Of course, you leaders must plan ahead, so allow me to share an idea for a Christmas project next month.

This is one of the Christmas ideas in my book, Fresh Ideas–1000 Ways to Grow a Thriving & Energetic Church:

A Nativity-a-Day

“For a ministry project, purchase a twelve-piece nativity scene and do this version of the Twelve Days of Christmas for a homebound member or person who will be alone for the first time this Christmas.  Deliver one piece of the nativity scene daily for twelve days, ending with the baby Jesus on Christmas day.  If this is a church or class project, a different member could deliver each day.  A friend of mine did this with “secret” deliveries, leaving daily notes and gift-wrapped nativity pieces on the front porch, by mail or other delivery methods.  At a scheduled time, she and her family delivered the baby on Christmas day.”

I received a note today from a lady who read the book, saying that she was purchasing a nativity scene and planning to do this with an elderly neighbor this Christmas.  Her husband’s Bible class was doing this as a mission project, with a different class member making a delivery each day. (I’m not sure if it’s a person in a nursing home, someone with an extended sickness, or a homebound member.) Each gentleman in the class is assigned a specific day, and makes a visit to deliver one nativity scene piece.  You don’t actually have to do exactly twelve–it could be more or less.  The gift is your reflection of God’s love as you show his care to one who needs it this season. 

My friend who did this with her young children made it an annual tradition. Each year, they would ask the pastor for an idea of a person who needed Christian encouragement, and they carefully made their plan. Each day was an adventure for the children as they planned how to deliver their surprise. As Christmas neared, they sent word through their pastor or a common friend to specify a time on Christmas Day they would like to stop by for the last delivery.  The recipient each year became a dear Christian friend of that family, and they began planning for next year’s Nativity-A-Day. 

Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are such a wonderful time to shine for Jesus…

Keep on shining!

 I’m buried in books for five more weeks as I complete classes for my seminary degree.  One class is a masters level Old Testament class.  I’m constantly amazed to discover how much I don’t know, but I’ve really enjoyed learning about the archeological finds and verifying manuscripts found over the years that keep on confirming biblical history.  Pray for my poor brain!

I finally submitted the proposal for a next book–one for pastor wives. I’ll pick up working on that manuscript after Christmas, so if you have any great ideas or topics you’d like to suggest for it, let me know (click “add comment” below or email me.)  This is going to be a really great one!! I really enjoy encouraging pastors’ wives, and since I’ve spent most of my life in that role, it will be really fun to share tips and encouragements for that very important group of leaders. I’ll keep you up as this project progresses.

Steve and I led a deacons and wives retreat last weekend for two southern Indiana churches, and it was such fun.  One lady shared this gift exchange game, and I thought you might enjoy using it over the Christmas holidays. (I know! I know! It’s still not Thanksgiving yet. But if I file it away, you may never see it.) We’d used it years ago, and I’d lost the script. It’s easy, quick and fun for any age.

Keep on shining!

PASS-AROUND GIFT EXCHANGE

If you have a gift-exchange at your Sunday School class party, here’s a fun way to distribute the gifts.

The group sits in a circle, and each holds a gift. As the poem is being read (with deliberate emphasis on the words “right” and “left), each person passes his gift to the person on his right or left when the words “right” or “left” are read. At the end of the story, everyone opens the gift they are holding.

