|
|
|
|
Moving forward in ministry... The primary rationale offered for the exclusion of supplemental women’s ministries at General Conference was the claim that the Discipline allows for nurturing ministries, and that women can form such ministries without the benefit of official recognition. While this is a poor and unacceptable excuse, we will take it as full allowance for supplemental women’s ministries and will move ahead to encourage women to utilize our Inspiring Models for Effective Women’s Ministry to revitalize their local UMW group, or to form new women’s ministries that are effective in spiritual formation, discipleship and mission. This material was prepared in response to repeated requests for such a resource by women who are a part of the RENEW Network.
The ministry models resource provides all that is needed for a local group to revitalize a current women’s ministry, or to start a new one. If a small leadership team is in place, Inspiring Models is the resource to help get things going. However, we are aware that special gatherings that bring together taskforce members who shared the ministry ideas in the Inspiring Models handbook and women who are ready to move forward provides a dynamic that welcomes the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Such events can also provide an opportunity to connect with other United Methodist women who are interested in establishing effective women’s ministries. RENEW is prepared to send a small team of women to hold events that introduce the Inspiring Models concept and to provide leadership training for those whom God raises up to bring new paradigms of ministry to the local level. The ministry models events will be geared for all women, providing inspiration and challenging presentations in the six areas of ministry covered in the Inspiring Models handbook. Special attention will be given to leadership development. We hope you will consider hosting such an event in your area. While individual churches may want to hold their own meeting, we encourage several churches to come together to sponsor an area-wide, or regional gathering. Inspiring Models events may be scheduled for one, two or three days. They may be offered as a day-apart or as a retreat. The setting can be the local church or a retreat center. A two or three day event would allow more time for prayer, inspiration and guidance in ministry formation. But, we know God will be present to bring guidance and enabling regardless of location or time factors.
Use the form in
this newsletter to express your interest in hosting an Inspiring Models
for Effective Women’s Ministry event, and to obtain more information
about how to do so. ............................................................................................................ |
