Women’s ministry continues to evolve in meaningful and exciting ways. Ministry leaders are stepping into intentional, strategic, and creative approaches to discipleship, community, and spiritual formation. Whether you serve in a church context or in a small group gathered around a kitchen table, it’s valuable to notice what God is doing among women today. In this article, we’ll explore five ministry trends shaping women’s ministry—trends that can inspire fresh vision, deepen connection, and strengthen the work God has entrusted to us.
1. Biblical Literacy & Desire for Deeper Discipleship
The desire for biblical literacy and deeper discipleship highlights how women are eager to know, understand, and apply God’s Word in their lives. Women want to be challenged, and they are ready to learn and grow.
What is biblical literacy, and why is it important? “Biblical literacy involves a deeper awareness of the meaning of what’s in the Bible—how God’s grand narrative unfolds from the first words in Genesis 1, ‘In the beginning …’ to the very last words of Revelation. … It’s the ability to rightly read and understand the Bible by using the proper tools of study to become better acquainted with its essential nature and content and then apply discerned meaning to life.”1
Biblical literacy and discipleship are beautifully connected. As we grow in our love, knowledge, and understanding of God and His Word, we should be conformed to the image of Jesus. Discipleship is a spiritual journey and life-long process of growing in obedience to Christ and becoming more Christ-like in community with others.
Stat: According to Lifeway Research findings, 57% of women’s ministry leaders say discipling women and encouraging their walks with Christ is the top priority. Almost 9 in 10 female churchgoers say their church conducted some events in the past year to disciple women and encourage their walk with Christ. Women were most likely to say their church offered Bible studies for women (57%).2
Implication: Fostering Biblical literacy invites women to study the whole counsel of God’s Word. This can happen as women read and study the Bible together and take deep dives into individual books of the Bible or biblical themes. Highlighting the metanarrative of Scripture—the storyline that makes the Bible one coherent story—develops a solid foundation for biblical literacy to take root in a woman’s life.
At Lifeway, we believe that the church flourishes when disciples are being formed. So, the million-dollar question is this: “How is your ministry engaging women in the discipleship process in your church or community?” Check out these discipleship pathways and resources for practical ways to develop a plan.
2. Scope and Sequence & Year-Round Planning for the Win!
The phrase “scope and sequence” surfaces often in ministry training and leadership conversations. What is it and how does it work? According to the Lifeway Women Academy course Prepare, Teach, Lead: Bible Teaching 101, scope refers to the breadth or extent of what is covered in your Bible study, and sequence refers to the order in which the study will unfold.
To broaden this concept to encompass ministry planning, you can think of scope and sequence as determining what you are doing and how the process will unfold. This is exciting because it moves the planning process beyond a “buffet approach” that communicates “take what you want” to a “strategic approach” rooted in purpose and with a specific goal in mind.
“Jesus came near and said to them, ‘All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”
—Matthew 28:18-20
The call for discipleship is clear, and the need for discipleship is great.
Scope and sequence—and year-round planning—are essential for cultivating a healthy, balanced discipleship culture. When leaders clearly understand what they are doing, when they are doing it, and how they are doing it, the ministry is positioned to thrive. Regular evaluation keeps the process aligned and ensures the ministry remains both healthy and effective.
Stat: 52% of pastors say their churches have an intentional plan for discipling individuals in their congregations and encouraging their spiritual growth. 2 in 3 pastors (66%) say their churches have a specific program for the spiritual growth of women.3
Implication: Women’s ministry leaders need to know that planning with a biblical and strategic mindset is necessary and good. As leaders, we have been entrusted with a great opportunity and responsibility. We can and should lead well.
Here are a few steps to consider. Develop a yearly ministry plan that incorporates worship, prayer, discipleship, missions, evangelism, and the development of biblical community. Invite key players into the planning process, including your pastor or ministry leader.
