I guess I feel I just need express my opinion about Women's Ministries (WM) and their role in the early 21st century church. I know it sounds academic, but, this is really merely my own personal ponderings. I may really be off the mark, so let me know if I need to change my view.
I have been intimately involved in WM for 23 years. I have started ministries, served as a team member, led them, and faithfully supported and attended organizations that others have built. I freely admit that when I first began the arduous task of building the first WM I would be involved with, I was young, at an adolescent church, and I had no experience in this area. Even with these obstacles, this group of women understood their need for community. Not just any community, but a sisterhood of like minded Christians who needed each other to encourage one another in our sojourn. We ministered together to others outside our church, met together to serve one another, and ultimately our church benefitted. Of course, this position was voluntary.
As the years have passed, our family has changed and so have the churches we have attended. I have served on a team or led the WM at every church we have belonged. The ministry that I remember with the most fondness was, suprisingly, not the largest church we joined (300). It did eventually grow to be rather large (1500 in attendance of each Sunday morning). I was paid staff at this church. I had a volunteer team of 8, and they had teams of their own that successfully engineered and executed their segment of the ministry with a creativity I could never have generated myself.
In my experience, and I will agree it is limited, most churches (of any denomination) do not have a WM staff position. The job of WM leader is expected to be filled by a volunteer. Most churches will express their desire to have a WM, but, realistically, if no one steps up to do the job, our churches will wait for someone to "feel" the need to organize activities for the women, especially since it is a volunteer position. Each volunteer tends to have their favorite activity to support, so as the leaders change, so does the personality of the ministry. Now, this is true of most positions, however, in ministry at a church whose foundation is the Bible, we really should have a cornerstone of Bible study for WM no matter who is in leadership.
So, now I must ask myself (and you) these questions:
*Why isn't WM a necessary component in our church?
*Is WM just a nice, additional activity for us to put in our bulletins on Sunday to show how much we have going on?
*If we are going to spend millions on our children and youth ministries (and I believe this is the right thing to do), will we be satisfied for these women to just drop their children off and leave our parking lot? (Our numbers say that this is happening)
*Why don't we find a professional WM leader and include that position on our church staff so we can have an effective ministry that affects over half our attendees, and, in turn, benefits our church as a whole? (On any given Sunday over half of the adults in attendance are women).
To conclude, I love my church. My desire is for us not to follow trends in the 21st century church, but to create them. Effective trends that will affect our world for Christ. That is why we are here.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Fear God and keep His commandments
Closing Comments
Ecclesiastes – Week 6
I. Fear God
A. FEAR (Holman Bible Dictionary) A broad range of emotions that embrace both the secular and the religious worlds.
1. Secular fear is the natural feeling of alarm caused by the expectation of imminent danger, pain, or disaster.
2. Religious fear appears as the result of awe and reverence toward a supreme power.
B. FEAR 3372. yare', yaw-ray'– (Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary); a primary root; to fear; morally to revere; causative to frighten:--panic, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear (-ful, -fully, -ing). (be had in) reverence (-end), X see, terrible (act, -ness, thing).
1. Obedience to even the hardest commands is our goal, because the consequence of disobedience (separation from God) is dreadful. Gen 22:12
2. We should not fear anything or anyone but God alone. This will protect us from sinning. Ex. 20:20
3. The fear of the LORD in our children begins with us. Josh 4: 22-24
C. FEAR - When I realize my own frailty, understand my lack of control in my circumstances and future, and get a glimpse of God’s glory, power and sovereignty, I am distressed and require God’s sheltering presence from myself and the effect of this sinful world.
II. Keep His Commandments
A. Jericho…
1. glimpsed Jehovah Sabaoth before Israel came to their city.
2. had already begun to respond to His might.
B. Israel
1. Fundamentals of fearing Jehovah Sabaoth
a. Circumcision – v2-7
b. Healing – v8
c. Reflect on God’s deliverance in the past – v10
d. Recognize that the battle was God’s – v13-14
e. Acknowledge the Holiness of God – v14-15
1. Experiencing Jehovah Sabaoth
a. God gave Israel exactly what He had promised
1. sustenance
2. The land
b. God did all the work. Israel was only required to keep His commandments.
