“Gospel-centered ladies meetings aren’t led by perfect women, but women who are living for Christ (2 Cor. 5:15), pursing humility, and wanting to see God’s grace on display in the lives of others. Through your example and care, God intends to transform lives and impart values of biblical womanhood. It’s not dependent on you, but God plans to use you.”
After laying out a vision for ladies meetings, my husband Brian got real practical. He provided the women a template—a sample ladies meeting that wasn’t a rigid structure, but a helpful guide. Some elements to include are:
So a sample approach might look something like this:
For the “Biblical Womanhood” portion of the meeting, Brian and the other Married Life Pastors provide a curriculum for next six months worth of ladies’ meetings. This is not meant to restrict the discussion—but it reflects the heart and burden of the pastors for the women of the church and provides direction for the women who are leading. This curriculum helps ensures that the values of biblical womanhood are being passed on—not to mention relieving the women of the need to develop specific content.
You can view curriculum content and sample questions at the Married Life website. And you can also download a bookmark we created for the care group leaders’ assistants (front and back).
Every six months or so the Married Life pastors gather all the assistants together, take time to honor and thank them, to provide biblical encouragement for their task and introduce the curriculum for the next six months. What a wonderful opportunity to encourage these precious women!
Whether you are leading ladies meetings or helping women who do, I hope these simple posts encourage and equip you to serve them more effectively.
After laying out a vision for ladies meetings, my husband Brian got real practical. He provided the women a template—a sample ladies meeting that wasn’t a rigid structure, but a helpful guide. Some elements to include are:
*Biblical fellowship and care
*Prayer for one another
*Training in biblical womanhood
*Cultivating fun and friendship
So a sample approach might look something like this:
*Prayer (15 min): Ask for the ladies’ prayer requests and pray for each other (as a group, or as pairs).
*Communion with God (15 min.): have ladies share about their recent pursuit of God in his word and prayer, 1-2 minutes per person. Remind them that because of the gospel, we are not condemned if we do not meet with God, nor do we earn God’s favor if we do. It is our need and privilege to meet with God on a daily basis.
*Biblical Care (45 min): This is time to apply the gospel for those who have a current trial or area of temptation. If no immediate needs surface, rotate care of one or two women per meeting. For example: How is your soul – encouraged or burdened? Is there any way we can practically serve you? Last time you shared (fill in the blank) – how have you sought to grow in that area? Incorporate times of encouragement every few meeting: “I’ve seen you grow in ….Thanks for your example in……” You are reminding them of God’s powerful activity in their lives.
*Biblical Womanhood (30-45 min): Discuss assigned questions from reading. Follow-up on application points from the last meeting.
*Cultivating Fun and Friendship (remaining time): Women don’t have much of a problem in this area. Let the talking begin! Or, try a creative idea.
For the “Biblical Womanhood” portion of the meeting, Brian and the other Married Life Pastors provide a curriculum for next six months worth of ladies’ meetings. This is not meant to restrict the discussion—but it reflects the heart and burden of the pastors for the women of the church and provides direction for the women who are leading. This curriculum helps ensures that the values of biblical womanhood are being passed on—not to mention relieving the women of the need to develop specific content.
You can view curriculum content and sample questions at the Married Life website. And you can also download a bookmark we created for the care group leaders’ assistants (front and back).
Every six months or so the Married Life pastors gather all the assistants together, take time to honor and thank them, to provide biblical encouragement for their task and introduce the curriculum for the next six months. What a wonderful opportunity to encourage these precious women!
Whether you are leading ladies meetings or helping women who do, I hope these simple posts encourage and equip you to serve them more effectively.