As you evaluate your current ministry calendar, look for what is missing. Do you have a consistent Bible study strategy? How are you equipping women to share their faith and live on mission with the gospel? Have you established a strategy for connecting women with other women in meaningful ways? How is the discipleship process developing and growing in your church?
Another important question to ask and answer is this one. “What are we doing that is not positioning us to make disciples?” Stop those things and prayerfully start new avenues of effective ministry. Create ministry rhythms that are biblical, measurable, sustainable, and helpful. Lifeway Women is here to help you. Take advantage of these Lifeway Women Ministry and Leadership Training opportunities.
3. Intentional Community Development
Women need each other. God designed each of us with a need for community. Women are drawn to opportunities to find a place to belong. From pickleball groups to bunco nights, women are looking for ways to connect. It’s exciting to see more churches lean into this opportunity and be intentional.
Offering a welcoming environment is a wonderful gift the church can provide to women. There’s a growing emphasis on connecting women across age groups, within life-stages, and based on real-life needs. More and more churches are seeing the value of emphasizing authentic relationships that foster accountability and support so that every woman is seen, valued, and loved.
Stat: Among those with some type of women’s activities at their church, female churchgoers point to the value that comes from having a women’s ministry, including stronger relationships among women in the church (68%), opportunities for women to be refreshed and restored spiritually and emotionally (65%), a place to ask questions and openly discuss faith topics (58%), stronger cross-generational relationships (56%) and a safe place for women to be transparent about needs and hurts (56%).4
Implication: Ministries need to evaluate if their focus is skewed toward one generation or group of women. If so, identify the missing groups and build relational strategies and opportunities that foster engagement. Intentionally design gatherings, small groups, and ministry opportunities that cross generational lines and minister to the different women in the church. A great way to create community is to launch a mentoring cohort, pairing younger women with more seasoned women for a year of discipleship or investment. Another option is to develop life-stage tracks like “Emerging Professionals,” “Moms & Caregivers,” “Empty Nest & Beyond” — each with tailored content and connection. Intentionally develop community among your women! Here are a few ideas that will help you get started!
4. Aligning with Church Vision
We are seeing more women’s ministries moving beyond a siloed mindset and aligning with the local church’s overall mission and vision. This move is reflected in alignment with vision statements, ministry priorities, and mission emphasis. This strategic move positions the women’s ministry to be a valuable part of the life of the church. There is still work to be done regarding leadership partnerships between women’s ministry leaders and pastors and church leadership, but conversations are gradually taking place.
Stat: Lifeway Research flagged that only about 5% of women’s ministry leaders say they plan together with church staff.5 And while many women’s ministry leaders feel their church values their ministry (93%), work remains to be done, as only 3 in 5 strongly agree their church values their women’s ministry.6,7
Implication: Women’s ministry leaders can look for creative ways to develop strategies that support the church’s mission and vision, rather than “doing our own thing.” To get started, the women’s ministry leader can schedule a meeting with the pastor or ministry leader and ask the following question: “How can the women’s ministry help advance the mission and vision of the church?” Then, as the ministry team plans the calendar, incorporate the pastors’ feedback. Invite pastors to provide input on the planning process, including Bible study strategies and discipleship processes. If the church has a specific emphasis or focus, look for creative ways to highlight the effort in the women’s ministry yearly plan. For more ideas on building trust with pastors or ministry leaders so conversations can lead to ministry alignment, check out this blog post.
5. Moving from “event-only” to “impact-oriented” ministry
Rather than relying on one large annual gathering, there’s a shift toward ministry that produces sustained impact throughout the year. This trend doesn’t mean events are obsolete. Rather, it implies an understanding of how to use events strategically to support ministry vision and priorities. By bringing women together for a time of worship, teaching, connection, and vision-casting, women are invited to take the “next step” in the discipleship journey.
