I was first introduced to Lent by a patient at the hospital where I volunteered during high school. He was in traction and had a sign posted on his door that read, “I gave up walking for Lent.” The traditions of Lent were different from those I knew. We celebrated Easter as the high point […]
Leadership: The Leader’s Fountain of Youth
Carol was in her early 50’s when we first met. I was a good two-and-a-half decades younger, and I thought she was cool. At first, I figured it was her clothes and hair that made her so “hip” and different from the other women in her age group. I soon realized it was something deeper. […]
Event: A Celebration of Ruth
Five women are mentioned in the lineage of Christ: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary. Interestingly, none of these women had untarnished reputations. Three were not Hebrew by birth. All faced precarious circumstances and were the most unlikely candidates among those who might be used by God to do something great. They were much like […]
5 Tips for Working with Volunteers
My grandmother was a master gardener…without the benefit of formal training. I don’t ever remember hearing her call a plant by its Latin name, but she could grow anything bigger and better than anyone I’ve ever known. We’d walk amid rows of sprouts, and she would occasionally point out a stray shoot and remark, “That […]
Meetings, Glorious Meetings, Part 2
Meetings get a bad rap. John Kenneth Gailbraith quipped, “Meetings are indispensable when you don’t want to do anything.” It’s truer than we care to admit, so last month, we began looking at how we can redeem the time spent in meetings by creating occasions that are purposeful and meaningful. We began by asking whether […]
Meetings, Glorious Meetings, Part 1
Do meetings leave you feeling stirred or sleepy? Was your time well spent or wasted? Did you receive information that was fruitful or futile? Is it possible to make meetings into ministry? Meetings are a necessary part of ministry life, but they don’t have to be a bore, a chore or have everyone looking for […]
Bible Studies: Cheers to The Bible Study Leaders
We can’t say enough about the women who faithfully pave the way for true ministry by leading Bible studies season in and out. These women are the cream of the crop. They pray and prepare and do their part in bringing eternal truth to life in the hearts of women. This work is quiet, and […]
Bible Study Online and On the Go
Have you ever considered the internet as an ideal venue for Bible study on the go? This might just be what you need to help women stay in touch and in God’s Word no matter what their schedule is. Let’s begin with some ideas about ways to do an online study: Email Study: A weekly […]
Welcoming your Guest Speaker: 5 Secrets of a Hostess with the Mostest
A great speaker will make all the difference in your women’s event. She might leave you with a side that aches from laughter, tear stains on your cheeks or meaningful new thoughts to ponder. She will pass along bits of her personal journey and the life lessons she’s learned with a few laughs and tears […]
4 Values for Ministry that Matters
Ministry is the ultimate win-win. Serving brings significance to our lives while helping someone else grow richer, stronger and deeper. So let’s consider what really matters. What are your ministry values? This is the first in a series on four ministry values that should support every ministry. Value #1: Enthusiasm My friend, Kelly, is infectious. […]