III. For this is the whole duty of man.
BE THE WORD.
Ecclesiastes – Week 6
I. Fear God
A. FEAR (Holman Bible Dictionary) A broad range of emotions that embrace both the secular and the religious worlds.
1. Secular fear is the natural feeling of alarm caused by the expectation of imminent danger, pain, or disaster.
2. Religious fear appears as the result of awe and reverence toward a supreme power.
B. FEAR 3372. yare', yaw-ray'– (Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary); a primary root; to fear; morally to revere; causative to frighten:--panic, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear (-ful, -fully, -ing). (be had in) reverence (-end), X see, terrible (act, -ness, thing).
1. Obedience to even the hardest commands is our goal, because the consequence of disobedience (separation from God) is dreadful. Gen 22:12
2. We should not fear anything or anyone but God alone. This will protect us from sinning. Ex. 20:20
3. The fear of the LORD in our children begins with us. Josh 4: 22-24
C. FEAR - When I realize my own frailty, understand my lack of control in my circumstances and future, and get a glimpse of God’s glory, power and sovereignty, I am distressed and require God’s sheltering presence from myself and the effect of this sinful world.
II. Keep His Commandments
A. Jericho…
1. glimpsed Jehovah Sabaoth before Israel came to their city.
2. had already begun to respond to His might.
B. Israel
1. Fundamentals of fearing Jehovah Sabaoth
a. Circumcision – v2-7
b. Healing – v8
c. Reflect on God’s deliverance in the past – v10
d. Recognize that the battle was God’s – v13-14
e. Acknowledge the Holiness of God – v14-15
1. Experiencing Jehovah Sabaoth
a. God gave Israel exactly what He had promised
1. sustenance
2. The land
b. God did all the work. Israel was only required to keep His commandments.
III. For this is the whole duty of man.
BE THE WORD.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Ecclesiastes - Week 5
Closing Comments
I. Submission – Literally – Under (sub) – Cause or Purpose (mission)
mis·sion - noun
1. a sending out or being sent out with authority to perform a special service;
2. a group of persons sent to a foreign government to conduct negotiations; diplomatic delegation; embassy
3. the special task or purpose for which a person is apparently destined in life; calling
4. any charitable, educational, or religious organization for helping persons in need
5. a series of special religious services designed to increase faith or bring about conversion
6. * Mil. a specific combat operation assigned to an individual or unit;
II. Submission to God
A. Our cause is the law of God which brings life and peace. (Rom 8:6-7)
B. Ultimately, all will submit to God’s authority. (1 Cor 15:26 – 28) - The order of this world is hazy. But eventually God will make it all right. Every creation will be subject to Him, cede to Him now and enjoy the blessings of God’s order before the appointed time.
C. Submission is a hierarchy from God. ( Eph 5:17 – 24 ) God to Christ, to man, to woman, to child as the sequence. However, the tone of this hierarchy was not military, but voluntary and self-sacrificing. It is wise, understanding, and perceptive of God’s will. It is about pleasure and order, and out of our desire to please our Redeemer.
III. Submission to others
A. Our submission to man’s ordinances will silence fools and glorify God and give us liberty. (1 Pet 2:13 – 20) (Rom 13:1 – 7) Anyone God has put in authority over you is so that you will have someone to minister to you. Do you believe you are not in need of someone to serve and protect you? Give over that area of your life and allow God to lead as well as shelter you from this dangerous world.
B. Be humble towards all and ready to learn from anyone God chooses to use. (1 Pet 5:5 – 8) Yes, usually it is the younger who offer submission to the older, however, it is not always the case. Grace and humility go hand in hand. This will keep you from the wiles of The adversary.
