How to Equip Women Called to Ministry
Jason Goodman photo | Unsplash
Because women in our churches are being discipled, churches must prepare to equip women for ministry roles inside and outside their walls.
According to Lifeway Research’s State of Ministry to Women report, 57% of women’s ministry leaders say discipling women and encouraging their walks with Christ is the top priority for their ministries. For every disciple, a deeper understanding of spiritual truth combined with a vibrant personal walk with Christ naturally leads to a calling to ministry. Because women in our churches are being discipled, churches must prepare to equip women for ministry roles inside and outside their walls.
No one did more for ministry to women than Jesus. His earthly ministry shows the expectation for both men and women to answer the ministry call. Consider the experience of the male and female disciples as they gathered immediately following Christ’s crucifixion. It was John the apostle and the women who did not run during the heat of Christ’s death. After the ordeal, John recounted reports of the crucifixion events as the other disciples surrounded him behind the locked door.
Can you imagine the weight of the moment? Can you feel the loss? And can you perceive the hopelessness? The fear? The doubts?
All had been lost. Jesus was dead.
Then the news came. That frantic knock at the door. It was the women. Women were the first entrusted to bring this good news to the disciples. “Jesus is risen from the grave. He’s alive!”
Equipping the saints for ministry
It’s significant that women were the first disciples entrusted to share the news of the resurrection. Though the men struggled with the news, they received it. What does that tell us about gospel proclamation? Great Commission mandates? Ministry calling? Responsibilities given to women in our churches?
The church needs the voices of men and women in both vocational and non-vocational roles. Both men and women fulfilling their roles ensures greater gospel effectiveness. In fact, when men and women exercise all their spiritual gifts, every church is more effectively mobilized to address the world’s greatest problem: lostness.
Since 2012, I have been the pastor of an evangelistic, biblically complementarian, vibrant church serving Oklahoma Baptists. In this seat, my prayer is to see men and women answer the call to ministry. Every minister is best discovered, equipped, and developed in the local church context. As a pastor, it has been natural for me to come alongside men preparing for ministry.
However, I am learning to not miss God’s call most certainly coming to the women in my congregation. As others have said, “God hasn’t stopped calling people, so we must get back to the business of calling out those He has called to ministry.” This is true of the women God is calling in our churches. The resurrection experience firmly establishes women with a gospel call. Therefore, I offer a threefold challenge for pastors to walk alongside women, equipping them for the work of gospel ministry.
1. Empower women to ministry
According to the State of Ministry to Women, the two highest priorities women’s ministry leaders have for their ministries are growing women in their walk with Christ and developing community. This kind of spiritual growth naturally empowers disciples to ministry action. There are three ways you as a pastor can empower the women in your church for ministry.
First, respect their walk with the Lord. God will use His Word as a lamp to their feet and a light to their path. Respect His voice in their lives as you see spiritual growth take place.
Second, the women of your church will be empowered for ministry as you listen to their voices. The disciples were wise to listen to the women who knocked on their door informing them Jesus was alive. Similarly, you will be a wise pastor to listen closely to the spiritually mature women God raises up in your church.
Third, women will be empowered for ministry when you call them to action. Over half of the people attending our churches are women. Pastor, you need the women in your church—not only to minister to women but to inspire effective gospel work.
Pastor, are you empowering the women of your church by respecting their walk, listening to their voices, and calling them to work?
2. Educate women for ministry
According to the Lifeway Research, 88% of women’s ministry leaders are offering Bible studies for women. The next logical step to equip women for ministry is to build on that biblical foundation. As a pastor, challenge the women in your church to biblical research, theological studies, and seminary education.
Consider how Priscilla wisely partnered with her husband to correct Apollos (Acts 18:18-28). Consider how Phoebe faithfully served the church and recognized a reference from Paul (Romans 16:1-2). Or consider again those women boldly knocking on the door spreading the news of the resurrection (John 20:1-18).
We must expect the women in our churches to know the Word of God deeply. Then they will be equipped to apply God’s Word for ministry. The State of Ministry to Women research proves the women involved in women’s ministry have the biblical foundation. As a pastor, foster all levels of biblical education to the women of your church. This is historically proven to produce leaders who bring valuable wisdom to every gospel ministry pursuit.
3. Expand opportunities for women in ministry
Just like no one learns to swim without jumping in the water, the women in our churches will not be equipped for ministry without having opportunities to lead. The State of Ministry to Women reveals 1 in 6 women’s ministry leaders are in paid positions. This indicates a need for you as a pastor to expand opportunities for women in your church. And you accomplish this by delegating key ministry work to women and joining them in that work.
During my time as the pastor of First Baptist Church of Owasso, several of our most effective ministry pursuits overflowed from the faith, vision, and leadership of the women in our church. These ministries were so inspired, effective, and gospel centered, our church joined them.
For example, a group of women in our congregation launched the work of The Mission Center. This ministry is now the greatest helping arm to our community. Women in our church brought the Passion Week Experience to life. Their research on the stations of the cross, their attention to biblical details, and their vision for gospel intentionality resulted in a front row seat to the glorious news of the resurrection. Just like those first disciples entrusted with the news of the resurrection, God is using the women in our churches to continue the gospel legacy.
Lostness remains the world’s greatest problem, and the gospel remains the only answer to solve it. The church needs the voices of men and women in vocational and non-vocational roles. Men and women fulfilling their roles ensures greater gospel effectiveness. Pastor, it’s time to expand the opportunities for women to use their gifts, exercise their leadership, and live out their strengths. Let’s become pastors who equip all the saints for the work of ministry.
Originally published by Lifeway. Insights| Church Life & Ministry | Apr 11, 2024.
