Resource Toolkit

A common concern these days is that women do not know each other well in our churches, nor do they know their neighbors and colleagues.  The current, cultural trend of having more on our plates than time to accomplish it all, results in little time for relationships.  This leaves a huge need in the lives of Canadian women.  Whatever we do in our ministries, being relational needs to be a core value.  Jesus modeled this core value as we watch him with his disciples and with those who needed him, like Zaccheus or Mary Magdalene. 

Women’s ministries that offer many opportunities for women to connect with each other are thriving.  The more entry points, which are relational, the better.  After all, it’s through relationships that we are introduced to Christ and pressed on towards growth – discipleship!  These entry points don’t need to swamp and fatigue us with planning!  They can include options for relationships one on one, with a small group and even in a large group setting.  Our team building is all about relationships too.

Offering mentoring opportunities that may be marriage or parenting related or enhance some other skill set, touch women one by one.  (Titus 2:3-5)  Once they’re set up for six months to a year, each

mentoring pair determines their own course and objectives.

Small group options abound through Bible study, book clubs and dinner clubs.  The church I am part of began “Take a Break” – women were invited to sign up for a monthly, small group that met at a restaurant for dinner out or at someone’s home.  We were then divided into these groups based on how we’d signed up and which night worked.  The reason to get  together was just to build relationships.  My group is made up of all single women, except me – some widowed and some divorced.  I have been learning much from these friends.  Two of the women were new to our church and both were on a finding faith journey. 

We have had many interesting conversations about life and faith while we enjoy different restaurants around Regina.  At the suggestion of our new-to-faith women, our group also includes either  reading a book or watching a DVD and having a discussion on these.  Here is a low planning, low effort idea that has reaped many benefits in drawing the women in our church much closer together and closer to Christ.

Large group settings – while usually not conducive to building relationships – can still incorporate icebreakers and table-centered discussions that help build friendships.   Outreach events are often set in a large group.  As we plan these events, we must keep the relationship value central.  Is there opportunity to get to know the woman I brought even better at this event?   Will she have a chance to get to know some of my friends at this event?  It has to be about more than just listening to a speaker!

The point is that if relationship building ranks high on the value scale, it needs to be built into the fabric of whatever we do in Women’s Ministries.   Prayerfully consider how you can live out this value this year.