Getting Women Involved...Here's some suggestions

Thanks to those who shared they would pray for the frustrated leader trying to get women involved in activities of the church.  Here is a response from an active leader who has found the following helpful.  She has changed her approach from what the individual can "get out of it" to "what can I give"?

People are so busy today with all the things that so easily weight us down. So, I try to help people simplify and get back to "serving others".   I suggest forming service groups i.e.   1) Bible Study leader-someone who can spend time fostering an atmosphere with the purpose of developing fellowship and discipline to the study of the word. 1 Tim 1:5    2) Name Optional  (a nurturing group) - a group that focuses on mentoring the younger women in the local church Prov 25:11  3) An Emergency Prayer Chain Leader: Someone that can mobilize the prayer warriors.    4) Luncheons & Special Events: This group would do nothing but serve as event organizers - outreach to new ladies is the focus Titus 2:7    5) Encouragers - a group who serves the needs of the church to write letters, send cards, you know the Church of Christ calls it Monday Night for the Master...Thess 5:11-14     6) Hospitality: This group could arrange celebrations of special events i.e. showers, weddings, Christmas Open House, Angel Trees etc 7) Publicity - Serves by inviting the Poor, the crippled the lame, the blind Luke 14:12-143 8) Share Meals/Meals on Wheels - pretty self explanatory....     8) Deaconness - these ladies need to take care of the widows, single moms, orphans etc....yes I believe many women have the qualifications of a deacon (servant) Rom 16:1-2   9)  Welcome Center - Contact new members, visitors ...greeters etc...Rom 16:1-2   10) Love IN Action - Quilters, crafters, etc...

So..when someone tells me the women won’t participate, maybe we need to change what we ask them to do.  Southern women are used to feeling useful.  In the serving, they will be served.

What to do???

A question was asked by a frustrated leader last Saturday how to involve good ladies of the Church who seem to have no interest in women’s activities.  They have the opinion such meetings are frivolous and unimportant.  What can we do to involve them and get them excited?

One thing for certain:  Do NOT stop having opportunities because they seem uninterested.  Have a gathering of women for those who will participate – even if it is a small number in the beginning.  Advertise well, invite and see who shows up.  After the event, post lots of pictures on the church website or bulletin board.  Spread through personal testimony and newsletter what a great time of fellowship and renewal it was.

No one likes to miss something good!  Spread the Word great things are happening.  It will only take a time or two without their participation, and they will be eager to join in the next event.  Should they choose to never come, that is their loss.  Those participating will be blessed!

Do you have an idea to help this leader?  If so, send us your suggestion (londajoy@aol.com) and we will pass the word along!

Lots of Excitement!

The first of several women’s leadership meetings entitled, “Tea, Me, & Thee” were held Saturday, August 27^th in Hendersonville and Dickson.  We had the opportunity to share with 46 ladies representing 14 local congregations.  There was great fellowship, lots of laughter, and tons of inspiration.  God was with us!

One new leader shared:  “This is just what I needed.  I am new to women’s ministry and I did not know where to begin.  Now I am ready to go!”

Another shared,  “I got a special word from this time.  We need a TEAM in women’s ministry.  We are going to start that in our local church.”

In tears, a pastor’s wife remarked:  “We have been neglecting women in our church.  We have been off-balance.  There are hurting women in our congregation and we are going to start ministering to them.”

These are just a few of the positive remarks received.  Special thanks to those who attended and to Kim Batson, Jill Mandrell, and Michelle Brooks-Young  for the wonderful assistance.  It was a great day and we look forward to being in other areas of the state in the future. 

Our Doors are OPEN

We are not an exclusive club!  We are open for all who want to join us as we prepare our heart and minds to minister more effectively to the women around us.  Today, we received this email: 

"I was wondering if myself and a couple of ladies from our church could join you on Saturday. ( i.e."Tea, Me, & Thee")   We are trying to get our womens ministry up and going and would love some ideas and feedback.  We attend a non-denominational  church but are very similar in our practice.  I came to the last womens conference in East Tennessee and was very blessed."

Our response is emphatically YES!  It is exciting to have the opportunity to share with others in the family of God.  Please know ALL are welcome at any "Women of Grace" event.  Our doors are OPEN! 