‘TWAS THE NIGHT RIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

‘Twas the night RIGHT before Christmas when RIGHT through the house
Not a creature was LEFT stirring, not even a mouse–
The stockings were hung RIGHT by the chimney with care,
in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be RIGHT there.
The children were nestled RIGHT snug in their beds,
while visions of sugarplums danced RIGHT in their heads,
And mama in her kerchief, and I in my cap,
had just settled RIGHT down for a long winter’s nap,
When RIGHT out on the LEFT lawn there rose such a clatter,
I sprang RIGHT from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the RIGHT window I LEFT like a flash;
tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
LEFT a luster of midday to objects RIGHT below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but a miniature sleight and eight tiny reindeer.
With a little old driver RIGHT lively and quick;
I knew RIGHT in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came;
and he whistled and shouted, and called them RIGHT by name:
“Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen!
On Comet, on Cupid, on Donder and Blitzen!
To the RIGHT top of the porch! To the LEFT top of the wall!
Now dash away, dash away, dash RIGHT away all!”
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly
when they meet RIGHT with an obstacle, mount RIGHT up to the sky,
So up to the housetop the coursers they LEFT flew,
with a sleighful of toys and St. Nicholas, too.
And then in a twinkling, I heard RIGHT on the roof,
the prancing and pawing of each little RIGHT and LEFT hoof.
As I drew in my head and was turning LEFT around
down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, RIGHT from his head to his LEFT foot,
and his clothes were all LEFT tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of toys he had flung RIGHT on his back,
and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His RIGHT and LEFT eyes, how they twinkled! His dimples were RIGHTmerry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was LEFT drawn up like a bow,
and the beard LEFT on his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held RIGHT in his teeth,
and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a round little belly,
that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.
He was RIGHT chubby and plump, a RIGHT, RIGHT jolly old elf,
and I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself.
A wink of his LEFT eye and a LEFT twist of his head,
soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went RIGHT straight to his work,
and filled all the stockings; then turned LEFT with a jerk
And laying his finger to the LEFT of his nose,
and giving a nod, he LEFT up the chimney he rose.
He sprang RIGHT to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
and away they all LEFT like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he LEFT–out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!”

“give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord.”

I Thessalonians 5:12-13

Each October, many churches designate a day to show appreciation to their pastor and church ministerial staff member. 

October is quickly passing. If your church hasn’t expressed appreciation, it’s not too late. There are dozens of personal ways your church (or you) can express thanks and love to the leader God gave your church.

Here’s an excerpt of ideas from my book, Fresh Ideas (B&H Publishing) with some ideas I think you’ll enjoy.

One Fishing Lure

Determine one small item your pastor enjoys, such as M&Ms, fishing lures, popcorn, coffee, or golf balls. Ask each church member, including youth and children, to bring one of that item on Pastor Appreciation Sunday. For example, each family member will bring one bag, any size, of peanut M&Ms. Bring extras for guests and forgetful members. As your church thanks God for your pastor on Sunday, each member can walk to the front and place their token of love in a large basket. 

The Church Building & the Church

Present your pastor with a beautifully framed photo or painting of the church building. Use an extra wide matting and ask all church members to sign the mat before adding glass.

E-Pounding

Distribute your minister’s e-mail address to all church or class members, asking each one to send an e-mail note, describing something specific that they appreciate about their pastor. E-mails should be sent one specific day or week, creating an e-pounding of blessings!

Text-Pounding

Use the same basic idea, but ask each member to send a text-message to the pastor or staff member. 

Puzzle Gift

Order a jigsaw puzzle with a photo of your church family or church building.  Internet puzzle companies make 100 or 1000 piece puzzles from a photo.

Love Our Pastor

Take out a full-page ad in your local newspaper, featuring a photo of your pastor with each church member’s signature around it.  Include a declaration of your church’s love and appreciation for your pastor.

Lotsa Notes

Give each church member a stamped envelope that is pre-addressed to your minister’s home. Ask them to send a very specific, personal note of appreciation this week.

Make It a Month

As a church, deacon body, ladies group, choir or youth group, make October a true month of appreciation for your pastor. Ask individual volunteers from the group to write their name on one day of an October calendar. On the assigned day, that person expresses appreciation to the pastor in a unique way. Each day will be different. The pastor might receive a letter or gift. It could be a meal, a shoeshine or a “thank you” balloon bouquet. After a whole month of pleasant surprises, won’t your pastor feel appreciated? And won’t God be honored by your acts of love for His servant?