C. Submission is a hierarchy from God. (Eph 5:17 – 24) God to Christ, to man, to woman, to child as the sequence. However, the tone of this hierarchy was not military, but voluntary and self-sacrificing. It is wise, understanding, and perceptive of God’s will. It is about pleasure and order, and out of our desire to please our Redeemer.
D. We must be committed to the mission of God even when we doubt our husband’s devotion to the call of God. (1 Pet 3:1) Even if your husbands are not Christians or are not obedient to Christ, you must be submissive to them, as if they were, so that your obedience to Christ will cause them to turn or return to the Lord.
Doctrine statement concerning submission
Submission is an act of admitting the authority of God over me in every area of my life, ceding to the order God has ordained, and resisting my human desires to deny the leadership and protection God has provided in this carnal world.
I. Submission – Literally – Under (sub) – Cause or Purpose (mission)
mis·sion - noun
1. a sending out or being sent out with authority to perform a special service;
2. a group of persons sent to a foreign government to conduct negotiations; diplomatic delegation; embassy
3. the special task or purpose for which a person is apparently destined in life; calling
4. any charitable, educational, or religious organization for helping persons in need
5. a series of special religious services designed to increase faith or bring about conversion
6. * Mil. a specific combat operation assigned to an individual or unit;
II. Submission to God
A. Our cause is the law of God which brings life and peace. (Rom 8:6-7)
B. Ultimately, all will submit to God’s authority. (1 Cor 15:26 – 28) - The order of this world is hazy. But eventually God will make it all right. Every creation will be subject to Him, cede to Him now and enjoy the blessings of God’s order before the appointed time.
C. Submission is a hierarchy from God. ( Eph 5:17 – 24 ) God to Christ, to man, to woman, to child as the sequence. However, the tone of this hierarchy was not military, but voluntary and self-sacrificing. It is wise, understanding, and perceptive of God’s will. It is about pleasure and order, and out of our desire to please our Redeemer.
III. Submission to others
A. Our submission to man’s ordinances will silence fools and glorify God and give us liberty. (1 Pet 2:13 – 20) (Rom 13:1 – 7) Anyone God has put in authority over you is so that you will have someone to minister to you. Do you believe you are not in need of someone to serve and protect you? Give over that area of your life and allow God to lead as well as shelter you from this dangerous world.
B. Be humble towards all and ready to learn from anyone God chooses to use. (1 Pet 5:5 – 8) Yes, usually it is the younger who offer submission to the older, however, it is not always the case. Grace and humility go hand in hand. This will keep you from the wiles of The adversary.
C. Submission is a hierarchy from God. (Eph 5:17 – 24) God to Christ, to man, to woman, to child as the sequence. However, the tone of this hierarchy was not military, but voluntary and self-sacrificing. It is wise, understanding, and perceptive of God’s will. It is about pleasure and order, and out of our desire to please our Redeemer.
D. We must be committed to the mission of God even when we doubt our husband’s devotion to the call of God. (1 Pet 3:1) Even if your husbands are not Christians or are not obedient to Christ, you must be submissive to them, as if they were, so that your obedience to Christ will cause them to turn or return to the Lord.
Doctrine statement concerning submission
Submission is an act of admitting the authority of God over me in every area of my life, ceding to the order God has ordained, and resisting my human desires to deny the leadership and protection God has provided in this carnal world.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Tulle, tulle, & more tulle
tulle - noun- a thin, fine netting of silk, rayon, nylon, etc., used as for veils and scarves.
To me, tulle equals wedding. It's that lovely, wispy, netting that blows gently in the wind and drapes everything in romance. There was an irresistable aura of love in New Waverly, Texas this past weekend. Neice 21, married her beau on Saturday in an outdoor wedding, in the country, among 100 friends and family. The gazebo was beautifully draped in tulle and lit with lights amid grapevine pulled from the trees on the land behind the house.
I had the fabulous honor of helping sister in law decorate the acres where the wedding and reception would be held. We had great fun from Thursday til right up to the minute of the wedding planning where the tulle and lights would be hung, calculating how to best host 100 people, and simply playing in the tulle.
