Karen Finke is a women’s leader and contributor to our leadership book, women reaching women, She has a heart for reaching the women on the fringes of community and ministry with women. In this post she shares 4 tips for connecting with the uninvolved woman in your church
There is nothing quite as rewarding in women’s ministry as watching a woman discover her giftedness and get plugged into a ministry where she is fulfilled and lives are impacted for the Kingdom.
As leaders we play an important role in the process of a woman entering as a bystander and finding her way into meaningful service. Here are just a few ideas to get your mind thinking about how you can help her on the journey to joy and transformation.
1. Be intentional in watching for women who have never been involved in ministry. Adapt a ministry philosophy that says you will make looking for women who are uninvolved a priority. Instead of calling on the same gals all of the time, look for a new face.
2. Nothing takes the place of one on one invitations to participate in an event or ministry. Just because they have been sitting on the sidelines doesn’t mean they are not interested in serving in some way. Maybe they are just waiting to asked. Think back on how you got to where you are now in leadership. Chances are you are in leadership today because of a single invitation.
3. Guiding a woman to discover her spiritual gifts is a huge part of helping her to find her niche. By exposing her to different opportunities she can hone in on what excites her and be encouraged as others confirm her gifts.
4. Taking the time to make a personal investment in another woman’s life is worth every bit of sacrifice we may make on our part. Mentoring another in her faith and modeling service maybe the most important work you do.
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Karen continues to teach a ladies’ Sunday School class and is a LifeWay Ministry Multiplier. She has received both the Basic and Advanced Certificates in Women’s Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She is a contributing author to the women’s leadership book Women Reaching Women: Revised and Expanded edition, published by LifeWay, and an event speaker. Karen is married to Ron and has three married children and two grandchildren.
