Not long ago a leader posed these questions to me and wondered what I was hearing from other leaders:
- What are the best habits of a highly successful women’s ministry?
- What are the best habits of a highly successful women’s minister/director/coordinator?
- What are the top trends in women’s ministry today?
So, I did what I normally do when I need some reliable input… I posed these questions to a variety of women’s leaders and compiled the responses. This is the first of four blog posts on these issues. This post is the response to Question #1 and I have broken it into two areas of response: overall ministry and leadership team.
Today I am sharing the compiled responses for the best habits of a highly successful women’s ministry from the standpoint of the ministry in general:
- Has a clear purpose. Doesn’t just do things but is sensitive to what God is doing and joins Him. Designs ministry around this purpose.
- Doesn’t see ministry as an organization, but a growing organism of women ministering to women as a lifestyle. Stays flexible and relevant to culture. If something isn’t working — change it.
- Fosters good (supportive) relationships with staff.
- Stays unique- doesn’t copy what others are doing but finds what works for their women
- Strikes a balance between discipleship and evangelism
- Has an environment of missions
- Doesn’t do everything, but does the best thing
- If women are in disagreement/conflict whether openly or passive/aggressively, addresses it face to face. The sooner the better
- Has as the foundation truth and the priority of studying God’s Word
- Has a balance for meeting the needs of women in the church and the community (cross-generational, all seasons of life & cross-cultural). Balance of inreach and outreach, of discipling and missions/evangelism
- Has clearly defined opportunities for growth and involvement/service.
- Cultivates relationships
- Uses the power of the personal invitation
- Is life-change and spiritual transformation driven. Spiritual growth is measure of success, not just numbers.
- Continually offers wide range bible study opportunities throughout the year along with quarterly events and opportunities for fellowship, friendship and spiritual growth
- Doesn’t compare ministry with that of another church. Seeks God’s wisdom and guidance for the women He has called us to serve! Sees ministry as unique for that church.
- Everything starts and ends with prayer.
- Exhibits transparency of heart.
Take a look at your overall women’s ministry and share what else would you include in this list?
Watch for Part 2 of this “Unofficial Research Series” that will cover best habits regarding the leadership team.