It was hot, difficult work at times, but I wouldn't trade one minute of the experience of observing Neice 21 and her mother prepare for her new life on those few days. Even more endearing was watching my brother organize himself, not only to give her away to her groom, but to perform the wedding ceremony. He has been her pastor for 19 of her 21 years. It was only proper. His words will forever be embedded in my heart. My brother said:
"I have many memories of 21 when she was young, but, the two I want to share with you are these two things. When 21 was small and had a bad day and was really upset, I would simply hold her until she would calm down and quit crying or go to sleep. And one day when she was only 2 yrs old she put the car in reverse while I was raising the garage door and the car went racing across the street, all I could do was run to rescue her from the danger that I could see was imminent. I was ready to do whatever it took to bring her to safety. "
"Groom, that is your charge, if 21 is having a bad day or a rough time, hold her and let her know that everthing will be ok. If something is dragging her away, Go get her and bring her back! Her mother and I give her away, to you, and now that is your responsibility, her security and her safety."
Now they are cruising the Caribbean. What a glorious beginning of what will be a lifetime of memories.
To me, tulle equals wedding. It's that lovely, wispy, netting that blows gently in the wind and drapes everything in romance. There was an irresistable aura of love in New Waverly, Texas this past weekend. Neice 21, married her beau on Saturday in an outdoor wedding, in the country, among 100 friends and family. The gazebo was beautifully draped in tulle and lit with lights amid grapevine pulled from the trees on the land behind the house.
I had the fabulous honor of helping sister in law decorate the acres where the wedding and reception would be held. We had great fun from Thursday til right up to the minute of the wedding planning where the tulle and lights would be hung, calculating how to best host 100 people, and simply playing in the tulle.
It was hot, difficult work at times, but I wouldn't trade one minute of the experience of observing Neice 21 and her mother prepare for her new life on those few days. Even more endearing was watching my brother organize himself, not only to give her away to her groom, but to perform the wedding ceremony. He has been her pastor for 19 of her 21 years. It was only proper. His words will forever be embedded in my heart. My brother said:
"I have many memories of 21 when she was young, but, the two I want to share with you are these two things. When 21 was small and had a bad day and was really upset, I would simply hold her until she would calm down and quit crying or go to sleep. And one day when she was only 2 yrs old she put the car in reverse while I was raising the garage door and the car went racing across the street, all I could do was run to rescue her from the danger that I could see was imminent. I was ready to do whatever it took to bring her to safety. "
"Groom, that is your charge, if 21 is having a bad day or a rough time, hold her and let her know that everthing will be ok. If something is dragging her away, Go get her and bring her back! Her mother and I give her away, to you, and now that is your responsibility, her security and her safety."
Now they are cruising the Caribbean. What a glorious beginning of what will be a lifetime of memories.
Ecclesiastes – Week 4
Closing Comments
I. When is it time to forgive?
a. After every offense (Luke 23: 34)
b. Before asked (Ps 86:5)
II. How do I forgive?
a. Just like God forgives me, completely. (Jer 31:34b)
b. With the compassion of God because we are called to hold a different standard in our relationships. (I Kings 8:50-53a)
III. What does complete forgiveness look like?
a. It looks like pure love. I must remember that I am here to allow the people around me to experience a shadow of their relationship with Christ. Rejoicing in good decisions, facing and dealing with poor decisions.
b. Forgiveness doesn’t mean an absence of consequences. Natural consequences are godly consequences.
I. When is it time to forgive?
a. After every offense (Luke 23: 34)
b. Before asked (Ps 86:5)
II. How do I forgive?
a. Just like God forgives me, completely. (Jer 31:34b)
b. With the compassion of God because we are called to hold a different standard in our relationships. (I Kings 8:50-53a)
III. What does complete forgiveness look like?
a. It looks like pure love. I must remember that I am here to allow the people around me to experience a shadow of their relationship with Christ. Rejoicing in good decisions, facing and dealing with poor decisions.
b. Forgiveness doesn’t mean an absence of consequences. Natural consequences are godly consequences.
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