This is eighth in a series of posts from a meeting we recently we with a group of women’s ministry leaders and some young women/young women’s leaders together for dialogue. Read previous posts in this category first!
The overall biggest take away for all of those who were in our meeting was this: this kind of dialogue must happen on the local church level. Women must be willing to sit at the table with older and younger women, talking honestly about their lives, perspectives on ministry, how to study the Word of God, and grappling with tough and even controversial topics.
We do not have to all agree on all the issues, but we must listen. Older women must let the young women talk, and even talk it out! That is how they deal with issues. But they do want your input as well as wanting to feel they can contribute as well. Younger women must be willing to accept that older women have lived longer and do have wisdom to share with them. They must be teachable. But then so much older women!
So, conclusion is: there are NO easy answers, but the future of ministry with women depends on how well we do this. If we want to “finish the race well” in serving the Lord as long as He allows and as long as we have breath, then connecting with all ages of women, and especially connecting with the younger generation is essential.
What happens if we don’t? Ponder that and ask, is it worth it to continue to pass on the heritage of faith and leadership? Pray over this verse as you answer (challenge your leadership team to pray over it as well as they consider this question): Acts: 20:24 (HCSB) But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.
Resources:
Women Reaching Women
Transformed Lives
Lost & Found
The Millennials
Context
Leading Young Women Category on blog
Top 10 for the Generations category on blog
YOU Lead
Women’s Forum
Other Training
LiveWay Women Live