Women today are tired, overcommitted, and stressed out. If you’re a woman, you probably know that to be true! But a recent study by Barna Group statistically confirms this reality for women.
When women are told by our culture that they can do it all, have it all, and do it all well, they are given an impossible role to fill. The recent stats indicate the majority of women are dissatisfied with their balance of work and home life. The stats among women who are moms are higher than women in general. The real kicker is that 88 percent (all women) to 95 percent (moms) want to do better in at least one area of life. The good news in the midst of these sad numbers is that the majority in both camps are satisfied with their lives overall.
So how can the church help relieve some of the stress in the lives of women? Here are five ways the church can support and encourage women who feel overwhelmed and stressed out:
1. Give her a break.
Don’t expect her to do it all. Many women devote more time to ministry outside the home than to their own families. Encourage women to put family first. Provide ideas and ministry opportunities that include children and spouses whenever possible.
2. Help her discover her giftedness, skills, and interests.
Then show her where those intersect with needs in the church and community. Help her hone her skills and allow her to say “no” to other opportunities to which the Lord has not called her.
3. Teach her how to focus daily on Christ.
Guide her to make Scripture and time with the Lord her greatest priority.
If she will seek His direction on a daily basis, she will learn how to discern God’s voice and calling. She will know how best to be involved in her church and community.
4. Equip her in practical ways.
Provide information through groups for specific needs, such as parenting, career and work, nutritional meal planning, and sharing Christ in her neighborhood. Find out what issues women in your church are facing and design Bible studies and small groups that offer support and knowledge in these areas.
5. Understand her many responsibilities.
Pray for and with her! Let her know you see her and want to walk alongside her.
Chris Adams is senior lead women’s ministry specialist at Lifeway Christian Resources in Nashville, Tenn. Learn more about Chris here.
