Women’s Ministry Resources
CDM strengthens your church by connecting you to the resources you need for Women’s Ministry!
Whether you are creating a Women’s Ministry from scratch or looking for help reenergizing an existing ministry, CDM can help! This includes resources we have gathered from PCA churches across the country and resources our Women’s Ministry Team have developed to strengthen your church. Begin with the Foundational Resources (Click on the link below to see the resource) and then check out what is in each of the files of resources.
If you have a resource you would be willing to share or a resource you would like us to develop, we want to hear from you. Email us.
A few times a year, CDM publishes studies and books we believe will serve the church. We are selective in the books we offer because our objective is providing churches with resources they can trust, resources that are Biblically based and relationally focused, resources that will equip and encourage individuals to grow in their faith.
We have an extensive library of resources for Women’s Ministry. We have always been committed to developing resources that are foundational to a biblical philosophy of women’s ministry. These materials are designed to teach women to think biblically about all of life, including issues specifically related to being a woman.
Women’s Ministry Leadership Development Resources
The PCA Bookstore has resources you can trust. Most are discounted, and all of them have been reviewed by our team. You can see the resources we recommend HERE. 
Listed below are some highlighted studies this year:
Women’s Ministry Recommended Resources – Fall 2021 and Spring 2022
Women’s Ministry Video Resources
VIDEO RESOURCE: WHAT’S SHE DOING HERE? The Messy Women in Jesus’s Genealogy by Susan Tyner
BUY THE BOOK AND COVENANT TIMELINE:
ACCESS VIDEO CONTENT: https://pcacdm.org/messy/
LENGTH: 9 weeks
Description: Seductress. Prostitute. Outcast. Adulterer. Pregnant unwed Teen. Who would highlight that kind of ancestry? Jesus would.
The only person who ever got to choose His family doesn’t hide the messes. He highlights them for all to see. He unashamedly says they’re His.
The Gospel of Matthew begins with Jesus’s family tree, an unusual one not only because it includes women, but messy women: Tamar, who tricked her father-in-law to impregnate her; Rahab, the Jericho prostitute who betrayed her countrymen; Ruth, the widowed Moabitess turned beggar; and Bathsheba, listed only by her murdered husband’s name. Then there was Mary. Although we know her innocence and submission to God, those around her questioned her purity and the legitimacy of the Child she bore.
Join Susan Tyner in examining how God wove the messy stories of these five women together into His Big Story of salvation. And learn how He continues to redeem His children—one messy story at a time.
VIDEO RESOURCE: GALATIANS by Christine Gordon and Hope Blanton
BUY BOOK: https://www.pcabookstore.com//p-6275638-galatians-at-his-feet-studies.aspx
ACCESS VIDEO CONTENT: https://athisfeetonline.com/shop/
LENGTH: 8 Weeks
DESCRIPTION: Do you find yourself questioning how God feels about you after a particularly sinful day? Do you wonder if you need to do something to get back into his good graces? Listen in on Paul’s conversation with the churches in Galatia as he tells them over and over how they are saved and stay saved only by Christ’s work, not theirs. Through Old Testament saints, word pictures, and even shocking language, Paul will convince you that Jesus’s work was enough, and will always be enough, not only to pay for your offenses against God, but by the Holy Spirit to make you a new creature. Galatians is a combination of Christine’s ability to unpack Scripture in deep, practical ways and Hope’s ability to create questions that guide the reader and apply God’s Word. Designed to be an approachable Bible study for women in every season. Galatians is an ancient text for today’s weary women. This study is an antidote to our age of self-help. God’s Word, alongside Hope and Christine’s commentary, bids us over and over to trust in Christ’s finished work. What a relief; what good news. This is nourishment for the soul.
Video Resource: Help[h]er by Ann Maree Goudzwaard and Bernie Lawrence
BUY BOOK, STUDY GUIDE, AND ESSENTIAL TEXTS: https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-6274932-helpher-a-churchwide-respon.aspx
ACCESS VIDEO CONTENT: www.pcacdm.org/helpher
LENGTH: 10 Lessons
DESCRIPTION: CDM has partnered with Christ Covenant Church to make the Help[H]er Advocacy Training available to churches of all sizes everywhere. The program consists of ten 2-hour workshops which include four teaching and discussion videos (approximately 20 minutes each), a companion Study Guide, and ten required reading books. Each video session is led by one of the pastors, elders, counselors, authors, or trained advocates from Christ Covenant who share their experiences and wisdom in one-another care ministry. At the heart of this project is the desire to assist pastors and elders in more safely navigating the shepherding of women in crisis by utilizing the gifts and experiences of seasoned women believers in their churches.
