Though the model may be slightly inept in the American church, do we throw the baby out with the bath water? Do we continue to separate ourselves from the place where we can find healing and wholeness and community?
I believe women’s ministry is an invaluable contribution to the American church if we move in the direction of:
Recognizing different life stages in women’s ministry.
Not all women are married with preschoolers.
Not all women are going through menopause.
Not all women are in college.
If we fail to adapt in meeting general rather than specific needs, we will continue to ostracize those outside of the 35-50, married with kids demographic.
Recognizing different availabilities and needs in women’s ministry.
Not all women can make a Tuesday morning Bible study.
Not all women like to pray.
Not all women like to sew.
Not every calendar and need can be met, but if you are leading a women’s group in a metropolis area with a vibrant night-life, don’t be surprised if women don’t come out to the Pink Hearts and Flowers Tea Party.
What are some specific needs within the women in your community? Find what the need is and pursue it with a wide-end funnel to bring in those on the outside who don’t know how to engage on the inside.
Recognizing the church’s values and vision.
Women’s ministry is sometimes like the rogue renegade who does what it wants in the guise of mobilization.
