"What do you guys think of Jennifer Rothschild?"

That was the opening question of a post in a chat room recently.

 

The web offers interesting opportunities to communicate with each other and sometimes we don't even realize we are doing it! The dear lady who asked the question about me didn't realize she was asking the question "to" me.

Someone close to me let me know my name showed up so I went to the chat room to take a look at what was written! When I read the remainder of her publication, I felt compelled to address the writer's concerns. Her inquiry and comments gave me an opportunity to deliberate on what I do in ministry and why I do it and so, below I pasted her concerns and my response. In doing so, I seek to give you opportunity to deliberate upon what you do in ministry and why you do it also.

As you read, PLEASE, don't get tripped up by her assumptions (for most of them are unfounded) but instead, use them to deliberate upon what you are convicted to avoid.

The posting in the chat room said:

"The women's ministry at our church is going to use one of her DVD series and book study for the women this fall. I haven't read any of her material, personally, but I did some research about her and her associations. She appears regularly on TBN , 700 club (and secular shows too.) Has anyone heard any of her teachings? Would you be concerned about her? She apparently is ecumenical, because her itinerary includes Catholic churches and colleges. I am convicted myself, to avoid her....what are your thoughts?"

I would have loved to have been able to address my sister directly, but when trying to post my response, the site wouldn't permit it. If I were allowed into the chat room and into her heart, this is what I would have told my sister in Christ:

"I'm so glad I got a chance to read about your concerns. Like you, I am so protective of the integrity of God's Word and I hold the warning in James to teachers with the highest regard. It is crucial that we take seriously the study and teaching of God's Word. I would like to clarify the reason why I go speak to people who may have no faith convictions or may potentially embrace different doctrine than I. An opportunity to go and minister Truth to people who may be seeking or who are possibly mislead by faulty doctrine is an opportunity I believe Jesus would seize. He established relationship with and spoke Truth to sinners and social outcasts-those who the religious were 'convicted to avoid.'

The Apostle Paul spoke truth to the Greek intellectuals and ordinary Gentiles-those who upstanding Jews of that day were 'convicted to avoid.' From the example of Jesus and Paul it appears it is possible to speak truth without compromise even in environments where truth has been compromised.

My attempt to reach all with the Truth of Scripture is not an attempt to be ecumenical. It is my effort to follow Christ's example as I understand it.

I am convicted to avoid a mind set that keeps the liberating truth of Jesus imprisoned in the sanctified circles of those who've already been set free.

I am convicted to avoid reserving the living water exclusively for those whose cups are already filled.

I am convicted to avoid compromise and pride so I ask you to channel your concern to the Throne petitioning God that I will never go anywhere He doesn't lead and never say anything He doesn't sanction.

Thank you for caring so much about sound Biblical teaching - I need it - we all need it and I appreciate that you helped me to clarify what I am convicted to avoid. Bless you, my sister."

So, women in ministry, what are you "convicted to avoid?"

Unless you know what it is, you will inevitably embrace it.

"But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your 'yes'' be yes and your 'no' be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation." James 5:12 ESV

Blessings and Joy,
Jennifer Rothschild
Author of Self Talk, Soul Talk: What to Say When You Talk to Yourself, and Founder of WomensMinistry.NET

The best information we receive about the nuts and bolts of Women's Ministry is when we hear what you all are doing "in the trenches." Our weekly poll is your opportunity to share your expertise and knowledge with all of our subscribers!

Each week we ask a question, and share a link for you to post your answers. The following week we provide a link where you can see the results of the question, along with a new question. It takes just a minute, and your input is immediately added.

This week's question is:

Which of the following are part of the Women's Ministry at your church?

Answer the question HERE.

Here are the results from the last three polls.

Which of the following best describes your perspective on ministry?

• I consider myself to be a professional ministry leader - 11%
• I simply desire to fulfill God's calling on my life - 74%
• I have a passion to reach women and want to do my part - 65%
• It's difficult to minister in my situation, but I'm doing the best I can - 8%

Interesting findings: The majority of women's ministry leaders have a calling to lead while the majority of women who serve on teams or teach have a passion to reach women. Also, women who are in paid women's ministry positions generally have positive ministry situations, while women who volunteer or are pastor's wives face some difficulties.

Does your ministry include an opportunity for women to mentor other women?

• Yes - 61%
• No - 39%

Interesting findings: 39% of you felt that the overall success of your mentoring program was "good" and 33% said that it was satisfactory.

What is the primary goal behind the special events you do for your women?

• Relationship Building - 87%
• Spiritual Development - 69%
• Reaching the Community - 53%
• Fun Night Out - 43%
• Provide Opportunity to Get Involved - 39%
• Traditional Events - 26%
• Seasonal/Holiday Events - 25%

What kinds of classes do you offer for women in the summer?

• 12-week Bible studies - 10%
• Shorter Bible studies - 45%
• Book clubs - 19%
• Devotional series - 7%
• Topical workshops - 15%
• No classes in the summer - 31%

20% of you engage your women in other activities that ranged from weekly picnics in a local park to a summer retreat. Overall, it looks like summer is a difficult time to engage women; creativity with a healthy dose of relaxation is likely the best answer.

