I’ve started out every section explaining my heart behind it. This one is especially dear to me. After many years in church and ministry, I’m uncertain how many women still enjoy or gain anything spiritually helpful from the church’s “Women’s Ministry”.

When you’re a young Mom, the “aged” women tend to think this is a time to “coach you up” with unsolicited, judgmental advice. If you’re a middle-aged woman, you neither fit in with the young women nor mesh with the widows. If you are a widow, or single lady the conversation and study topic may seem irrelevant and leave you feeling out of place or lonely. Separating these demographics keeps us from learning from one another, and can cause division in the church. Though not always the case, these same issues repeat throughout the years and have been my observation in multiple churches.

Webster’s 1828 defines the act of ministering, in part, like this: to give; to afford; to supply. A secondary definition reads like this: to afford supplies; to give things needful; to supply the means of relief; to relieve.

The sad truth? Most women don’t feel relieved when the next “Ladies’ Meeting” is announced. Their thoughts immediately go to a thousand places that don’t afford them that luxury.

I don’t have a recipe for the perfect program – you can only receive that from the Lord. My humble effort with Heart 2 Heart is to give words of encouragement, afford women a safe community, and supply you with resources that’ll point you to Jesus! That is the true purpose of the Heart 2 Heart series. Ladies, here we’ll dive into the issues that burden, overwhelm, and break our hearts; examining them alongside scripture.

In addition to that, I want to challenge and pray for you. (So, please, feel free to reach out with prayer requests or questions.)

To the Hurting Heart,

I see you, dear friend. Whatever has been said, done, or maybe even unsaid … has caused real pain. I’m sorry. It’s discouraging that the one place we should feel unified, and safe, and anything but hurt … hurts so much!

I’m praying for you. I pray God helps you rise above the gossip, rude behavior, and ill-executed meetings (that lay the shaky ground for such things). May you find the forgiveness and strength to leave it all at Jesus’ feet and avoid the path of your offenders. Remember, as cliche as it may sound, “hurting people hurt people”. Pray for them, no matter how difficult it seems. It may never change them, but I promise, it will change you!

I want you to read the story of Hagar this week, in Genesis 16. It always encourages me. God saw her and heard her cry … oh, Hurting Heart, please know He sees you! Cry out to Him today.

To the Women’s Ministry Leader,

Let’s break down the word “ministering” again as it applies to our area of service. Ask yourself these questions. Am I giving women a place to grow in truth? Under my leadership, have they been afforded an atmosphere that isn’t judgemental, catty, or divisive? Have I supplied them with the example and tools to continue on – in my absence? Am I training up the next generation?

If Christian women truly understood what a Titus 2 woman should look like, a great portion of the “aged” judgment, immature cattiness, and unbiblical divisiveness would end…don’t you agree? Wouldn’t you love your ministry to thrive? I assure you with the Lord’s help- it can!

I realize we can’t “fix” everything or everyone. However, we can prayerfully consider the spiritual well-being of our women’s ministry. Ask God to help you see and embolden you to correct any issues – His way. Then, wait upon Him for answers and direction.

I’m praying for you. Your job is difficult and often unappreciated. You too are seen by a God who loves you. Cry out to Him today and immerse yourself in the Word so that you hear His response.

To the Hurting and Leader (especially if you’re both):

I’m praying that God uses you! May He embolden you and give you life-giving, bitterness-uprooting, peacemaking words and actions that change the face of your ministry, restoring health and unity to your church for generations to come.

Until next time, with the Lord’s help, let us all be steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding!