Holiness unto the Lord ...

The purpose of Women's Ministries is to glorify God by challenging women:

• to know God personally
• to grow in Christlikeness
• to discover and use spiritual gifts
• to love and serve others
• and in all we do to reflect the beauty of the Lord Jesus Christ

The mission of Women's Ministries is GROWTH.

Gathering women
Resourcing opportunities
Offering acceptance
Winning women to Christ
Teaching biblical truths
Honoring the Spirit-filled life

Philippians 2:1-2 supports these statements.
If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. (NASB)

Women Alive! Magazine

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Small Groups

Developing and Using Small Groups

Linda Hardin, DMin.

The implementation of small groups is one factor in the growth of some churches. Church growth experts say small groups are an important factor for growth, whatever the church attendance. Beginning small groups requires much work, time, prayer, and a vision.

Reasons for Small Groups

1. They provide another entry point into your church. In the past, Sunday School, worship services, and special events served as entry points. While these still offer opportunities, we must continue to search for ways to increase the opportunities people have to become involved in our churches. For a variety of reasons, some people are intimidated by walking into a crowd. They feel more comfortable with a smaller group. Others prefer the anonymity of a large group.

2. They are very an effective evangelism tool. Small groups offer a place to discuss daily life and to receive encouragement and support. They provide a setting where questions are easier to ask, helping non-believers and new believers to learn more about the Christian life-style.

3. They are an effective means to care for the people. Whatever the size of your church, it is impossible for the pastor to provide all the care people need. We already practice this through a variety of ministries. Additionally, some will find it easier to talk with a church member, especially if they are new to the church or don't know the pastor.

4. They accelerate spiritual growth within the people. In a small group of people, usually 8-12, people are more comfortable in sharing needs and concerns. This leads to accountability and a atmosphere that nurtures growth.

5. They sift the work of the church to the people and fulfills Ephesians 4:12. This verse says "equipping the saints to do the work of the ministry." As Christians, we are saints, whether or not we are comfortable with the term. The early church demonstrated how the work of the church was accomplished by empowering lay-leaders. Community people expect the pastor to be involved in ministry. When the laity, however, takes this role, the impact is greater.

Dale Galloway, pastor of New Hope Community Church in Portland states "No church with more than 50 members can be effective in pastoral care without enlisting and enabling the lay people to do daily work of pastoral care."

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