Today I am sharing a guest blog post from my friend Judy. I know you will be blessed by her message and by her “free” offer! Keep reading….
A few years ago while taking a Women’s ministry course at seminary, the research I did for a paper I was writing so astounded me that it prompted me to write a little book entitled Blessedly Budgeted Women’s Events specifically for Women’s ministry leaders. If you’re one of the many struggling Women’s ministry leaders, may I offer from my findings some information that just might surprise you? You’re not alone!
Part of my research was a survey of Women’s ministry leaders which indicated that the vast majority of those who participated in my survey were not paid to serve in their positions. Additionally, a substantial percentage of respondents reported ZERO dollars allocated from the church budget to fund their Women’s ministries. Even dropping the zero-budget churches from my calculations, the budgeted funds for Women’s ministry came to a dismal annual average of $5.43 per adult female. I’d say those figures show that most Women’s ministry leaders have quite a challenge!
The survey also showed that most Women’s ministry leaders struggle with the same issues. Childcare ranked at the top – how to pay for it, provide it, etc. Asked what additional funds would allow them to do, responses in order of priority included: more events and more training (tied for #1); paid staff; and more literature, videos and workbooks.
So with all that cheery news under your belts, how can you overworked, underpaid ladies make the most of your Women’s ministry?
(1) Trust God. Philippians 4:19 isn’t page filler – Paul knew from personal experience the truth of what he wrote: “But my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
(2) Pray. Prayer isn’t a last resort – it’s the first battle station. Ephesians 6:10-18 teaches us about the importance of the armor of God. Every shred of armor listed is for defense, with the exception of our one offense weapon: “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (verse 17). Pray scripture. James 5:16b reminds us that “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” You, child of God, have had the righteousness of Christ bestowed on you: “you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us… our righteousness” (I Corinthians 1:30).
(3) Confess your own inadequacies. The apostle Paul understood the imperative of total dependence on the Lord Jesus: “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (II Corinthians 12:10). What you do in your own strength will fail; but there is no limit to what can be done in the everlasting power of the Holy Spirit!
(4) Share the workload. 1 Corinthians 12:7 reminds us that “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” You may be a great motivator but a terrible organizer. Or vice versa. No worries! God has placed within your church a great teammate who can come alongside you and handle that part of the ministry. Putting together a ministry team and learning to delegate are two huge steps toward a joyful and smoothly operating Women’s ministry.
(5) Do great things for God’s glory! If God says, “Do it,” do it. He, Jehovah-Jireh, your Provider, will give you what you need when and as you need it.
Want to know some step-by-step practical ways to put together Women’s ministry events on little or no dollars? I invite you to download Blessedly Budgeted Women’s Events for FREE. E-mail me at judywbates@bargainomics.com and tell me your name, title or position, church name and location. I’ll e-mail you a PDF file of the entire book. I pray it will be a blessing to you! (And please note: there is an order form on my website, but ordering from www.Bargainomics.com means paying $5 – e-mail me directly to get it for FREE.)
Judy Woodward Bates is known as “The Bargainomics Lady.” She coined the word “Bargainomics” from the Living Bible paraphrase of Proverbs 31:17-18, meaning “money management God’s way.” She’s been involved in Women’s ministry since her early adulthood. A graduate of the Women’s ministry Certificate Program at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Judy has a busy speaking ministry to church and civic groups; works as a freelance writer; is a columnist for a number of Christian Family Magazine editions; and has authored several books, the latest of which is Bargainomics: Money Management by the Book. She appears regularly on Fox-6 TV in Birmingham, AL on the “News at Noon” and “Good Day Alabama” and has made appearances on “Babbie’s House” and other national shows. She and her husband Larry are active members of Gardendale First Baptist Church and choir. Visit her website at: www.Bargainomics.com.
You can hear Judy, The Bargainomics Lady on the "Living with Joy" radio program nationwide Monday-Wednesday, August 30 through September 1. To find the station nearest you, click here.