Since the onset of the industrial revolution and the ascendancy of the corporate structure as a model for business, bigger has meant better and group loyalty has been seen as an unquestioned virtue. Those who once worked their entire career for one company watch with apprehension as their granddaughters and grandsons change careers and employers multiple times.

Up until the mid-1980s most main-line Protestant denominations have followed a similar pattern of top-down authority structures and denomination-wide resources. In the post-modern culture of our twenty-first century, many people care very little about denominational distinction. Today, people chose a church based on what is offered in any local congregation rather than out of their loyalty to a denomination.

As we look at congregational ministry with women, this same pattern holds true. In the past, many denominations have offered one study for all the women in their church, with the idea that women enjoyed being part of a national program. Mission money was given by local groups through a national clearing house, and loyalty to the national organization was fostered through a loyalty to the local chapter. This pattern is changing. With the Internet, local ministries are no longer dependent for information and resources from headquarters. Women’s schedules are full and every commitment must be weighed carefully. Women are not asking for less; they are asking for a higher quality of experience. Bible studies need to be relevant to a woman’s real, everyday life, and friendship opportunities must provide meaningful interaction.

How are these changes playing out in congregational ministry with women? Let’s look at three case studies.

Church S
For many years the women in Church S have participated in the Bible study produced by their national organization. The Circles offered a high level of fellowship but little in-depth study. The women have faithfully given to the missions projects sponsored by their national organization and regularly sent delegates to the national convention. The women who have participated in this organization have enjoyed it very much, and their monthly meetings are an important part of their monthly routine. Over the past few years, some thought has been given to trying other studies or giving to mission organizations other than those offered through their national affiliation. But after listening to these concerns, the leadership of the women’s association decided their connection with the national organization is very important and it is the foundation of their organization. Despite dwindling interest in the Bible study and diminishing support for the mission projects, the women of Church S affirm their commitment to their national organization and its projects and studies.

Church T
Church T, a small rural church, has not had an official women’s association for many years. Five years ago two women, a mother and daughter-in-law, formed two Bible studies, each one meeting every two weeks. The two studies use study materials on topics that particularly interest the women: prayer, books of the Bible, spiritual disciplines, women in the Bible, tithing, and so forth. One group, primarily older women, has begun to reach out to widows and shut-ins in the community, a mission that has grown out of their Bible study and fellowship. Both groups now work together donating time and money to support a local food bank. Although membership in Church T is less than 100, 40 women are actively involved in these two Bible studies.

Church Y
When the new woman pastor arrived at Church Y, it was expected that she would conduct the Tuesday morning Pastor’s Class, the last remaining women’s circle. To the consternation of that group, she refused. Instead she offered to teach a group of women to become small-group leaders for Bible studies that would be offered at various times and places during the week. Over several years, this program has drawn a significant number of women from all walks of life. From one Pastor’s Class with 10 women, the numbers have grown to 22 groups of 8 to 10 women. They meet at various times on various days at various locations around town, accommodating everyone’s schedule. Each week the group leader facilitates an inductive study of scripture, allowing time for prayer and developing friendships. The women of Church Y were not looking for less involvement they were looking for deeper Bible study and closer friendships with other women at a convenient time. In the bargain, they grew in a faith that impacted their lives. An added benefit of this locally based ministry is that many women have come through this program into other areas of leadership within and outside the congregation.
Scriptural Encouragement

The Revolt Against Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 10)
After King Solomon died, his son Rehoboam began to reign in Israel. But there was a big problem. Solomon had levied heavy taxes and conscriptions on his people in order to build his grand palaces and provide for his many wives and their families. After Solomon’s death, the leaders of Israel came to his son, Rehoboam, and asked for some relief. In great folly, Rehoboam did not listen to the wise counsel of elders who suggested alternative ways to govern, alternatives that would have been more acceptable to the people. Instead, Rehoboam persisted in keeping the massive institution of his father’s government in place. In just a few short years Israel was torn into two nations, never to be reunited.

Think about the women’s groups in your church. Are you willing to let go of old patterns that are no longer effective in your congregation? What good things from the past can you take into the future? What can you learn from Rehoboam that will help you lead the women of your church into a deeper walk of faith in the twenty-first century? How could that result in a dynamic women’s ministry in your congregation?