Visit these past sponsors:

Following the Shepherd Mentoring Program

Self Talk, Soul Talk Blog

Whether you are Bible study teacher, leader, or discussion group facilitator, there are some great tools that will help you get into the Word, get the most out of it, and share it appropriately. Here are some of my favorite tips:

1. Prayer - It is imperative that you, the leader spend time in prayer asking for the Lord to teach you and open your heart to truth, as well as praying for the members in your study group. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you.

2. Focus on the Word - The focus is not on you as the leader, but the Bible. If you are a small group or discussion leader, your role is simply to guide the discussion, encourage personal interaction with Scripture and let the Holy Spirit make application according to the needs of the women in your group. If you are teaching, your role is to share what the Lord leads you to, but always with Him as the focus. Try not to include too many personal stories. Keep the focus on the Word!

3. A-ha Journal - keep a small notebook with you to record great ideas or thoughts that might be applicable to your class. You can find inspiration from the radio, messages in church, and other conversations. Consider keeping it on your bedside table just in case your a-ha thought happens in the middle of the night.

4. Find some great study tools - Imagine yourself at the kitchen table with your Bible, a notebook and several study books spread out around to help you dig a little deeper. What books would you use? Here are some I use and recommend:

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance - James Strong/Hendrickson Publishers
Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words - W.E. Vine/Thomas Nelson
Bible Knowledge Commentary: Old Testament & New Testament - Edited by John F. Walvoord & Roy B. Zuck/Cook Communications
Jensen's Survey of OT & NT - Irving L. Jensen/Moody Publishers
Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible - Spiros Zodhiates/Amg Publishers
CBD Parallel Bible (KJV, NKJV, NIV, NLT) - Prince Press
Manners and Customs in the Bible - Victor Matthews/Hendrickson Publishers
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible - Matthew Henry/Hendrickson Publishers

Obviously, there are all kinds of Bible study tools. Find what works for you. These recommendations and more study tools are available through our online store.

5. Be Prepared - Start and end on time. Have everything you need in place and ready to go before everyone arrives. Take time to greet each woman. Do your research and anticipate any possible questions that might arise. Be prepared to address them.

Bible study is a key element of any Women's Ministry. It is the first thing I encourage women to establish when they are starting a WM, and it is typically the foundation for all other programs and ministries to grow out of. Study hard and share the Word!

In Him... Robyne Beaubien, Editor

Java with Jennifer is an informal monthly ministry update specifically for friends who want to keep up-to-date on what is happening with Jennifer Rothschild's ministry of writing, speaking, and singing.

Obviously, because you are receiving this eNewsletter, you are signed up for the Jennifer's "weekly" WomensMinistry.NET eNewsletter. However, if you want to get up close, and personal with Jennifer, just click on the Update Profile link at the bottom of this email, and select the Java with Jennifer interest group when asked to update your profile.

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This event idea was originally published in Issue 254 on March 11, 2005.

Based on: Psalm 91:4 and Matthew 23:37

Description: We made a Hee Haw commercial to promote our Hen Party. The ladies were to dress country style. The tables were decorated with red and white checked table covers with a basket of (Easter) eggs on some of the tables and chicken decorations on others. Inside the eggs were points and candy. We gave points for whatever color egg was chosen. Points were also given for the best dressed country girl.

We hosted a clucking contest and the winner at each table then competed in front of all the women. It was hilarious. The winner received additional points. The games we played were related to chickens, like a quiz on how much you know about chickens. Another quiz was to fill in the correct bones to a chicken. It was a lot of fun.

Our meal consisted of chicken, eggs, salads, etc. We sang praise and worship, had a couple of devotions and watched a Nicole Johnson video on having girlfriends! (The waitress skit) At the end of the evening, we tallied our points and the one with the most points won an evening away from home and a gift certificate to a local favorite restaurant. We had around 90 ladies in attendance. It was a good way to get to know each other.

Someone Has to Win... Why Not You!

When you visit our Featured Sponsor link, you will automatically be entered to win a free book, cd, or other resource from WomensMinistry.NET.

We randomly select the winner from those that click through the featured sponsor links in last week's issue.
This week's winner is...r3l100@yahoo.com...

reaching more than 20,000 influential women's ministry leaders across the world. Click here for Advertising Rates

Here's what some of our recent Ad Sponsors are saying:

" ...got a call from a woman in Mississippi this morning who called in her order since her dial-up was slow. When I asked her if she saw the product at the EWomen Conference in October, she replied that she read about them in Jennifer Rothchilds' newsletter. She's introducing them to her church's bookstore and expressed such complimentary things about Driving Reflections...I'm so happy that I ran the ad!"
- Jane Brown, President, Get It In Your Soul, Inc.

Our popular WomensMinistry.NET Directory of Speaker, Authors, and other Gifted Communicators is where Women's Ministry leaders and event planners find great speakers for their events. Also, Silver and Gold Listings receive special pricing on eNewsletter Sponsor Ads.

From one tool to another, I thank you from the very depths of my heart for your wonderful article, "Tool Talk." It was amazing timing on God's part as I am sitting in a hotel room right this very minute. This weekend, I am one of two speakers at a conference in North Carolina. By the way, they found me through womensministry.net and flew me in from California. May God continue to use and bless your fabulous ministry! ~ Dori Drabek

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