As a women’s leader I am sure you see hurting women all the time. Desperate times make women desperate. Crisis hurts. Are you ready to help women you see that need a Christian sister to walk with them on their journey? Are you equipping other women to help you minister to others in crisis?
“Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so through Christ our comfort also overflows.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
No matter what your story is, I am sure you have experienced God’s healing touch in numerous ways. Now, how do you minister that touch to others? God wants to use women to help other women dealing with crisis. In the process, He desires to redeem our own experiences as we help others find healing.
Let’s talk basics first. In the introductory chapter of our revised and expanded book, Women Reaching Women in Crisis, a foundation is laid for developing strong and ongoing ministries for hurting women.
What qualifies us to minister in crisis? Some qualifications include:
- Spiritual maturity – having a knowledge and applying Scripture to their lives
- Psychological and emotional stability – not perfect, but not living in constant turmoil and crisis and with a healthy sense of herself
- Moral lifestyle – living a godly lifestyle
- Spiritual gifts are used – especially mercy, exhortation, teaching and discernment
- Care and interest in people – a genuine interest in the welfare of others
- Availability – time for training and involvement in helping
- Teachability – always seeking to grow in and learn to serve Christ more effectively
- Ability to maintain healthy boundaries – helping women to be self reliant not leader reliant
- Life experiences – life-learned insights to be used as she ministers to others
- Confidentiality – protecting the privacy of those who come to her for help
Now that you have some things to consider about helping women in crisis, how ready are you and your women’s team to be proactive in reaching out to and touching the lives of hurting women?
Watch for more posts on this subject in the future.
Adapted from Women Reaching Women in Crisis, Expanded & Revised Edition
Other Resources:
Hurting Women (category on this blog for supporting articles)
Shepherding Women in Pain, Bev Hislop