"Tea, Me, & Thee" for Dickson area

This Saturday, August 27th, all pastor's wives, women's ministry directors, and ladies feeling a burden for the women of their church and community in the Dickson & surrounding area are invited to the Tennessee State Campground (Camp Hickory Hills)  955 Wilson Hollow Road - Dickson, Tennessee 37055 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. 

Expect two hours of power packed inspiration, brain storming, and fresh ideas for ministering to the needs of women in your local church and community.

For additional information, contact londajoy@aol.com 

Light refreshments will be served and tons of surprises.  We hope to see YOU there!

Note:  This is the first two of such events planned across the state.  We will announce opportunities in other areas of the state very soon.

"Tea, Me, & Thee" for Nashville area

This Saturday, August 27th, all pastor's wives, women's ministry directors, and ladies feeling a burden for the women of their church and community in the Nashville & surrounding area are invited to the Tennessee State Office, 105 Hazel Path Court, Hendersonville, TN  37075 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon for "Tea, Me, & Thee".

Expect two hours of power packed inspiration, brain storming, and fresh ideas for ministering to the needs of women in your local church and community.

For additional information, contact londajoy@aol.com 

Light refreshments will be served and tons of surprises.  We hope to see YOU there!

McMinnville, North Hills Ladies Day

We are happy to share this wonderful report from Women's Ministries Director, Tonia Rader:

"Our Ladies Day was held Saturday, August 15th.  It was awesome!  We had 62 in attendance.  One was saved, several set free, and many, many blessed."

Special note:  Tonia's heart was touched during the Spring Spectacular at Fall Creek Falls in May.  She felt a burden for women at her church and immediately spoke with her pastor after returning home.  We give praise to God for inspiring leadership!  Great things happen when we "listen" to His voice!

A New & Exciting Opportunity

Something New & Exciting is planned this fall in Tennessee Women’s Ministries.  In an effort to share ideas, create fresh inspiration, and strengthen ministry to women, we are planning two hour sessions across the state entitled:  “Tea, Me, & Thee”.  This is designed for pastor’s  wives, women’s ministry directors, and any woman who feels a burden in her heart for the women of her local church and community.

It will be full of fun, fellowship, and creativity.  Lots of resources will be available to enhance women’s ministry in your local church.

Please plan to join us when we come to your area.    

The first two events will be held Saturday, August 27^th.

(Nashville Area – Leon Graves, Presbyter)

Where?                    Tennessee State Office – 105 Hazel Path Court – Hendersonville, TN  37075

Time?         10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

 

Later in the day, we will go to:

(Dickson Area – Gary Riley, Presbyter)

Where?     Camp Hickory Hills   (State Overseer’s Cabin)  955 Wilson Hollow Rd. – Dickson, TN  37055

Time?        4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

 

You do not have to specifically come to the one in your area if it is not convenient.  You are welcome at any event.  We do need your response to plan properly.  RSVP to Londa Richardson (423-240-8828) or londajoy@aol.com

 

We hope to see you soon!  Other locations across the state will be announced in the near future.  Please help us spread the word.

 

We can't wait to share this time of "Tea, Me, & Thee"!

Ladies Event at McMinnville, North Hills

Everyone is invited to an exciting day at the North Hills church.  The date is Saturday, August 13, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.  Lunch will be served.  For further information, contact Tonia Rader (931) 743-9607 or phone the church office (931) 668-2622.  The number attending is needed for food preparation.

Theme:  MORE THAN CONQUERORS   *St. John 11:44

Ministry Opportunity

In most areas of Tennessee, school begins within a few days (if it has not already).  School supplies are costly and many single parents cannot afford to get their children what is required.  This is a wonderful opportunity to reach out to the community around us.  One local church plans a "Back to School Explosion" where 200 backpacks will be given away complete with school supplies.  There will be fun activites, a special guest and tons of excitement.  It will also show the community this church cares about the parents and children around them.  It does not have to be BIG to be effective.  The smallest gesture of kindness can have a tremendous impact.  Don't know who to assist or have a small budget?  Contact a local school and ask them for suggestions of who you could help?  Never underestimate the power of a 'gesture of grace'.

New Face to Webpage

We are very excited about the new "look" for the Women's Ministries webpage designed by Glynis Varlack Allgood.  There are new features and opportunities for us to connect and share.  Please check the photo section for a review of Spring Spectaculars, 2011! Keep us up to date on what YOU are doing!