I admit it. I love women’s events.
My spirit craves flesh-to-flesh, face-to-face community . . . for extended times to saturate in God’s presence with like-hearted friends. My soul aches to be grounded in God’s truth . . . to grasp how my womanhood spotlights the gospel, sets me free, and directs my ordinary routines and choices.
But like you, I’m guessing, I don’t love fluffy women’s events that lack a gospel purpose, biblical depth, and intentionality. Women’s events that are worth our time commit to a clear mission that strengthens the Church, develops disciples, and glorifies Christ.
Candles and petit fours alone—while a nice touch—won’t cut it. Online communities alone—while encouraging—won’t do the trick. In order to flourish, our wise God calls us to meet together (Acts 2:44; Heb. 10:25).
We women need opportunities to worship together, to seek God in prayer and connect our hearts with those who are pursuing the same narrow path. I want to know the women in my church whose lives haven’t intersected mine and most likely won’t on a typical Sunday morning. Young and old, single or widowed, employed with a paycheck or without. Each of us is related in the Father’s family tree.
I’m thankful for women’s ministry teams who share this beautiful vision.
If you’ve agreed to plan the next event at your church (bless you, leader!), allow me to lift a bit of the load. Here are some questions to navigate your planning team in the right direction.
Twelve Top Questions to Galvanize Event Planning
- How will this event unify women of all ages around the gospel?
- How will this event advance our women’s ministry philosophy and goals?
- What is our strategic plan for prayer?
- How will the program provide for personal response to the truth presented? Will guests have an opportunity to pray and process through carefully developed discussion prompts?
- How can we provide an opportunity to build community and carry one another’s burdens?
- How will we establish a welcoming and worshipful environment worthy of Jesus?
- What calls to action will be offered? What follow-up activity will challenge women to meditate and apply the truths they learned after the event?
- How will biblical womanhood be modeled and taught? How will this event foster Titus 2 relationships?
- What will this event teach concerning a biblical mindset and discerning truth from error?
- Is a speaker required? Who can best communicate the message we’ve chosen? Will there be a panel discussion, breakout sessions, testimonies, or a Q & A offered?
- Does our vision include inviting sister churches to unite with us?
- Will we commit to glorifying God through the process as much as the intended outcome? How can our team not only serve together but minister to each other?
Two Fresh Event Ideas
Our friends at Orchard Evangelical Free Church in Arlington Heights, Illinois, offer this inspiring event idea, “A Gospel Gathering: When the Gospel Meets Real Life.” Their mission was to share how the hope and power of the gospel equips, sustains, encourages, and brings meaning to everything from the mundane . . . to the greatest joys . . . to the deepest valleys of suffering. Read the details of how to plan a similar event.
Another event idea that intentionally connects women of different age groups is “Flourishing in the Seasons of Life” planned by Northeast Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina. Four women from the church body shared their stories of thriving in Christ through the challenges presented in various stages of life. Discover how they designed this sold-out event.
Events are never the sole focus of a women’s ministry. The twin pillars of a vibrant and healthy women’s ministry are the Word of God and prayer. Yet there are right times and right reasons to gather women for the purpose of building up the church and training disciples whose lives advance the gospel of Jesus Christ. That’s the kind of worthwhile women’s event I’m ready to buy a ticket for!
On the journey together,
Leslie