Sing the national anthem at a baseball game, wave Old Glory on the 4th of July, or slap a “My son is in the Army” sticker on your car and you’ll have my full attention. I was raised by a former U.S. Marine who taught me to love God and country and to never, ever give up.
Add this never- say- die element to women’s ministry and you see how I could be a teeny tiny bit pushy at times. I never outwardly hurt someone’s feelings, but when it came to putting on a woman’s ministry event, I had my orders and charged full speed ahead.
There wasn’t a hill I wouldn’t die on.
If I was asked to create a centerpiece, I enlisted flowers, crepe paper, and a bounty of dizzying streamers and doodads. If I was asked to come up with ideas for the menu, I made sure to dazzle with my Food Network TV education.
Through the years, I’ve discovered three hills that are never worthy of dying on.
•Tater Tot Casseroles. I’m from California. So, that “healthy” lifestyle is not just a myth. I remember a very health conscience woman’s ministry leader not allowing a tater tot casserole on the buffet table. When God encourages your women to serve, they should be encouraged –tater tot casserole or not.
•Ecru Tablecloths. Have you ever sat in on a women’s ministry meeting and wanted to poke your own eyes out? Would you like to keep your ministry board intact for the long haul? Then please don’t spend forty five minutes debating what shade of beige tablecloth to have on the tables for your next event. Prayerfully place the women in your congregation to oversee parts of each event, and then take your hands off.
•Annual Garage Sales and Fall carnivals. To everything there is a season. Just because it’s that time of year again, doesn’t mean you must have your annual garage sale-tea-carnival-potluck. God allows some events for a season. I’ve seen too many “Weekend at Bernie’s” reruns, where women’s ministry props up an event that died a long, long time ago. Remember, if something becomes an incredible burden, or interest is at an all-time low, it might be time to take a break. Don’t forget, God can breathe life into dead things. Our role to play is allowing it to die in the first place.
Hear, hear! I couldn’t agree more, Joanne. Asking someone to bring potluck means it’s THEIR choice. Debating table cloth color (or if minutes should be approved) will drive off any sane woman. And there are many events that should bow out gracefully when they’ve run their course. It takes a ministry leader with a servant heart and love of people to walk the tightrope between the one-year-ahead-planners and the throw-it-together-at-the-last-minute crowd. Both have value!
As always, I love your writing style, Joanne. You’ve given three great suggestions for womens ministry leaders. Love it! … and you.
Blessings ~ Danie
I am looking for a speaker for our retreat. We have about 70 women and we have already booked ECCO, Evergreen Conference Center Oakhurst. If you are available and would like to speak further on this matter please contact me either by email or call 209-334-1332, Mon thru Wednesday.
Love the words of wisdom! How timely, as our Women’s Ministries is planning an event for this Saturday!