Are you a woman who leads? Maybe you don’t see yourself as a leader, but God has you leading someone right where you are. Maybe it’s your kids, your friends, or the teenager next door. Maybe it’s a Women’s Ministry, a team at work, or a small group. This series—led by our women’s ministry specialist, Kelly King—will help you no matter where you lead, and whether you’re leading one or one thousand.
Abolitionist and author Harriet Ann Jacobs once wrote, “The beautiful spring came, and when nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.” There’s something about the fading of winter and the hope of spring that excites all of us—whether it’s warmer weather, longer hours of sunshine, or the celebration of Easter.
It’s also one of the busiest times for women’s events in the local church. Whether it’s an annual gathering of women for a major event or you’re wrapping up a small group Bible study, maybe this year you can consider some new ways to engage women as you gather them in a community. If you’re looking for some creative or new ideas, here are a few ways you can celebrate spring.
- Day in the Park: As the weather gets warmer, encourage moms to gather together with their toddlers and preschoolers and head to a nearby park, walking trail, or a nearby zoo. Encourage women to bring picnic lunches and provide inexpensive kites or snacks. This is a great opportunity for moms to invite their friends who may not be involved in a church.
- Mother’s Day Photo Booth: Search Pinterest for creative ways to make a fun and beautiful photo booth in your church foyer. Provide a photographer who will snap photos and text them directly to the mom. Not only will she be proud to show off her family on Instagram, but you’ve given her a much better gift than a macaroni necklace.
- Cinco de Mayo: Who doesn’t want to celebrate guacamole, tacos, and all-you-can-eat chips? If you’re looking for a women’s event idea that doesn’t include chicken salad, plan a women’s event complete with a taco bar and homemade salsa contest. Challenge women to learn Scripture in Spanish or adopt a Hispanic church and collect items they might need for an upcoming Vacation Bible School.
- Garden Party: Spring is the perfect time to find all kinds of gardening supplies, seeds, and vegetable plants. My 24-year-old daughter just attended a similar women’s event at her church and couldn’t wait to tell me how she learned about planting an herb garden. Give away Bible studies as door prizes, such as God of Creation by Jen Wilkin or one of Kelly Minter’s studies, which include recipes for small groups.
- Teacher Appreciation Gifts: Encourage women to adopt a nearby school and find ways to bless teachers for their investment over the year. Whether it’s collecting gift cards or hosting a meal at the school, you can create an event focused on thanking teachers.
- Graduation Survival Kits: Many women approach graduations with both celebration and sadness, so why not create a survival kit for moms of high school graduates? While their children may be getting all the accolades and gifts, moms may silently need a little encouragement. Pull together a team and provide moms with tissues, chocolate, some tea bags, and maybe an extra tube of mascara. Be creative and help women feel appreciated during this special time.
- Host an Athletic Event: Spring is a great time to coordinate an athletic event, whether it’s a 10K that begins at your church or a day trip of hiking or biking. Find a woman in your church who is passionate about keeping women active and let her help you create a fun event that promotes the benefits of exercise.
- Missional Projects: Are there some older women or women with special needs in your church who could use a little help with their yard or spring cleaning? Discover what needs exist and plan a day where women gather to help others. Encourage them to engage in conversations where they learn about a woman’s story and her faith journey.
Spring may be a busy time to gather women, but with good planning and intentionality, you can discover some creative ways to gather. What ideas would you add? Share them with us in the comment section!
Are you ready to lead well? Sign up for the ministry to women newsletter to get monthly content specifically for leaders here. Get training at events like YOU Lead around the country and Women’s Leadership Forum this November in Nashville, TN.
Kelly King
is the Women’s Ministry Specialist for Lifeway Women. She and her husband, Vic, have been married for more than 28 years and have enjoyed serving together in ministry both teaching in student ministry for 25 years and teaching young married adults. They have two young adult children, Conner and Courtney, and a son-in-law, Gaige. They enjoy kayaking, having people in their home, and cheering for the Oklahoma City Thunder. A good day includes mocha lattes, Mexican food, and shopping for bargains.
Want to read more from Kelly? You can purchase her new book, Ministry to Women, here!
