My pastor recently taught a stirring message about what he called "walking across the room." He based his message on a book by Bill Hybels entitled, "Just Walk Across the Room."

The main gist of the message asked us to consider how we can go out of our way, leave our comfortable places and bless someone. His point was that interest in others is Christ-like and is a relationship- building way to reach people with the love of Jesus. As we left church that morning, even though I felt a little insecure, I was inspired and convicted. I was determined to be a doer of the Word and not just a hearer.

My testing ground was instantaneous.

We had lunch in a Japanese steak house where we sat at a table with two other groups of people we'd never met before.

The folks sitting nearest to us were named Ron and Janet. It was easy to engage them in conversation, especially Ron because he was so talkative. Our conversation unfolded as naturally as imaginable. I thought, "This is what Pastor means... walking across the room. It's just being interested in others and showing Christ's love. I can do this!"

After the chef finished the dinner preparation show, the table got quiet as we ate. We all were about finished eating and I realized that Ron's companion, Janet, hadn't been very involved in our conversation. So I decided to take another "walk across the room" and engage her. I began with a question about her job. She told me she worked in emergency services.

No sooner had I begun to ask what it was like for her to be in such a stressful environment did an awkward silence settle over our Hibachi grill. I heard her gasp. I abruptly stopped mid-question. I felt Phil's hand gently lay upon my leg as if to say, "Stop talking. Whatever you do, stop talking."

Just then Janet began to cry.

"What had I done?! All I did was walk across the room!"

In those split seconds, I was confused and she was emotional. It was then that Phil whispered, "Ron just proposed to her... there was a ring in her Sushi!"

I couldn't believe it!

Of all the times for me to take the risk, of all the times to take a giant step across the room! Maybe if I could have seen her, I would have known what in the world was happening! But all I could think was, "Could someone please tell the blind woman who is trying to 'walk across the room' that now is a good time to stop mid-stride?!"

I was so embarrassed! After the stardust settled and we all were beginning to manage our collective awkwardness, I sheepishly said, "Just pretend we're not here... congratulations!"

So, that was my first attempt at "walking across the room." I sort of think it can't be any worse in the future or any more awkward!

For all who might be slightly insecure about "walking across the room" and connecting with a stranger; for all those who think they won't know what to say or when to say it; for all those who are afraid of engaging a stranger who might be getting engaged while you do it... I've been there, done that and survived!

Don't let insecurity stop you from walking across the room. Your walk (risk) might not be for the person you're seeking to bless; your walk might be just for you. It might just be that God wants to let you feel your own insecurity so you can experience His security.

Taking risks to just simply love people is to have your own self-protection and desire for slickness stripped away. It really makes you more equipped to walk well!

2 Co 5:7 - For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Blessings and Joy,
Jennifer Rothschild
Author of Self Talk, Soul Talk: What to Say When You Talk to Yourself, and Founder of WomensMinistry.NET

This week's question.
How can I become more "others centered" and less selfish?

View Jennifer's Video Answer

Last week's question.
I live in an area where all the women seem to be super-achievers. It makes me feel completely inadequate. Why can't I be one of them too?

View Jennifer's Video Answer

The best information we receive about the nuts and bolts of Women's Ministry is when we hear what you all are doing "in the trenches." Our weekly poll is your opportunity to share your expertise and knowledge with all of our subscribers!

Each week we ask a question, and share a link for you to post your answers. The following week we provide a link where you can see the results of the question, along with a new question. It takes just a minute, and your input is immediately added.

This week's question is:

Which of the following will you do this summer?

Answer the question HERE.

Here are the results from recent polls.

Last week we asked, "If you host a regularly scheduled special event, how often does it take place?" And here's what you said:

• Annually - 78%
• Quarterly - 11%
• Bi-annually - 8%
• Semi-Annually - 3%

I've planned those events too, and I can see that it takes most of us a while to recuperate! Really, the planning and hard work that go into our events are well worth all of the resources they require. Some of you are likely in the middle of planning a spring event while others are looking toward the fall. No matter what stage of planning you are in, we encourage you to proceed prayerfully and hope your next event offers a good dose of refreshment and inspiration to your women.

How do you determine which Bible studies you will offer at a given time? You're feedback is always so insightful. Here's what you said in response.

• Bible study leaders propose what they would like to lead 44%
• The women's ministry leader decides 31%
• A team reviews and makes selections 22%
• The pastor makes the decision 3%

Interesting Finding: Looks like the Bible study leaders are doing what leaders do, casting a vision and then doing what it takes to carry out that vision by taking an integral role in evaluating and selecting studies that will best serve their group of women. In your comments, we saw two recurring and refreshing themes. Prayer and teamwork. Both are essential to developing a strong Bible study ministry that focuses on God's leadership in the places He's given you to serve. Keep praying, keep leading and keep up the good work.

Which of the following do you feel the greatest need for in your ministry right now?

 

• Greater involvement of the women to whom I minister 54%
• Other women to partner with me 38%
• Opportunities to learn how to be a stronger leader 24%
• Knowing how to balance time along with other commitments (family, career, etc.) 24%
• Support of church leadership 18%

Interesting Findings: Women who have been involved in leading women's ministry for less than 10 years identified their greatest need as "greater involvement of the women to whom they minister." Women who have been in leadership for 10 years or more say their greatest need is "other women to partner with them."

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Self Talk, Soul Talk Blog

Based on: Isaiah 45:4

Objectives: To reinforce the principles of purpose and divine destiny in ministry; to illustrate principles from Genesis 17:5 & 17:15

Materials: Bible, concordance, popular baby name book

Procedure: Assign participants in groups of four to six women. Allow at least an half hour to forty-five minutes (or more) for this sharing activity.

Group members answer the following questions: "Do you know what your name means?" and "Is there a special story of how you were given that name?" Group members share responses and have fun looking up the meaning of their names (in the concordance or baby book) and discussing how they believe their name may be related to their personal destiny and call from God.

If a participant has a truly unusual name that isn't listed in either, you can break the name down phonetically, and look for similarities to Hebrew, Greek or Latin words in the concordance.

Conclude with reading of Isaiah 45:2-4 and prayer that the Lord give personal discernment to each member in the areas of divine calling and destiny.

Java with Jennifer is an informal monthly ministry update specifically for friends who want to keep up-to-date on what is happening with Jennifer Rothschild's ministry of writing, speaking, and singing.

Obviously, because you are receiving this eNewsletter, you are signed up for the Jennifer's "weekly" WomensMinistry.NET eNewsletter. However, if you want to get up close, and personal with Jennifer, just click on the Update Profile link at the bottom of this email, and select the Java with Jennifer interest group when asked to update your profile.

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This is a simple, but effective way to build community with the women in your ministry.

Consider using this simple idea for weekly Bible study groups or monthly meetings. Have women write their name, address, email address, phone number and any prayer requests they may have on an index card. At the end of your meeting have each woman draw a card to take home. Ask them to pray for; and to make contact with that woman through a call, note of encouragement, or email before you meet again.

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From one tool to another, I thank you from the very depths of my heart for your wonderful article, "Tool Talk." It was amazing timing on God's part as I am sitting in a hotel room right this very minute. This weekend, I am one of two speakers at a conference in North Carolina. By the way, they found me through womensministry.net and flew me in from California. May God continue to use and bless your fabulous ministry! ~ Dori Drabek

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