Key Components of Training:
- View and order the 11 essential books (can be purchased individually or in a bundle)
- Order the Advocacy Study Guide for each participant (this title is included in the essential book bundle above)
- Register for the Video Training as an individual or as a church group and save!
- View and order other recommended resource books
VIDEO RESOURCE: Sexual Faithfulness by Ellen Dykas
Free Leader’s Guide, Participant Guide and Videos: https://harvestusa.org/sexualfaithfulness/
LENGTH: 10 Weeks
DESCRIPTION: Sexual Faithfulness: Gospel-Infused, Practical Discipleship for Women is for those who need help applying the gospel to their sexual and relational struggles.This small group curriculum addresses such issues as building healthy friendships, suffering, beliefs about men, spiritual warfare, and more. At the beginning of each lesson, a brief video orients you to the topic. The Leader’s Guide includes notes with each lesson to assist leaders with group discussion and provide helpful suggestions for navigating complex issues. Sexual Faithfulness is designed for use in small groups and discipleship relationships.
VIDEO RESOURCE: LUKE PART ONE by Christine Gordon and Hope Blanton
BUY BOOK: https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-91643-practical-theology-for-women.aspx
ACCESS VIDEO CONTENT: https://athisfeetonline.com/shop/
LENGTH: 13 Weeks
DESCRIPTION: If you’re a woman who feels like you don’t have time to study the Bible in a deep, meaningful way, but want to, this is the study for you. Watch Jesus up close as he begins to reveal to his disciples, the crowds, and us the astonishing upside-down kingdom of God. Luke: Part 1 is a combination of Chris’s ability to unpack Scripture in deep, practical ways and Hope’s ability to create questions that guide the reader and apply God’s Word. Designed to be completed in just twenty minutes, each study is nourishing, time efficient, and useful for individuals and groups. What other people are saying about Luke: Part 1:“Hope Blanton and Chris Gordon have once again provided the church with a rich yet accessible resource in this study on Luke’s Gospel.
VIDEO RESOURCE: SAINTS & SCOUNDRELS by Nancy Guthrie
BUY BOOK: https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-6274964-saints-and-scoundrels-in-the-story-of-jesus.aspx
ACCESS VIDEO CONTENT: https://www.nancyguthrie.com/saints-scoundrels
LENGTH: 10 Weeks
DESCRIPTION: The story of Jesus in the Gospels includes all kinds of interesting people—some who claimed to be saints but proved to be scoundrels, as well as scoundrels who were transformed into saints. Saints and Scoundrels in the Story of Jesus provides a fresh look into what shaped and motivated people such as John the Baptist, Peter, the Pharisees, Zacchaeus, Judas, Caiaphas, Barabbas, Stephen, and Paul. Each of their stories help us to see the generous grace of Jesus toward the worst of sinners more clearly.
VIDEO RESOURCE: HUNGRY by Rondi Lauterbach
BUY BOOK: https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-12675-hungry.aspx
ACCESS VIDEO CONTENT: https://www.rondilauterbach.com/
LENGTH: 12 Weeks
DESCRIPTION: To all who are: running on empty; feeding on junk; rummaging for scraps; or pretending you’re fine
Come. Because God has come in person/ To spread a table for us in the wilderness. Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” John 6:35 – Let’s go to his feast together.
VIDEO RESOURCE: HINGED by CDM
BUY DIGITAL BOOK: https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-6275086-hinged-vitally-connected-to-christ-and-his-church-ephesians-download-edition.aspx
BUY LEADER’S GUIDE: https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-6274613-hinged-leaders-guide-download.aspx
ACCESS ALL HINGED & VIDEO CONTENT: www.pcacdm.org/HBS
LENGTH: 12 Weeks
DESCRIPTION: We are better together. I think we are more effective at seeking to learn and apply the gospel in the context of community. This study is a collaborative effort written by a unified yet diverse group of nine women from our National Women’s Ministry Team. They live in different parts of the country. They are of different ages and races. They have unique faith stories. The churches they attend range in size from under 100 to several thousand. It is a love for Christ and His Church that unites them. The book also contains 12 unique stories from women just like you who are seeking to apply the truth of God’s Word right where they live. And when you add up these 20 women you see a picture of the Bride…and she is radiant!
VIDEO RESOURCE: GOD’S DESIGN FOR SEXUALITY by Harvest USA
BUY VIDEO CONTENT: https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-91800-gods-design-for-sexuality-dvd.aspx
LENGTH: 15 weeks
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SERIES: https://harvestusa.org/
DESCRIPTION: Everyone outside the church is talking about sexual issues—gender identity, same-sex attraction, same-sex marriage—the world’s perspective on these issues has certainly changed over the last decade. So how do you answer questions about God’s design for sexuality for church members and their families? Is your church equipping your people to understand a biblical perspective on sexuality and form a gospel-based response to questions from both inside and outside the church?
