WOMEN’S MINISTRY
What Ministers to a Woman?
Today like never before, women are hurting. They are overwhelmed with responsibilities and inundated with lies. Many come from unhealthy and dysfunctional backgrounds that have left them ill-equipped to handle life’s pressures. Due to heavy responsibilities and dissolving families, many women feel isolated and lonely.
When a woman walks into a church, she is looking for someone to care, encourage, and listen to her—she desperately needs the Body of Christ. She wants to know that she is not alone, and she needs the hope that a personal relationship with Jesus can provide.
1
Since creation, men and women have been distinctly different. Here are some general differences between most (although not all) men and women:
- Emotionally: Women process emotions through talking; they are more emotionally expressive. Men process emotions through action; they are more emotionally reserved.2
- Verbally: Women communicate mainly to express themselves; they expand on details. Men communicate mainly to exchange information; they condense details.3
- Relationally: The female hormone oxytocin promotes a woman’s stronger desire to bond.4
While sermons can challenge and inspire a woman, genuine life-change happens when someone enters her emotional world, connects with her, and encourages her on a personal level. She experiences the most growth within relationships that provide empathy, presence, conversation, and emotional connection.
5
1Kerry Clarensau, Secrets: Transforming Your Life and Marriage (Springfield: Gospel Publishing, 2009), 29.
2Jimmy and Karen Evans, Marriage on the Rock (Ventura: Gospel Light, 2006), 216, 217.
3H. Norman Wright, Communication:Key to Your Marriage (Ventura: Regal Books, 2000), 140, 142.
4 Beverly White Hislop, Shepherding a Woman’s Heart (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2003), 60.
5Ibid, 29.
©2012 National Women’s Department, General Council of the Assemblies of God
Resources and Information
- Celebrating Jesus: 10 Ways to Refocus the Season
Consider these suggestions to put Jesus back into the spotlight this Christmas.
- The scent of authenticity: It’s not just about the tree
Authentic Christianity has a “fragrance” about it.
- 12 Tips for Teaching Thankfulness
Biblical thankfulness shouldn’t be limited to a season.
- Thanksgiving: The Forgotten Holiday
If it seems that Thanksgiving gets lost between Halloween and Christmas, here are some tips to redirect your family toward gratitude.
- Still Thirsty?
When planning your women’s meetings, consider using these theme resources!