Consider a woman’s world in the early 1960’s about the time that our National WMF and AFLC came into being. Almost everyone got married and the average age for getting married was 20 years old for girls. The divorce rate was very low; chastity and virginity were virtues. Sex outside of marriage was considered shameful. Only 30% of the women worked outside the home. Life for women was very different 50 years ago! Contrast the 1950’s TV mom, June Cleaver (Leave it to Beaver) who was a happy fulfilled housewife to today’s TV icon, Ellen Degeneres, an avowed lesbian and comedian.
Ministry to women has been greatly affected by these changes in our culture. Yet the need to minister to women has never been greater!! How do we as pastor’s wives and WMF leaders effectively reach and encourage our women?
Our message must be solidly based only on God’s Word. In a recent email survey to the ladies of my church, the ladies consistently asked to dig deep into Bible study. Our message must not change but how, when and where we provide such opportunities to study God’s Word is where we can creatively adapt to reach this culture.
Take a hard look at the women already within your church, their ages and the seasons of their lives. Look at women in the neighborhoods around your home and church. What are their needs? Find out through surveys, email surveys, facebook, or just pick up the phone and ask. One church moved their women’s Bible study to Wednesday night because their children were involved in church activities that night and that freed up a night for them to be at home. Offer other studies at different times or on another days based on the schedules of all your women. One church with many young mothers just started a MOPS group to encourage these young mommies and to also reach out to their neighborhood. I know of several pastor’s wives who are effectively reaching out to their unsaved neighbors through a cooking class or a Bible study on marriage.
The needs are great and often overwhelming but my God is greater and HE IS ABLE!!! Prayerfully seek His direction to creatively minister in these days for He promises that
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally... and it shall be given him”. James 1:5