While You Were Out

Hanover Baptist in Indiana surprised their pastor with a gorgeous new home office. With his wife’s input, of course, they worked with a decorator and volunteers to turn a spare room into a home office while the pastor was out of town. They did paint, wallpaper, window coverings, shelves, desk, chair, computer, and decorator items.

Gift of Prayer

Give your pastor the gift of prayer. Create a chart, and allow members to choose a specific time that they will commit to pray weekly for the pastor this next year.  They do not need to come to a specific place—just pray on their way to work or pray each Tuesday at 2 PM. The project could be done by a deacon group, choir, class or the entire church. Present the prayer promise chart to the pastor as a gift. Then remember to pray!  

A Class Idea

All the Sunday School classes of the church could pool their resources to purchase a full set of Bible commentaries. Every individual class could sign inside one of the books, then present it as a gift from their class.

Gift from Deacons

Each deacon purchases a gift certificate to a restaurant, carwash, coffee shop, or book store. He writes a personal note on the back, then all coupons are placed inside a card for the pastor.

Gift from Kids

Wouldn’t it be fun for every child at church to create a signed bookmark for their pastor or children’s pastor, using cardstock paper, crayons or markers?  Laminate the bookmarks, and then call all the children forward at the end of worship to put their bookmarks in a basket for the pastor.

Gift from Youth

Create huge poster board hearts and a giant love note for everyone to read. Place them on stakes in your pastor’s front yard during pastor appreciation day. You could add balloons, but not toilet paper.

More Ideas for a Gift from the Church

Restaurant certificates, magazine subscription, tires, Bible software, a trip, a book, theatre or sports tickets, flowers for his wife, babysitting coupons, a new car, a grandfather clock, a suit for pastor and a dress for his wife, a new car, a new desk, home landscaping. 

Your church demonstrates appreciation, but how can you, as an individual church member, honor and encourage your ministers? A few fresh ideas:

Say It

Write your minister an encouraging note the first day of every month this year. Tell him how last Sunday’s sermon impacted your week. Take him to lunch and tell him how much you appreciate him as your pastor.

Stay Awake In Church

Sit near the front during worship every Sunday during Pastor Appreciation Month. Actively listen during the sermon. Make eye contact. Nod your head. Take notes. Say “amen” at an appropriate time.

May I Borrow Your Car?

As a special surprise during Minister Appreciation Week, borrow your pastor’s car and have it detailed, oiled and lubed, washed and gassed.

Brag about Him

Brag about your pastor every chance you get - and not just at church. Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper during Minister Appreciation Month to compliment your minister. Introduce him to your friends and work associates.

“Pastor”

Show respect by calling him “pastor.”

Personalized T

During Minister Appreciation Week, present him a “Best Pastor in Madison” t-shirt, substituting your town’s name.

Me First

Be the first church member to volunteer for something. Accompany your pastor on ministry visits. Show up early for church and help. Stay late and help. Faithfully and joyfully use your spiritual gifts within the church body.

Take Care

During Minister Appreciation Week, anonymously mow and edge your pastor’s lawn. Provide a generous book allowance for him in your church budget. Be sure that he’s paid an appropriate salary. If he has houseguests coming again, deliver a great casserole. Exempt clergy from bringing dishes to pitch-in dinners.

Love His Family

Do something special for your pastor’s wife. Help pay for his teens to attend the church’s youth retreat. Babysit his kids for free during a wedding or funeral. Include his family in your holiday celebration. Help his children apply for college scholarships. Deliver a Thanksgiving turkey to his house.

Quit Complaining.

Quit complaining. Quit complaining. Quit complaining. 

———-

Excerpts from Fresh Ideas–1000 Ways to Grow a Thriving & Energetic Church, B&H Publishing, 2007.

Fresh Ideas for Women’s Ministry is featured in a two-page spread in B&H Publishing Group’s new Ministry Resource Catalog! 

—–

Ladies Retreat Idea:

The Whitewater Association’s women’s retreat today was such fun! I enjoyed facilitating a packed classroom of pastor wives, and encouraging them in their ministries.  I also had the privilege of leading a class about women’s ministry, and had a great group of women in that class, too. 

