It’s Sunday. The day we gather together a God’s people, pray, worship, deepen our understanding of God’s Word, and leave ready to live for the Lord, put His principles in place and reach this world for Christ.
But that’s not always the way things pan out on Sundays, is it?
Some people who grace the doors of your church are in desperate need of grace.
Some did everything they could to drag themselves to church in hopes of hearing something that would give them hope.
Perhaps their hearts are hurting from a marriage that is on the rocks, or because they just lost a loved one, or because they just got a bad report from the doctor for themselves or for their children.
Maybe they live in fear because of an abusive situation at home – or they have more month than money and they don’t have enough to pay their rent – or perhaps they’ve made a series of some seriously poor choices and they are reaping the hard consequences that come with living a reckless life.
And then there’s the fact that not everyone who walks in the doors of your church today really know Christ.
Not every Christian you see in the service today is walking with God. There are those who have come with trepidation and feelings of intimidation, yet knowing church is exactly where they need to be.
You and the women in your ministry have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those who walk through the door today. You have the chance to say or do something that, with one temporary act, will make an eternal difference. You can train the women in your ministry to look at Sundays as more than just a chance to hang out with their friends, but rather an opportunity to serve Christ and love others with the love of Jesus.
Here are 5 things you and your women’s ministry can do today to be prepared to make a difference…
1. LOOK FOR WOMEN IN NEED / REACH OUT TO THOSE WHO ARE ON THE FRINGE
Keep your eyes open as women walk through the door of the church, pay attention to the looks on their faces, the frustration level they may be feeling, and the needs they may have.
Look for women who may be hurting, feeling alone, afraid, unsure or insecure – and be there for them.
It’s so easy to surround yourself with your friends and enjoy the sweet security that comes with the familiar, the easy, the convenient and the fun.
But there are women in your church right now who are on the fringe. They are there… but barely. Perhaps they are just one week away from giving up. Reach out to them. Love on them. Let them know that you see them, you care about them, and they belong.
2. LISTEN TO WOMEN WHO NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO & SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LOVE
We all need someone who will not just give us advice, but someone who is willing to listen. Perhaps some sweet mom who is at her wit’s end and is desperate for adult conversation and a break from diapers, dishes and doctor’s appointments, and you have the chance to just sit and listen to her heart.
Take time to listen. It will mean the world to those women in need.
And we have to remember to speak the truth in love. We can’t only say what women want to hear, but we have to be willing to say what they need to hear… that which is based on biblical principals. Truth and love combined, and shaken together with a lot of grace. Encourage their hearts, give them hope, say what needs to be said, but say it with love. They will be stronger because you were willing to speak the truth in love.
3. PRAY FOR OTHERS AND PRAY WITH OTHERS
Prayer IS the greatest work. It changes things. It changes people. Be willing to pray for others before you ever enter the door of the church. And pray with them when they get there. It’s really that simple. Pray. Pray with them and pray for them.
4. INVITE OTHER WOMEN TO PARTICIPATE
Women long to be part of something where they feel they belong, are accepted and can contribute. If you have an event coming up, ask them to be part of it. If you teach a class, as them to not only join the class, but ask them to take on a specific role or serve in a particular way in that class.
Whenever you can, invited other women to be part of serving Jesus together.
5. WORSHIP THE FATHER IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH
There is no substitute for your example of sincere, authentic worship. Others are often drawn to the Lord when they see how real He is to us and in us. Let your life reflect what a real relationship with Christ looks like and they will come to you to find out how they can have what you have.
Really! It often works like that. You just loving Jesus inspires others to do the same.
So, that’s it. Five things your women’s ministry can do at church TODAY to make a difference. Are you in?
- Ch…ch…ch…CHANGES Are Coming in 2017 for TMI - December 27, 2016
- What New Thing Are You Ready to See God Do in Your Life in 2017? - December 26, 2016
- Heaviness and Newness - December 23, 2016
