The more important foundation of women’s (or any) ministry must be God’s Word. Not only are we to study if personally and teach it to others, but we must learn to trust it and continually rely on its truths. As you can see from the multiple passages that guest blogger Stephanie Edge lists below, we have all we need to serve Christ and lead women to rely on God’s Word as well. Read her thoughts and then study these passages as you lead women this year.
At the close of a chapel service honoring the presidency of Dr. David S. Dockery at Union University, a benediction was given by Dr. Carla Sanderson. As a part of the benediction, Dr. Sanderson chose to read scriptures selected by Dr. Dockery during his tenure. In addition to foundational core values, selections from God’s Word were used as prayers, to provide direction, and as encouragements. Upon request, Sanderson emailed these verses to the faculty as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and sustainability.
As I read the collection of verses in their entirely, I am reminded of the strength, power, and purpose of God’s Word. The Word of God is living and active. (Heb. 4:12) “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17) Likewise, the readings bring to mind Deuteronomy 6:8, “…so that you might learn that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that come from the mouth of the Lord.” This verse is also later quoted by Jesus when he was tempted in the wilderness as recorded in Matthew 4:4 and Luke 4:4. God’s people are ever dependent on His Word for sustenance and direction. Women’s ministry leaders must rely on God’s Word as they seek to lead women.
Do you claim Scripture for your life and women’s ministry? Scripture can serve both as a reminder of how God has worked in the past and as a promise to work in the future. As you read the Scripture below, may you be inspired by God’s Word and sense its power. May you be reminded again of the importance and essential nature of God’s Word in your life and your women’s ministry. God’s blessings as you meditate on His Word.
Scripture Selections
The David S. Dockery Presidency, Union University, 1996-2014
Year one 1996-1997
And let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands. (Ps. 90:17)
Year two 1997-1998
Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord God is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work of the Lord is finished. (1 Chronicles 28:20)
Year three 1998-1999
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Year four 1999-2000
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Year five 2000-2001
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)
Year six 2001-2002
Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Year seven 2002-2003
If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. (Philippians 2:1-2)
Year eight 2003-2004
In all things Christ might have the supremacy. (Col. 1:18b)
Year nine 2004-2005
That they may all be one… so that the world may believe. (John 17:21)
Year ten 2005-2006
Call on the name of the Lord and serve Him with a single purpose. (Zephaniah 3:9b)
Year eleven 2006-2007
Above all, put on love—the perfect bond of unity. (Col. 3:14)
Year twelve 2007-2008
Enter His gates with thanksgiving, And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name. For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting, And His faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100:4-5)
Year thirteen 2008-2009
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57, ESV)
Year fourteen 2009-2010
Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)
Year fifteen 2010-2011
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17, ESV)
Year sixteen 2011-2012
Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105)
Year seventeen 2012-2013
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.(Col. 2:6-7, NIV)
Year eighteen 2013-2014
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; Do everything in love. (1 Cor. 16:13a, 14)
Compiled by Dr. Carla Sanderson
Executive Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Provost
Stephanie Edge is the Director of Women’s Ministry, Poplar Heights Baptist Church, Jackson, TN and a Lifeway Ministry Multiplier. She graduated from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity. Stephanie also completed a Masters of Theology and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Christian Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Stephanie currently is an Associate Professor at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee and an Adjunct Instructor of Women’s Ministry at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She has a passion for God’s Word and ministering to women.