Pr. Deanna ,How did you become so strong in woman's ministry ? or rather the practical side of it. You seem to have a great ability to meet woman where they are and do and say the things which are most needed to strengthen a woman's walk. you seem to make it fun,relevent,and evangelistic without being overdone. Just thought I'd pick your brain. Love you!
Thank you, Ralinda...I'm honored first of all that you see me this way.
First, you should know that I see women's ministry as a calling ~ not just a job, a slot to fill, a "need" in the church, but it's my passion -- something I wake up for in the mornings...next to my family it's the most exciting thing in my life!!! I have such a passion for this, there are not enough hours in my day to accomplish all that God has placed on my heart. The ideas just keep flowing and flowing...and God has been so good to bless the work of my hands!
The question you have asked is so loaded, I don't know where to begin. I would love to do a workshop for people on the topic that you describe. Or perhaps put together a manual of my thoughts.
Each year I have a vision casting in January to share with the ladies what is on my heart for the year. Our core mission and vision never changes but the way we live it out throughout the year does, and our events that are planned may change.
Probably my most crucial time each week is Sunday mornings at 9:30. I teach the women's class at our church. I encourage every lady at Northside to attend. They don't all attend - some go to other classes or they teach classes, or...they just do not attend the Christian Ed. hour (yet!), but it is a well attended class. I have upwards of 40-50 of them in there each week and this gives me a great time to do two things -- first of all, teach the Word of God which is my passion and second - I take a little time to cast vision each week and share my heart with them.
I also have a weekly e-mail communication with every woman in my church who has e-mailk, which is the majority of them. I do this on Wednesdays. It's a devotional, but I also send updates, reminders, vision, etc. through e-mail.
The main thing aside from all that is just to love the daylights of out your ladies! They know when you care. And you know what Maxwell says, "people don't care how much you know til' they know how much you care."
I honestly find out a lot of where women are at and what they need by just staying in tune and talking with them - both church women and unchurched women. A lot of what I find out, I find out in the chair at my hair or nail salon!!! Just talking to ladies around me...finding out what makes them tick. We're not all that different...none of us...we all have dreams, needs, desires, pressures on our lives...I ask God, "help me to speak to the very heart of these women...help me to get where they are at..." usually I ask the Lord to give me the tools first to get them laughing, then to get to the very heart of them, tear down the walls and see God do a work.
So far, it's working!
There's nothing I'd rather do than minister to ladies. Women make up well over 1/2 of most of our churches...they are the biggest people group in our church...and WHAT AN HONOR WE HAVE, those of us who do this, to minister to this group who I believe also chart the direction for the future of our nation. Let's be real, the men might be the head, but we're the HEART. Women are the movers and shakers, the absolute heart of our nation. Locked up inside of women is an energy and a creativity that is incredible. I love to see them turned loose to flourish and become all that God has created them to be.
Thank you so much for sharing! God has really laid on my heart concerning the women in our church. We have never had a successful women's ministry. But as I read what you posted, I found my heart! Over the last year, I have really started to take the time with many of the women, to see what drives them, to get involved with them personally. It has been such a joy! I am learning so much!
I am in the early stages of beginning to establish a ministry team to help me. Still seeking God for some direction in some of the areas He hasn't shown me yet. All your prayers would be wonderful!
I am so excited to have begun to step out in this area of ministry. I fought it for quite a while, but you know how it is...you got to do what He wants you to do!! And as I have stepped out, He is being so faithful to bring to me the help I need!
Thanks for sharing your heart!
Karen
__________________
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
It is so amazing when you see the path that God wants you to take , the hard part is waiting on His timing. As we prepare to change places of ministry, I can't wait to see where God is going to grow me next! I believe that He has given me a focus but I must wait and see what He wants at the new church. Ideas run through my heart and mind; ...But His word was in my heart like a burningfire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.Jeremiah 20:9
I think of this verse often and it is like a burning desire to lead and teach women what a living faith really is.The last 3 1/2 yrs have been our vision years. What God would have us to do in what He will give us to do. It has been kinda scary and troubling but as I come out on the flip side I can see the vision and the dream God wants to give us.
My Dh is getting excited about things again and that makes me very happy. You know the old saying "if momma ain't happy then nobody's happy" Being in the ministry has taught that along with that "if My Dh isn't happy then wife/momma don't know what to do!" haha
Maybe Pr.Deanna when I've been in the ministry 17-18 yrs as you have ,I'll have the wisdom like you have. Right now I can say the journey looks like it's gonna be a wild one and I guess I'll hang on for the ride and grab on to the vision God has for me just like you have. Thanks for being you and I love you! xo
You're right, these have been your vision years -- your years of preparation, yet not in vain, not at all!!
You're like the tip of an iceberg! At least 3/4 of the iceberg is submerged...nobody can see the great majestic work that it really is...........yet! This is only the tip of what God is going to do! You're roots go deep because you have been in prep for so long, getting ready for the true launching of what God wants to do in you. I'm so excited about all this for you. It's a brand new start ----------and you deserve it!
...But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.Jeremiah 20:9 
and I guess I'll hang on for the ride and grab on to the vision God has for me just like you have. Thanks for being you and I love you! xo