Their retreat theme was “Tree of Life” using these Scriptures:

First, the true wisdom “is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her” (Proverbs 3:18).

That true wisdom can be none other than Christ (I Corinthians 1:30, Colossians 2:3).

One lady created a beautiful wall-sized tree visual with the Scripture and theme, and breakout classes centered around wisdom from God. 

One thing I especially enjoyed was the relaxed schedule. Though they had plenty of group time and breakout classes and music and testimonies, the overall time felt calm and very relaxed.  Fun retreat!

Diana,

I would like to start back a secret sister program but change it more to a prayer partner.

Am I mixing polar ideas? or how can we get prayer partners going.

Keep on shining!

Diana

——-

NEW ARTICLE:   Check out our newest “He Said/She Said” article in this month’s Deacon Magazine (Winter 08 issue). Steve and I write this regular column of ideas for deacons and deacon wives. You’ll like this one!

No matter your age, there is a younger woman in your church that God would have you mentor. 

I love encouraging women on this topic, and enjoyed leading a retreat on the subject.  Here’s one of the handouts.  Take a look at these simple tips to get started:

A Few Small Hints for a

Mentor

Do it.  Mentor. Be mentored. Set an example for others by mentoring.

Who will you mentor as a Christian woman? _______________________________________________________________________

Informal or informal. Make a plan.________________________________

First:

1      Be reverent in the way YOU live…

1      Not slanderers

1      Worthy of respect

      1    Teach what is good.

Then:   

Spend at least a few minutes together every week.

             Can only teach if you spend time. When? ___________________

             Listen carefully to her story.        

Use Titus 2:3-6 as a checklist guide after each meeting together: Encourage her…

1     To love her husband. Teach by example and encouragement

1     To love her children. Learn her children’s names. Be there when it counts.

1     To be self-controlled. Model self-control in difficult areas: Spending, eating, time management, priorities, temper, chocolate.

1     To be pure. Modesty. Motives. Priorities

1     To be busy at home. Not busybodies

1     To be kind

1     To be subject to her husband

Be approachable.

Speak well of her.

Introduce her to your friends.

Sit by her occasionally at church…

Remember the pig. (Proverbs 11:22)

Love her in spite of her imperfections.

Invite her to your home at least once.

Occasionally write a Scripture for her.

Help her discover and use her spiritual gifts.

Occasionally invite her out for coffee or lunch.

Recommend great Christian books you enjoy.

Include her in ministry with you when possible.

Set an example of joyful service in the church.

Put her birthday and anniversary on your calendar.

Pray for her daily. How can I pray for you? How has God been working in your life this week?

Always pray aloud for her. Bible study? Read same Christian book? Chats?

Set a great example for younger women in every area of life–body language, dress, attitude.

Just returned from a women’s retreat with Southside Baptist Church, and thought you might enjoy a couple of ideas I observed there. 

1)  Permeated theme.  My theme, “SHINE!”, was used everywhere! They prepared mini-skits for promotion in the church. For example, one lady arrives onstage laden with floodlights and Christmas lights and lanterns, etc. She states, “I heard they’re going to SHINE at the retreat, and I wanted to get a head start!”  There were stars and lights and candles everywhere–nametags, ceilings, notebooks, gift bags, entryway, etc. 

2)  Smile Prayer.  The team invited Sarah Bohrer and Heidi Hackney to lead worship–can’t beat that team!  Sarah also led a sun-up devotional time outside on the patio. Her conclusion was a time of encouragement and prayer like I’ve never seen before. She asked everyone to stand silently in a large circle. As they prayed for others in the circle, they were to make eye contact and smile as they prayed silently.  It was a very special time of silent (and personal) prayer for one another.

