Why Re-think Women's Ministry in the PCUSA?

Written by Becce Bettridge

Last Spring I attended a non-denominational Women's Ministry Leadership Training event in Phoenix, Arizona. The day was gorgeous, the cacti were in bloom and the meeting hall was filled with the vibrant voices and smiles of over 300 women, most of whom were under 45 years of age. I found myself classified as one of the "older women" (I am 47). There was a Lutheran church represented, but other than that, the women attending from our church (St. Andrew's Presbyterian, Tucson) were the only women representing a main-line denomination and the only women from the PCUSA. This non-denominational leadership training conference provided a stark contrast to the PCUSA women's event I had attended a year earlier. These two (very different) women's events sparked my curiosity. Why is it that the Women's Ministries of many non-denominational churches are growing by leaps and bounds and the women's programs in many of our local PCUSA congregations suffer from lack of interest and leadership? This question, initiated a year long study for me to discover what is really happening in our congregational women's groups.

My journey of inquiry took me by phone and e-mail to churches across the country, big churches, middle sized churches and small churches. In each of my conversations, I found women interested in what was happening in other PCUSA churches and a willingness to share the story of the women in their congregations. I was encouraged to find some "bright spots" in the area of Women's Ministry with churches such as Sunset Presbyterian in Portland, Oregon; First Presbyterian, Colorado Springs and First Presbyterian Church, Houston (to name just a few), I was also excited to find women in smaller churches who were developing weekly Bible Studies, programs geared specifically for women in the marketplace, or for working moms. But in those churches (large and small) that offered only the traditional women's circles, I kept hearing the voices of discouragement. The same question was asked over and over, "Why aren't the younger women interested?" But I was surprised to hear an additional question, "Why aren't the older women interested either?"

In a Presbyterian Panel Survey done August of 2001, it was reported that 18 % of the pastors surveyed reported PW (Presbyterian Women) was not active in their congregations. That is almost one fifth of the congregations surveyed. Of those congregations where PW is active, pastors noted that although approximately 60% of their members are women, only 10% are involved in PW. In addition, of that 10%, twice as many women were over 70 as were under 40. So what does the research, as well as my phone calls and conversations with women across the country tell me? That we need to re-think the way we do Women's Ministry in the PCUSA.

One Size Doesn't Fit All

Just imagine for a minute that you need a new pair of pants but your favorite shop has decided to only carry a "one-size-fits-all" outfit. Oh sure, it may be made of a good quality fabric, but it doesn't fit you. The one-size-fits-all pants are too long in the hem or too small in the waist. You can wear then, but you can't get very excited about it. Women come in different sizes. People are different from each other. Generations have different needs and likes. Ministry to women needs to be as diverse and creative as the women themselves.

Gary McIntosh in the chapter entitled "Religious Characteristics of Three Generations" from his book Three Generations (Grand Rapids: Revell, 1995) describes and compares the religious characteristics of "Builders" (born 1926-1945) with those of "Boomers" (1946-1965) and "Busters" (1966-1978). "Builders" writes McIntosh, tend to enjoy "traditional" Bible Studies and often attend church or participate in the life of the church out of duty. By contrast, "Boomers" seem to prefer small groups that offer multiple options for study and involvement. "Buster" on the other hand, prefer being with their peers. They are seeking answers to life's questions. They want a faith that meets their needs, other wise - they just forget it.

Mike Woodruff, in his article "A View from 30,00 feet," contrasts these three generations even more closely. According to Woodruff these three generations differ dramatically in education, music, entertainment, career paths, worldview and general perception of life. Is it any wonder that the entire church is dealing with issues of relevancy? The problem women are facing in their congregations, with lack of interest in their traditional programs, as well as a lack of leadership, is a small part of a much bigger issue.

One positive side effect of the turmoil going on in our denomination right now, is that it is shaking people out of their spiritual sleepiness. There is a new desire on the part of people in our pews to understand what they believe. People want to know what the Bible really says about the issues of our day. Women in every season of their life's journey are seeking answers. They want to know if Christianity has anything relevant to say to them. There are women with long histories of church involvement who have never seriously studied the Bible. These women now want to know what God's Word has to say to them for the second half of their lives. There are women in the marketplace who find their ethics and morals challenged every day at work. These women are seeking integrity in their faith. There are young women raised outside the church who have come to faith and want Christian mentors who will encourage them in their task as mothers. Women need safe places where they can have frank discussion about the real issues in their lives and discover, together, how God must be the center of everything. One size, just will not fit all….why should we expect it to?

