Nice dress. Didn’t they have it in your size?
We’ve all been shopping and at some point have come across an item of clothing labelled ‘one size fits all’. By now, you may have discovered the truth by having tried on said garment and have it swim on you if you’re less than a size 12 and if you’re more than a size 14 you seriously challenged the stitching on the seams.Women’s ministries are like jumble sales
Just like clothes, one style of women’s ministry doesn’t fit all. Some women like to be pampered with foot and hand massages, pretty teacups and garden parties. These women replenish themselves and nurture each other in this environment so they can return to their families and work, energised to give their best to others. Other women refresh themselves through bible studies, craft groups, quilting, playgroup for their toddlers, op shop shopping tours, retreats, breakfasts, suppers, movies nights, girls’ stay-in nights, prayer groups, advocacy and justice forum, conferences and many more activities. The common denominator is that we all need connection. Connecting creates community.‘Connecting is the centre of everything…’
Larry Crabb in his book ‘Connecting’ says,
- ‘Connecting is the centre of everything… People experience the life-changing force of healing relationships when something powerful comes out of one and touches something good in another… The affections, passions and inclinations that consistently prompted Christ have been given to us so that we might reflect the character of God primarily in the way we relate… Something powerful has been placed within us that we are to release towards others in a way that promotes Godly community.’
Many women are extremely busy juggling family and work, and simply do not have the time to commit to a women’s only activity. Or they may not want to. Church is the only place where they intentionally meet others in the name of Jesus Christ. I recently heard a Pastor describe the church service as a
- ‘kind of conversation, initiated by the Father, in which He keeps telling us of Jesus Christ, and in which we keep responding, seeking to cement that word of grace in our hearts and minds and in our daily lives.’
Hopefully when we go to church we connect with God and others and enjoy community.
Different strokes
One girlfriend of mine wanted a break from women’s ministry, so she joined her local ‘Pay it forward’ community group. She is now interacting with new people who live locally and she is excited about how God will use her.
Another friend has visited a lonely woman in aged care for the last three years.
I know people who give one hour a week to connect with a child through a special program for marginalized children.
You may want to start your own group with like-minded women. It’s a matter of finding your fit.