3) Photo Finish.  I’ve used this idea for staff parties, but it was absolutely perfect for a ladies retreat.  On the first evening of the retreat, the entire group was posed for a group photo. The next day, as ladies departed for home, they were presented with a small shine-themed gift, and a copy of the group photo. What a lovely surprise!  One team member’s husband took the photos and had copies made. If budget allows, you could even pick up cute frames at the dollar store for the photos. 

4) A visual promo idea. This church uses their group photos for its annual retreat promotion. They post a few group photos from previous years, labeled “Class of ‘02″ or “Class of ‘07″ and a caption, “Will you be in the ‘Class of ‘08′ Photo?”

Ladies’ retreats can be a great time of spiritual refreshment and growth, and can offer a fabulous opportunity for Christian fellowship.  Southside’s planning team did a wonderful job. It’s worth the effort!

Oh, you’re going to love reading this! It’s the story of a church who determined that they needed to update their women’s ministry, and how God immediately blessed their efforts to serve Him!! They jumped from a small group to an enormous women’s ministry.

Read every word. You’ll be inspired.

Note: I blipped off the names of ladies in the church and just put xxx.

————-

BEGINNING HISTORY OF LIGHT

FALL, 2008 

      On May 18, 2008, each woman in First Baptist Church, Canton TX, was asked to complete an extensive survey.  This survey was to determine special interests, desire for fellowship outside the church, extra Bible Study times and what the women were already involved in. 

      The first meeting to begin a program called LIGHT was held on June 27th.  The women present looked at the survey to determine what interests were the greatest and what would be offered during the Fall Semester. 

      LIGHT stands for “Ladies Involved in Going, Helping, and Touching.”  The program for LIGHT consists of 3 components:  Fellowship Classes (designed for “me”), a time of Coffee Fellowship and a Devotional (designed for “us”), and Ministry Classes (designed for “them”); hence, the “going, helping, and touching” aspects of LIGHT. 

      The Mission Statement for LIGHT is:  “to provide opportunities for women to know Jesus Christ, experience spiritual and personal growth, build Christian friendships, and ‘light their world’ with the love of Jesus through ministry.” 

      An overall theme was chosen—“Lighting Our World”—and a beautiful logo was designed to be used in all communication about LIGHT and to depict what the Women’s Ministry at First Baptist Church is all about. 

      The verses chosen for the ministry are Matthew 5:14-16 in which Jesus talks about our being light in a dark world.  The song chosen, “Go Light Your World,” was composed by Chris Rice.  

      The Leadership Team is as follows: 

            Women’s Ministry Coordinators—(2) 

            Fellowship Coordinator—

            Ministry Coordinator—

            Registration Coordinators—

            Luncheon/Special Events Coordinators—

            Publicity Coordinator-

      There will be DayLIGHT and NightLIGHT meeting on alternating Tuesdays beginning with DayLIGHT on September 9^th.  The same classes will be taught in both groups.  DayLIGHT will be from 9:30 A.M.– 12:00 Noon, and NightLIGHT will be from 6:30 – 8:00 P.M. 

FELLOWSHIP CLASSES AND TEACHERS for the Fall are  

            …Marriage Enrichment taught by xxx

            …Financial Management taught by xxx

            …Cooking Lite and Healthy taught by xxx

            …Love Crafts taught by xxx

            …Beginning Quilting taught by xxx 

MINISTRY CLASSES AND TEACHERS for the Fall are 

            …Barnabas led by xxx

.  …Hope Crisis Pregnancy Center led by xxx

            …Martha Ministry led by xxx

            …Homebound and Nursing Home led by xxx

            …School Mentoring led by xxx

      xxx has written the devotionals for LIGHT this year. 

      An exciting aspect of LIGHT is the childcare.  GLO (God’s Little Ones) will be led by xxx.  The children will have curriculum- based childcare for both DayLIGHT and NightLIGHT.  Refreshments will be served and recreation led by xxx. 