Basic Human Needs

The Bible says that all human beings derive from the same source. Within the unity of the human race there are aspects of the human soul and psych that remain constant in all generations and in all cultures. Those basic human needs, however, may manifest themselves differently in different generations or in different cultures. Some of the basic human needs include: the need for Salvation and spiritual development; the need for companionship and love; the need for mentoring and the need to share and give. When the women's ministries in our local congregations address these needs, they flourish. As leaders in our churches it is important to recognize that the manner in which our mothers found these basic human needs met in the church may be radically different from the way our daughters will address these same needs. Women in local congregations are wise to realize that it is better to have multiple smaller programs (that meet the needs of different groups) than it is to have one larger "catch-all" program. Women's ministries in local congregation do not need to look alike to be successful. They can be as unique as the individual churches themselves. But there are some ingredients that are part of all successful ministries.

Four Common Elements

As I connected with women across the country I began to see patterns in those congregations with growing ministries for women. The ministries looked different according to size, location and the special interests of women in that specific congregation, but they also had four elements in common. First, in each of the churches with growing Women's Ministries there was a commitment to serious Bible Study. These studies required regular at-home preparation to be shared weekly (or bi-weekly) with their study group. Secondly, there was a commitment to prayer. In these churches, women are learning to pray. They are learning to pray for each other, pray for current life issues and pray for the greater concerns of the church and the world. One woman I spoke to told me, "It's amazing what happens in a church when women pray." Third, churches with growing ministries to women understand that women want friendship. Because women are often in the workplace eight or more hours a day, they find it difficult to develop friendships with other women. This is especially true after having moved into a new community. Growing women's ministries provide opportunities for women to have fun together. Northminister Presbyterian Church in Tucson, AZ has a hiking group. On each of the hikes, the leader makes a point to stop for devotions and prayer. Finally, growing Women's Ministries offer their women opportunities for "hands on service." Mission is an area in which women can be very creative. Christian servanthood takes what we learn in our heads, runs it through our hearts and lets it flow out our hands.

What Can You Do in Your Congregation?

Women all across the PCUSA are asking what they can do in their churches to developed significant ministries with their women. They are beginning to re-think the way we do Women's Ministry in our denomination. Here are a few ideas to help with the process.

Begin with prayer. Gather two or more women who share your vision and pray, pray, pray.

Be intentional. Know why and what you are hoping to accomplish.
Look for other visionaries. If you have seen a need in your church, chances are others have seen it as well.

Catch a vision. Attend women's ministry functions at other churches. Presbyterians have a wonderful and unique heritage. But we can always get good ideas from others and remake them to fit our situation.

Assess what is already available in your congregation. See who is already being reached. Determine who is absent. Honestly ask the question, "Why aren't they here?" Begin with the obvious. What is your biggest need? Start with that need.

Be politically savvy. Be humble. Don't try to dismantle existing programs if they are meeting the needs of some people. If women's groups already exist in your congregation, try to share your vision for a larger ministry to a greater number of women with those groups that already exist. They might surprise you with their openness. The impact of groups working together is exponential for ministry. The divisiveness of groups working in opposition to one another can be very harmful in a congregation.

Don't be afraid to start small. Many women think they must begin with a major event (i.e. conference, retreat, elaborate dinner, etc.). But it is better to start with a regular weekly Bible study which can incorporate women, than it is to start with a major event and then have no way to keep women connected afterward. You don't need to be a big church or have a paid professional. Be willing to start small and see what God will do.

Lead by consensus. It is always better to work in teams.

Maintain your relationship with God. The worst thing that can happen to a leader is to become so busy leading that she forgets to be the "beloved" of God Get perspective. Remember God is more interested in women coming to faith than you are. God will be with you. Emmanuel.

Rethinking the way we do Women's Ministry in the PCUSA is the natural outgrowth of a changing church. Congregations that fail to be intentional in their ministries will eventually have no ministry at all. The women in our churches are ready to try new ways of doing ministry. Pray and ask if God is calling you to this new area of service in the Kingdom. Jill Briscoe writes, "Women who change their world are women whom God can use. And women whom God can use are women with a heart for Him."