In The Works - Life Groups

One of the new areas of women's ministry that I am most excited about is the formation of new life groups for women. You may have noticed in the small group connection book that there is only 1 women's life group listed! This is something that we hope to change in the very near future.

I love all of the possibilities that life groups bring... Bible study groups, book clubs, support groups, accountability groups, exercise groups, girls night groups, playgroups.... Life groups are great places for us to focus on more intimate topics like marriage, purity, temptation, roles of women, motherhood...things that we can't focus on as intimately in an ABF class or in a large worship service. How I would love for every woman in our church to be a part of such a close, intimate group!

So, there are a number of plans in the works. I'm hoping to start a "short series" group in the next few weeks. This group will meet for only about 4 weeks, with the intent that new life groups will be launched through it. We also have a book club in the works, an early morning walking group,...and a few others. I would love to see some special interest groups forming as well - "Solo on Sunday":a group for women who come to church without their husbands, groups for single moms, groups for those going through divorce, an empty-nesters group.....the list goes on and on.

For those who are interested in starting a group, it's so easy! Life groups do not require a gifted teacher or administrative expert; they are easy to organize, easy to facilitate, and can be incredibly flexible to fit any schedule. Please pray about your involvement in a life group. It could be as simple as inviting a few friends to gather at Starbucks every other week to talk and catch up, or discussing a favorite book, or meeting for prayer...Imagine the possibilities!!

Please let me know about the new groups you are forming. I would glad to be of help in any way that I can!

Fight Like a Girl

We are excited about offering a new study this semester based on the book, Fight Like a Girl by Lisa Bevere. (Natalie Sims offered this study as a life group last semester and enjoyed it so much we felt that it needed to be offered for all of the women of the church.) I believe that one of the most important responsibilities that we have as a women's ministry is to paint a new picture of what it looks like to be a godly woman. I believe that this study will do that in a powerful way. Lisa Bevere is a dynamic writer and speaker (the class includes a video segment with Lisa.) She is the mother of 4 boys. She is funny, honest, and authentic. I believe she will provide a refreshing look at the value of women and our importance within the church, our families, and communities. She will equip us to move beyond the old stereotypes of women and find our true strength and purpose in Christ.

"There have been times when I wanted to distance myself from the whole dynamic of females because of the petty politics and gossip rampant in groupings of females. I feared that if I befriended females, I would risk being swallowed up in their world of pink fluff and superficial conversations... I was not made for shallow but for deep." an excerpt from Fight Like a Girl

This class will be offered on Sunday nights only. I hope you will join us! (If any of you are interested in studying through this book or any other within a life group, please let me know. We are certainly not limited to the Harvest Life schedule.)

A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place

A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place was Beth Moore's very first in-depth Bible study, and my first introduction to Beth Moore. This study is one of my favorites, mostly because it ties the Old and New Testaments together in a way that I had never seen before. I can no longer read the Old Testament without seeing Jesus on every page. It's all about Him. It always has been! Plus, the concept of the Spirit of God dwelling within His people absolutely fascinates me. I can't imagine how different life would be if we really grasped this concept and lived it out powerfully in our daily lives!

From what I understand, this study has been completely updated, with new materials and new teaching segments with Beth Moore. So even if you've taken it before, it's certainly worth revisiting.

I hope that you all will make plans to participate in a women's Bible study this semester. In the coming days, I will share a little more about each of the studies offered. If one of these studies does not appeal to you, then I recommend considering a life group. It is so important that the women of God be connected to His Word. Find a place where you can receive instruction, encouragement, and accountability in the Word of God. It will make all the difference in your life.