shut? Rather, we should seek the most qualified person for each job, whether that individual happens to be a man or woman, single or married, young or old. More specifically, we should seek the person God has chosen for the job. Paul taught that every member of the Body brings something special to the table. Overlooking and underestimating the contributions of half the Church population is a mistake.
For instance, the most powerful intercessors in many congregations are women. A woman who knows how to reach the heart of Christ and reach out to others with the heart of Christ is a mighty ministry force.
God often calls women to do new things for Him because their ears are attuned to Him, and they are ready to step out and take risks. Exciting things are happening for women in ministry. More doors are swinging open every day. But change takes time. Some women may grow weary knocking at iron portals that never seem to budge.
Allow me to offer some words of encouragement for women standing at these thresholds: Realize, however, that it might not happen overnight. Few women — or men, for that matter — start at the top of their professions. Ministry is no exception. It can take years to accomplish goals and realize dreams. Wait on the Lord, and serve where you can. Preach where a pulpit is open to you. Teach where a classroom is available. Meet a need where you encounter one. Reap a harvest where you stand. Find an open door, and walk through it. Be willing to go into breakthrough areas like church planting.
We have three women church planters in Minnesota who are doing very well. We feel church planters are on the cutting edge of ministry.
Fortunately, I was also passionate and determined.