      The CHAMPS program will be led by xxx.  This is a group of FBC retired teachers who have committed their time for NightLIGHT to tutor and mentor students whose mothers are in classes.  Bible Stories, memory verses, and basic skills and spiritual guidance will be offered.  There will be a time of tutoring and refreshments; and our Minister to Students will plan the recreation time. 

      Special group projects are planned for the year.  Before school began, xxx coordinated gathering school supplies for children of single mothers.  Forty students were supplied with bags.  xxx coordinated the committee and received 1000 recipes from ladies at FBC for our cookbook, Taste and See.  A Birthday Party for the residents in the Nursing Home is planned for September directed by the Women on Mission.  Collection of Thanksgiving baskets for single moms and collections of Christmas toys for Christmas are planned. 

      It was decided that the meetings for LIGHT should be held in the Chapel and in rooms in that building.  There was a great need for the Chapel to be renovated with paint, new carpet, and new accessories.  On Sunday, July 20^th, xxx presented the need at the end of the business conference asking for donated labor and funds to refurbish the Chapel.  Volunteers came immediately to the need; and on Sunday, September 7^th, the Chapel was dedicated to the Lord to be used for His glory.  The verse from Psalm 115.1 is very appropriate:  “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory for your great love and faithfulness.” 

      Because of the need for funds for Kickoff and publicity, xxx coordinated a garage sale at the church Family Life Center on August 22 – 23.  Approximately $2400 dollars were collected for the needs of Women’s Ministry. 

      A skit was presented in the morning worship service on August 24^th with xxx introducing the Fellowship and Ministry Classes through a “Taste and See” skit. 

      The date set for Kickoff for the Fall semester of LIGHT was set for Saturday, September 6, from 10:00 until 11:30 A.M.  This was a time in which booths of everything offered in LIGHT and the total Women’s Ministry Program were set up.  In addition to the booths set up for the classes were booths for Women on Mission, Helping Hands Ministry, Parent’s Day Out, upcoming Special Events, Legacy of Love Conference, Volunteer Opportunities, and Bible Studies offered on different days. 

      The theme for the Kickoff and for the year is “Taste and see that the Lord is good”  (Psalm 34.8).  Teri Sawyer from FBC, Tyler, was enlisted to be the speaker.  Kimberly Abbott, Sign Language Artist from Tyler, and Amy Chalker provided the special music, our theme song, “Go Light Your World.” 

      One hundred twenty-five women came for the Kickoff.  After viewing the booths and choosing where they wanted to be involved, the women heard the program and then took individual candles and lit them from one another and closed the program in prayer and encouraged the women to “Go Light Their World.” 

      The First Annual Women’s Conference will be held on October 18^th, 2008, with Amy Jones from Dallas and her ministry team, “The Journey of Sisters.”  The Christmas Brunch will be held on Saturday, December 6^thwith Chris and Diane Machen, recording artists from Plano providing the program. 
 

Note from Diana: I sent a note to Paula Hearon, the women’s ministry leader, complimenting her on including so many women in planning. Read this great response…

A note from the women’s ministry leader:

Thanks so much, my special friend.  I have tried to listen everywhere I am to really hear what women are saying about their strengths.  If they even mention in a tiny way some area of strength or willingness to get involved (even if they don’t know what I’m about to do!!), I have tried to plug them in.  I was at the house of a retired teacher the other day and she showed me the scrapbook she put together after her son died.  She said she loved to scrapbook—SO…she now has the project of beginning our LIGHT scrapbook!!  The key, as you so well know, is to inspire and let the Lord do the rest.  It’s truly amazing to watch.  There is a lot of untapped talent here.  I’m after it!!!
 
We decided to do DayLIGHT and NightLIGHT to involve as many women as possible.  It would work here because of being a smaller town.  We had 53 in NightLIGHT last Tuesday with visitors from other churches present (which is so much what we desire). The assurance to working women that the same things would be offered them as were the women during the day has been a real plus.  You have to give involvement opportunities, don’t you think?   This isn’t counting the workers we had in CHAMPS and GLO.  This is truly amazing, Diana.  I’ve never experienced anything like this before.  I just wish I had had what I have now earlier in our ministry.  God doesn’t waste any experiences though, and I would not take anything for my “training ground” with you at FBCG.
 
