March, 2015, From the Online Leadership Conference.

I think the stronger our women's ministry teams are, the more we accomplish and the more fruit we see in the women's ministry programs in our churches. And we can't just encourage physical strength and work on motivation like a cheerleader, but I think we must really do that deep encouraging for team members and helpers to know their Bibles, know what they believe, have a devoted prayer life, and be strong in their faith.

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 1 Thessalonians 5:11-13 (KJV)

1. Through Bible Based Training

• Have a Bible study just for your team members. Choose topics such as unity and Biblical leadership.
• Teach them how to lead someone to Christ.
• Teach them how to be altar workers.
• Give them Bible challenges such as reading certain books of the Bible and memorizing Bible verses.
• Teach them how to write a devotional and deliver it to a group.
• Teach them how to be a spiritual mentor.

2. Through Prayer

• If you have a large team, assign prayer partners.
• Have team meetings periodically solely dedicated to prayer for your women’s ministry.
• Have team members pray for each other.
• Encourage personal prayer lives for each team member.

3. Through Leadership Training

• Attend leadership seminars and workshops together.
• Teach various skills such as organizing, public speaking, etc.
• Use team building exercises.

4. Through Books

• Read through a leadership book together such as on leadership strategies.
• Read through an inspirational book just to encourage everyone on your team.

4. Through Activities

• Participate in marathons and walkathons. It’s a great way to bond.
• Participate in walks and hikes.
• Go on a team shopping trip for a particular event.
• Have a team movie night at a team member’s home.
• Have team lunches and coffee meets.

5. Through Projects

• Work with the team to draft a women’s ministry logo.
• Work with the team to draft a women’s ministry purpose or ministry statement.
• Work with the team to draft a women’s ministry brochure.
• Work with the team to draft a women’s ministry handbook for your church.
• Work with the team to make up a yearly calendar for women’s ministry.
• Work with the team on tasks for events.

Copyright ©2015 Julia Bettencourt.

Find more along this line in the Teams and Volunteers Index.

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