Recruiting leaders in your women’s ministry can be difficult. Some just don’t see an opportunity for them to lead; others feel they are too busy. Some don’t feel they are spiritual enough to lead in church. It’s important to remember that there are women leaders everywhere. Here are some ideas for finding potential leaders and encouraging them to step up and lead.
Pray
The first step is always prayer. Ask the Lord to help you find the right people to fill leadership roles. Pray for wisdom and discernment as you begin to look for women who will have influence in your ministry.
Gather Ideas
Host a casual forum/brainstorm night for all women. Set it up like a coffee night. Invite one of your current leaders to quickly share about how leading has been a blessing in her life. Then ask women to give input on how they see women’s ministry in the future. Record all the ideas offered. As the discussion continues, you’ll see your leaders emerge.
Build Relationships
As women imagine the future of the ministry, they’ll buy into the vision and see ways they can be involved. Start praying specifically for them and begin building relationships with them. When you feel it’s the right time, ask them to take on small leadership roles in something they were passionate about in the brainstorm.
Stress Serving
You might also try using the word “serve” instead of lead. That might attract women who don’t feel like leaders, but have a heart to serve.
What is your secret to helping women understand where and how they can serve and lead?
Chris Adams is senior lead women’s ministry specialist at Lifeway Christian Resources in Nashville, Tenn. Learn more about Chris here.