One of the sweetest ministries is our Barnabas Ministry.  A lot of the Night class went in there.  There were 69 names on the board of our church members with Sept. birthdays, the SS teachers,  and others, and every name on the board was written.  Women were carrying out their little envelopes to go mail the next day.  This class will be the one to gather goodies for college and military boxes to be sent, along with other activities.
 
Thank you, Diana, for all your inspiration and encouragement.

Take a listen to this radio interview about Fresh Ideas for Women’s Ministry on CDR radio, by Chad Bresson.

There’s a fabulous book review on Amazon.com about the book, too!  You can link to it or read it pasted below:

Most Helpful Customer Reviews (on Amazon)

Among the BEST Resource of Its Kind - Inspirational, Purposeful, Impactful, September 4, 2008 By  L. MCDERMEIT (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews    I recently purchased several (>5) books on getting a women’s ministry started or going again… and of all the books I purchased, THIS ONE is the one that provided me with the most inspiration and ideas. It truly contains “fresh ideas” and “creative plans”! Using this book as my guide, I put together a five-month plan to radically upgrade our church’s women’s ministry, and presented that plan to our pastor. We’ve been a small congregation that started growing rapidly, so we need to take our current women’s ministry to the next level and grow with our congregation — their needs and our church’s ministry needs. I’m in the process of implementing that plan with our pastor and the church staff — all of whom were impressed with the concise, thorough plan. I told them that this book provided the inspiration, ideas, and templates. As I read through the book, so much of it resonated with me — so many of the ideas and tips gave voice and validation to my own hopes and plans for reviving our women’s ministry. The easy-to-follow examples and templates for surveys, leadership position descriptions/duties, classes, ministry opportunities, and more helped me to quickly put it all together. Throughout the book, the author emphasizes that women’s ministries need to be more than social clubs. To truly be a WOMEN’S MINISTRY, it needs to be about ME, US (church and community), and HIM. A well-balanced women’s ministry more than meets each woman’s need for fellowship, it helps to cement life-long friendships, diversity, teamwork, and most of all, purpose — taking our rightful place as the body of Christ to minister to one another, to our community, and to our world. And it’s not as difficult as it sounds! The author has laid out sound biblical principles, spiritual advice (pray! get your pastor’s buy-in immediately), and ideas on how to apply these ideas and plans to every church, whether building a new ministry or reviving an existing one — for any size church!

What a fun weekend! I got to participate in Ohio’s state Baptist women’s retreat, leading a breakout class about Fresh Ideas for Women’s Ministry book. They had a huge crowd of joyful ladies, and the setting was gorgeous.

And I had the privilege of sharing at the annual Ladies Day at Eastern Heights Baptist Church in Jeffersonville IN. You wouldn’t believe what a lovely event they planned.

Over the weekend, though, several different women shared their own personal story of salvation with me.  One lady from another country told how, at an extremely troubled point in her life as an atheist,  she knelt and prayed for God to find her! Then, she said, “I met David Jeremiah!” She didn’t actually meet him; she found him on the radio, and proceeded to devour his teachings, prayed to receive Christ while sitting in her living room, and discovered that she needed to find a local church for discipleship and service. “So here I am!” she said.  An active, faithful member of the church, she continues to grow in her love for Christ.

They had a lovely setup for a book signing in Ohio, with sofas by a fireplace, and an opportunity to sit and visit with ladies who came.  Three different ladies told me about how they found Christ as their Savior. Three more amazing stories of a great God providing an eternal plan for an individual person. 

As I reflected on the weekend, many blessings could be listed, but the greatest one was hearing the life-changing story of how women found God’s salvation.

And after all that, Steve and I got to spend Sunday with our wonderful son in Ohio on his birthday. What a blessed weekend!