3 Pieces of Encouragement for Women's Ministry Leaders
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- Published Jun 18, 2024
I shared with a group of ladies at church that there are two things everyone should have to do in life. First, wait tables. Second, serve in leadership in some capacity at the church. Gratefully, I lead a body of believers actively serving in various roles in our women's ministry, and many have in the past or currently hold leadership roles ranging from teaching, planning a women’s event, or leading a service project. While jokingly, my comment reminded the ladies of the tremendous weight of leadership. Like our tendency to blame our server when the food is taking too long, our meal is cold, or the table is dirty, many of which they are not responsible for nor control, we do the same to our ministry leaders.
We put unnecessary burdens on those who give hours inside and outside the church walls. Who often sacrifice personal comfort, time with their family, rest, and relaxation for the benefit of their congregation. Church leadership is not faultless; they are humans, therefore marked by the consequence of sin. Yet, more often than not, contrary to the headlines, our churches are filled with selfless servants whose heart desires to glorify God and lead people to Him.
It is that passion, that faithful obedience, that fuels our church leadership. Specifically in this context, women ministry leaders continue to serve, even though they have been criticized, spoken ill of, questioned, and hurt by the body of believers. Remembering that it is God they serve ultimately, not human masters. Yet, it is still weary work; ministry is a labor of love. Let me encourage you if you doubt your significance and are contemplating giving up on women’s ministry. And if you in this season your faith is strong, your spirits high, glory to God! May you keep these notes as encouragement as you lead.
1. Find a Paul, Be a Paul
Throughout Scripture, we see numerous relationships that serve to disciple, mentor, and grow both parties in their faith. But, the relationship between Paul and Timothy is one that I most desire to have in my life.
In Paul’s letter to Timothy, there is such a sweet exchange in the opening. Paul starts by sharing that Timothy is his true son in the faith; we can assume Paul is implying here that Timothy is the son he never had. Paul continues giving Timothy a confidence boost in his calling and reminds him that though he will struggle in this new role, God has divinely appointed Timothy. Paul is the spiritual mentor that Timothy needs, the voice in his ear telling him to keep going. ( 1 Timothy 1)
But we see later in the text that Paul encourages Timothy to be the mentoree and take the opportunity to be the mentor. He urges Timothy to train up new Christians, teaching them sound doctrine and living a godly example. Paul knew that Timothy’s faith would be rocked by the infiltration of false teachers. But, conversely, Timothy’s faith would be strengthened as he saw the spiritual fruit blossom from the people under his teaching.
The same is true for us as leaders. We need both godly influences speaking into our lives while we pour into the lives of others. If you don’t have a mentor in ministry, find one. It doesn't have to be someone in church or your hometown. But, there should be someone who preaches and lives in the Gospel and can encourage you to walk in Truth as you lead.
As leaders, we are responsible for many sheep in the flock. Heart change happens in the hard places, in the tough conversations, and in the accountability from a loved one, and that exists in a one-on-one or small group environment. I get it, there’s never enough time, but it is in this discipleship relationship that we will often find ourselves filled instead of depleted.
2. Your Call Is to Obedience; You're Not Responsible for the Results
It’s hard not to want to do well by earthly standards. My background is in sales, so everything I did for over a decade had a monetary benchmark for my success. And if that wasn’t enough to remind me of my effectiveness, an e-mail was sent every Monday morning where we were ranked depending on our value to the company.
Yes, it was very clear who was doing a good job and who needed to step it up.
But ministry is different. We often don’t see the fruit of labor; the number of people who attend our conferences, accept Christ, or just walk in the church's doors aren’t indicative of our effectiveness or obedience to the Gospel.
I think about Moses and how he was charged to lead God’s chosen people into the promised land, something he didn’t accomplish. Some might read Moses’s story and question his ability to lead or blame the poor choices of the Israelites on him. Yes, Moses had some spiritual blunders; he didn’t always follow God perfectly, and because of his personal sin, he wasn’t allowed to enter the promised land ( Deuteronomy 32:51-52). However, he was still recorded in the Hall of Faith ( Hebrews 11) as righteous and faithful to God’s calling.
Just like Moses, we may not see the end result of what God has tasked us to do. We may never see the proverbial promised land. The people we lead may choose, like the Israelites, to go their own way at times, complaining and cursing God. And like the Israelites, God will deal with their sin; they will be responsible for their own waywardness.
But, whether or not the people we lead accept or reject God’s Truth, we are still called to do what the Lord commands. We are simply called to obey and leave the results to God.
3. Remember Who You Serve
In Edward Welch’s book, “When People are Big, and God is Small,” he writes, “Fear” in the biblical sense…includes being afraid of someone, but it extends to holding someone in awe, being controlled or mastered by people, worshipping other people, putting your trust in people, or needing people.” The point is that many of us in ministry have forgotten that we serve the Lord, not people.
Yes, we should hold ourselves accountable, looking for ways to communicate better and serve our audience. But, it should not hold the power over our ministry. People’s opinions, good or bad, aren’t the reason we serve. The inability to contain the overflowing joy of the Good News of the gospel, the desire to share Jesus with others, and hearts that are filled with gratitude let those things be what fuel our ministry.
Be encouraged today; the Lord sees you, the harvest is plentiful, and the workers are few. Thank you for accepting the call to labor with the Lord. Now, let’s get to work.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Klaus Vedfelt
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com
