A Note from Chris Adams: Moms of different generations often view things from very perspectives. What might appear fun and exciting to one group of moms could seem boring or even offensive to another group. Keep in mind that you are seeking to reach moms of all ages and generational perspectives. Often, just like other types of ministry, you may have to use various strategies to offer ministries that connect with each group.
What’s a women’s minster to do? How do we bridge the gap between generations without losing sight of the need to reach younger moms? Read this list of suggestions from Deb Douglas, Minister to Women, First Baptist Church, Bossier City, LA .
- Be intentional. Spend time with moms of all ages. Listen and learn from them all.
- Bring groups together. Invite women of all age groups to informal gatherings to foster new relationships. Allow time for moms to build relationships. Encourage women of all generations to share their stories.
- Be informative. Help women understand moms of other age groups by interviewing moms for your weekly newsletter or blog.
- Be smart. Borrow from the research that successful corporations have done. Notice what popular retailers are using to advertise. Check out the style of their commercials and online advertisements. Begin to customize, and you’ll attract younger moms.
- Be sensitive. Remember the needs and perspectives of older moms. That doesn’t mean they have to rule the world, but it does mean presenting new ideas with plenty of information and planning.
- Be inclusive. Include moms of every age group on your leadership team.
- Encourage older moms to lead. Equip and encourage them to do informal leadership mentoring with the younger moms.
The most crucial thing is to walk with Christ. Doing so keeps us in the boundaries of what is and isn’t ok. Following Christ keeps Jesus the main focus!
Dr. Deb Douglas is the minister to women at First Baptist Church, Bossier City, La., and a Lifeway Ministry Multiplier, launched her first women’s Bible study at the age of 20. Her passion is encouraging and equipping women to serve. She is also a freelance writer and contributed to Transformed Lives: Taking Women’s Ministry to the Next Level, Revised & Expanded. Deb graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a Masters of Arts of Christian Education/Women’s Ministry and a Doctor of Education in Ministry degree. She is the wife of Paul, mom of Jared and Katie, mother-in-law to Emily and Jacob, and grandmother to Caroline.