Blog - Page 22 of 65 - Retreat-in-a-Bag 22

And the Oscar Goes to…

Posted by Debby on March 25, 2014

If you watched the Oscars this past February, one name that you probably don’t remember is the winner for “Best Production Design.” This person is behind-the-scenes, but has a key role in visually telling the story. The job description includes set design, decorating and even some costume design, in addition to supplying all the props.

Why am I bringing this up? We’re not Hollywood, but even our our small-scale skit at a retreat or women’s event benefits from the skills of a person with the gift of “production design.” The setting and props, no matter how simple, can go a long way toward getting the message across. Someone with that gift can read the skit, envision the set and the props needed, and then make it come together. That’s a gift I don’t have!

Since we have no budget for our skits or props, these ladies not only “see” the setting, but they are able to create the scene by repurposing something from around the house, or by using a little cardboard and paint. For example, one of our skits required something that would represent jail bars. So what did our “production designer” come up with? A child safety gate, propped on a desk. It got the point across.

If you plan on using skits, pray for a person with this gift to join your team!

Posted in: Money-Saving Tips, News & Information, Skits

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Risky Business

Posted by Debby on March 4, 2014

This year, we’re taking a risk.

We wanted to hold our retreat at a popular local retreat center. However, it was fully booked for every weekend in the fall…EXCEPT the weekend prior to Thanksgiving. So we had a decision to make–take a chance and schedule our retreat on a weekend very close to a holiday, or go through the process of trying to find another location for a more convenient weekend? After much prayer, we decided to risk it. Will our women be able to take time out for a retreat just prior to the busy holiday season? Will they be willing to spend the money at that time of year? Or will it actually be easier for them to get away, since other activities are gearing down for the holidays?

We’ll find out in November and let you know. Have you ever scheduled a retreat that close to the holidays? What was your experience?

Posted in: News & Information, Retreat and Event Planning, Starting Points in Retreat Planning

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Choose Carefully

Posted by Debby on February 25, 2014

The target audience for Retreat-in-a-Bag is women’s ministry leaders in small churches. If that describes you, it is very possible that you don’t have a leadership team as we have discussed. How do you find those women to help you? What qualities are you looking for?

Let me begin by saying, you can’t do this alone. Maybe you are not ready to bring other women in as teachers; however, you need women who will support you and share some of the responsibilities. Begin by asking for discernment and God’s wisdom and timing as you go about forming a leadership team. These are women you will basically be discipling and training in the ministry.

What are you looking for? Here are a few questions to ask.

1) Does she have a heart for the Lord and a teachable spirit? Maybe you have a group of women who are young in the Lord. In that case, you look for the woman who is seeking to grow in the Lord, and making it a priority in her life.

2) Does she have a heart for women? If you already have a women’s ministry going, these are the women you see welcoming and ministering to other women.

3) Is she faithful to the women’s ministry? One who is ready to be a leader is already coming to your women’s ministry events. She makes an effort to attend women’s studies and/or events and makes herself available to help. If you have someone who shows up early and stays late to help you, she may be one to seriously consider for your leadership team.

4) Other things may be a red flag as you consider possible women for your team. If a woman is known to be a gossip among the women, that would be a red flag. If there are problems in her home, that is another possible red flag. Look at how she dresses and talks. Will she be a good example for your women?

Posted in: Developing Leadership, News & Information, Realities of Ministry

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Leaders’ Meetings (Part II)

Posted by Debby on February 18, 2014

As mentioned last week, our women’s leaders meet once a month. Denise our pastor’s wife and head of the women’s ministry, has an agenda. Here are some things we have learned over the years regarding these meetings:

We have a “secretary” who takes notes during the meeting. These notes are forwarded to all leaders after the meeting. If someone has to miss the meeting, the notes keep her updated on everything that was discussed at the meeting; Also, the notes include “action points” which basically list who has volunteered to do what. For instance, “Kathy will make calls to find a venue for our women’s event;” “Debby will make a flyer;” “Cheryl will fill out forms requested by the church.” Any leader can look back at this email if she has forgotten her assignment.
We always begin the meeting with prayer. And the agenda always includes an extended time of prayer for the women’s ministry and upcoming events as well as personal prayer for one another;
We always bring our calendars so that we can all record any upcoming dates/events and check for scheduling conflicts. Our preference would be to not schedule an event or meeting when several of our leaders would be gone for a school break or vacation. We always check with the church calendar before making a final decision.
We discuss the current issues in the women’s ministry. If we are in the midst of a women’s study, we always touch base to make sure no one is experiencing any problems.
This is where we plan for upcoming events, and delegate responsibilities among the leadership team women. We also keep one another updated on our progress. For instance, if we are planning a women’s event several months in advance, we would delegate someone to be in contact with the venue and she would report back at the next meeting.

Posted in: Developing Leadership, Lessons Learned, News & Information, Retreat and Event Planning

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Leaders’ Meetings (Part I)

Posted by Debby on February 11, 2014

Our pastor’s wife, Denise, has always been the head of the women’s ministry. But she has a group of women serving under her to support her in the ministry. These are women she has seen to be faithful not only in attending church regularly, but in their involvement in and commitment to the women’s ministry. She has been able to observe firsthand that they have a heart for the Lord, a heart for women and a heart for serving others.

Our leadership team has grown over the years, and we currently have nine women involved in leadership. In our case, that is not too many because Denise is limited by her health, and she needs extra hands.

We currently get together for a once-a-month meeting. Denise normally has an agenda, which may include delegating responsibilities for upcoming events, discussing issues and problems which have arisen, and touching base with the leaders personally. We pray together for our women and for one another. Denise shares her heart and the leading God has given her for the women’s ministry. This meeting assures that we are on the same page as leaders.

More about our meetings next week.

Posted in: Developing Leadership, Lessons Learned, News & Information, Realities of Ministry, Retreat and Event Planning

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