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Hearts to Serve, Part II

Posted by Debby on February 20, 2013

As explained in an earlier post, the women who are a part of the “Hearts to Serve” team are called upon at retreats, conferences or special events to serve as the hands and feet of the women’s ministry. They support the women’s ministry leaders by freeing them up to teach and minister, much like the deacons did for the apostles in Acts.

As we create this team within our women’s ministry, we are requiring a short commitment of 1 hour per month for 6 months to be dedicated to discipleship for leadership. The group will read and discuss a leadership book (see the “Ministry” section of our recommended reading page), preparing the women for the challenges of leadership. As they are called upon to serve, they can be observed, to see if they are “faithful in the little things” and willing to humble themselves to serve in less recognized capacities. Those who are faithful in these ways can then be trusted with bigger things.

Posted in: Developing Leadership, Ministry at the Retreat

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Make That a Double!

Posted by Debby on January 9, 2013

Super-sized fries, double burgers, big gulps, double-stuf oreos…we are a generation of bigger is better…

In I Timothy 5:17, Paul says “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of DOUBLE honor, especially those who labor in the Word and doctrine.” The word translated “honor” here can mean either “esteem” or “the value by which a price is fixed.” In context, Paul is seems to be referring to their financial support or salary. However, it may also mean double honor in the sense of recognition and esteem.

Paul had previously said that we should render honor to whom honor is due. The principle he is expressing here in Timothy reminds us that while we are to extend honor and grace to others around us, we should be extending DOUBLE honor and grace to our leaders who rule well.

Think of those in leadership over you. As leaders and workers in women’s ministry, we often work closely with those in authority over us. Because of that, we are more likely to see their weak areas and their “feet of clay.” How easy it is to be critical and to hold them to standards that we ourselves could never attain.

But we are also more likely to be the ones who see first-hand the sacrifices that they make to serve the body of Christ. If you have a leader who “rules well” you can be assured that they are paying a price to serve in that capacity. Count them worthy of DOUBLE honor.

Posted in: Inspirations, Realities of Ministry

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How Do You Satisfy Your Spiritual Appetite?

Posted by Debby on October 30, 2012

“Desire the sincere milk of the Word that you may grow thereby…” The Bible says that to grow spiritually, we must be nourished by God’s Word. What are your “eating habits” when it comes to God’s Word?

Are you a snacker–just devouring tasty morsels now and then?
Are you a binge eater–eating so much at one time that you don’t really taste it?
Do you fast several days a week–too busy to spend time in the Word at all on some days?
Are you a low carb, high fiber eater? In other words, do you spend a lot of time in one area of God’s Word and avoid other areas?
Does your diet consist mainly of desserts–mainly spending your time in those areas of scripture which are sweet to the taste?
Are you an entertainer–spending time in God’s Word only when preparing for other activitiess?
Are you a balanced and healthy eater–regularly spending time in God’s word, and dividing your time between Old and New Testament?

Posted in: Inspirations, Realities of Ministry

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“Miss Bossy”

Posted by Debby on September 11, 2012

“Miss Bossy” is our affectionate nickname for the one who heads up our retreats. She may not make the final decisions–those are left up to our pastor’s wife (who is also the head of our women’s ministry); however, she has the gift of administration and is in charge of planning the retreat. She sets up the timeline (or retreat planning calendar) and flow chart, and may be the one who makes assignments of who does what. She is the one who instructs the leaders and servants as they come together to serve the Lord in putting together a retreat. We need those who will lead!

If the Lord has put you in a leadership position for your event — you must lead! Clearly communicate your vision, but don’t lord over your team. Most helpers will appreciate clear direction; but some may take off in their own direction. Be kind and humble and ready to lovingly correct. Be in prayer because the enemy would love for your helpers to get offended with you. Pray for the gifts you will need to accomplish the task of being “the boss.”

Posted in: Developing Leadership, Realities of Ministry

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Aaron and Hur Revisited

Posted by Debby on August 15, 2012

When I think of being an assistant to your leader, I think of Aaron and Hur, two men who came to the side of Moses in Exodus 17:8-13. We have discussed their roles as Moses’ assistants in previous blogs.

It is important to note that Aaron and Hur were not Moses’ only assistants. While they accompanied Moses to his post at the top of the hill, worked closely by his side….another assistant was down on the field in the heat of the battle. Joshua was fighting, leading the troops as Moses had commanded. While Aaron and Hur were proving themselves indispensable to Moses on the top of the hill, Joshua was proving himself a leader on the battlefield.

Was one assistant more important than another? Were Aaron and Hur the preferred ones, chosen to accompany Moses and be close to his side? The truth is, the “hero” of the story is God…the power of God won that battle with Amalek. Moses, Aaron, Hur, Joshua and a group of unnamed soldiers were used by God, working together according to their individual gifts and callings, and the mission was accomplished.

Posted in: Developing Leadership, Inspirations

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