There is another shift that is also interesting. Instead of gathering all the women into one large group, churches are offering smaller, intimate groups. The synergy happens across the ministry, as all the groups meet in similar rhythms and share the same scope and sequence. D-groups, mentorship groups, life-stage groups, and felt-need groups are great examples of women gathering in smaller groups to accomplish a unique purpose.
Stat: As previously stated in this post, women’s ministry leaders say discipling women and encouraging their walks with Christ is the top priority for their ministries (57%).8 Research indicates that events play an important role in reaching this goal. More than 4 in 5 (88%) women’s ministries offer Bible studies for women to disciple women and encourage their walks with Christ. Most also offer time for women to pray together (57%). Others provide opportunities to serve in the community (48%) or attend conferences as a group (40%).9
Implication: Be intentional as you host gatherings. Think about strategic ways to gather women to encourage them in the discipleship journey. Consider launching Bible studies, mentoring groups, or the yearly ministry calendar with a strategic event. Likewise, celebrate the conclusion of a ministry season with a gathering that provides an opportunity to share stories of transformation and cast a vision for the future.
Consider offering hybrid opportunities like Bible study options for women who cannot attend in person. Digital resources (such as simulcasts or virtual events) offer flexibility and meaningful connections for women. I want to personally invite you to bring your group to a Lifeway Women event and then follow up the experience with a Bible study that explores related themes, topics, or passages. Check out the Lifeway Women 2026 event schedule and join us!
Conclusion: I am excited about the future! Women desire to be rooted in God’s Word, and they are open to engaging in meaningful, life-giving relationships with one another. The next generation is showing up and passionately communicating a desire to have their lives invested in the gospel. Seasoned women are recognizing the gifts and experiences God has entrusted to them and are pouring wisdom into others. Ultimately, discipleship is happening as we deepen our understanding of God and His Word. While there is work to be done, we are grateful for the progress that has been made and look forward to the future.
Lifeway Women remains committed to creating a safe place for women to gather and grow by providing trustworthy products, meaningful experiences, and a leadership voice that helps shape future trends and effective ministry strategies. Together, let’s continue serving the women in our churches and communities with a focus on the gospel that leads to transformation and kingdom impact.
Works Cited
- Karen Engle, “Biblical Literacy: What it Is & How to Reverse the Decline,” Logos, May 31, 2022, https://www.logos.com/grow/biblical-literacy/.
- Aaron Earls and Marissa Postell Sullivan, “Churchgoers and Leaders Find Value in Ministry to Women,” Lifeway Research, October 17, 2023, https://research.lifeway.com/2023/10/17/churchgoers-and-leaders-find-value-in-ministry-to-women/.
- Aaron Earls, “Discipleship Is a Priority Without a Plan for Many Churches,” Lifeway Research, August 21, 2025, https://research.lifeway.com/2025/08/21/discipleship-is-a-priority-without-a-plan-for-many-churches/.
- Earls and Sullivan, “Biblical Literacy,” https://research.lifeway.com/2023/10/17/churchgoers-and-leaders-find-value-in-ministry-to-women/.
- Dr. Jeff DeGiacomo, “5 Ways Your Church Can Invest More in Ministry to Women,” Lifeway Research, October 17, 2023, https://research.lifeway.com/2023/10/17/5-ways-your-church-can-invest-more-in-ministry-to-women/.
- Earls and Sullivan, “Biblical Literacy,” https://research.lifeway.com/2023/10/17/churchgoers-and-leaders-find-value-in-ministry-to-women/.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
- Ibid.
About Andrea Lennon
Andrea is excited to serve as the director of Lifeway Women. Andrea is a Bible teacher whose life calling is to teach women to know the truth, live the truth, and share the truth. Her passion is honest conversation about the topics that drive our everyday lives and how we can always weather the storms of life through the love and power of God and His Word. Andrea is a 2004 graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She has written and published books, Bible studies, and eBooks. Andrea lives in Arkansas with her husband, Jay. They are thankful for two amazing sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law, and one very chill dog.