VIDEO RESOURCE: CONTENTMENT by Melissa Kruger
BUY VIDEO: https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-91709-contentment.aspx
LENGTH: 8 Weeks
DESCRIPTION: It can be hard to be content. Our culture encourages us to covet and consume in ways that are contrary to biblical teaching. In Contentment, Melissa Kruger defines what biblical contentment is and what it means for the Christian life. She helps Christians recognize how the cultivation of contentment is fundamentally rooted in understanding and resting in the person and work of Jesus Christ. In Him, we find ultimate contentment.
VIDEO RESOURCE: Romans by Sarah Ivill
BUY BOOK: https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-6274829-romans-gospel-of-god-for-obedience-to-the-faith.aspx
ACCESS VIDEO CONTENT: https://christcovenant.org/romans/
LENGTH: 12 Weeks
DESCRIPTION: The New Testament book of Romans declares the gospel according to Paul, tracing the good news of what Jesus has done within the framework of salvation history, creation, the fall, redemption, and consummation. In this twelve-lesson Bible study, Sarah Ivill provides students of Scripture with an in-depth look at this profound epistle that explains the gospel of God and encourages them to strive for obedience to the faith.
VIDEO RESOURCE: I PETER by Sarah Wright
BUY BOOK: www.pcabookstore.com/p-6275101-living-hope-a-study-of-1-peter.aspx
LENGTH: 6 Weeks
Access videos and devotional teaching here:
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWntKS3Wg1FNERPTq_JPF-apy50fpIz7D
VIDEO RESOURCE: GOD DOES HIS BEST WORK WITH EMPTY by Nancy Guthrie
BUY BOOK: https://www.pcabookstore.com/isearch3?searchterm=guthrie+empty
ACCESS VIDEO CONTENT: https://www.nancyguthrie.com/god-does-his-best-work-with-empty-products
LENGTH: 8 Weeks
DESCRIPTION: As Nancy pulls back the curtain on God’s work to fill up emptiness as revealed throughout the Bible, you’ll experience page after page of grace and hope that your emptiness can and will be filled. You’ll begin to see that God really does do His best work with empty—as he fills it with Himself.
VIDEO RESOURCE: SEEING JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT by Nancy Guthrie
BUY ALL FIVE BOOKS & VIDEO CONTENT: https://www.pcabookstore.com/isearch3?searchterm=seeing+jesus+in+the+Old+testament+nancy+guthrie
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ENTIRE SERIES: http://seeingjesusintheoldtestament.com/leaders.html
VIDEO RESOURCE: FROM GARDEN TO GLORY by Courtney Doctor
BUY BOOK: https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-12544-from-garden-to-glory-book.aspx
BUY CHILDREN’S RESOURCE: https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-12576-from-garden-to-glory-for-kids.aspx
BUY VIDEO: https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-12545-from-garden-to-glory-dvd.aspx
If you buy the videos you will get a Church code to share with your women for individual viewing.
LENGTH: 10 Weeks
DESCRIPTION: From Garden to Glory is a ten-week study that will take you through this amazing story. You will marvel at the steadfast love of our God who longs to dwell with his children again as he did in the Garden—and who will stop at nothing until he does.
Old Testament Resources
Isaiah: The Holy One of Israel by Sarah Ivill
Buy the book: https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-6275733-isaiah-the-holy-one-of-israel.aspx
Length: 11 weeks
Genesis: The Promised One by Nancy Guthrie
Length: 10 weeks
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-8441-the-promised-one-seeing-jesus-in-genesis.aspx
Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy: The Formation of God’s People by Susan Hunt
12 weeks
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-7028-formation-of-gods-people-isra.aspx
Deuteronomy: More Grace, More Love by George Robertson and Mary Beth McGreevy
Length: 24 weeks
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-3335-deuteronomy-more-grace-more-l.aspx
Naomi: Reason to Hope by Deb McQuilken
Length: 6 weeks
1 Samuel: At His Feet Studies by Christine Gordon and Hope Blanton
Length: 16 weeks
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-91159-1-samuel-at-his-feet-studies.aspx
Esther: The Hidden Hand of God by Lydia Brownback
Length: 10 weeks
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-6275282-esther-the-hidden-hand-of-god.aspx
Psalms: At His Feet Studies by Christine Gordon and Hope Blanton
Length: 13 weeks
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-91267-psalms-at-his-feet-studies.aspx
Proverbs by Kathleen Nielson
Length: 11 Weeks
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-3192-proverbsways-of-wisdom.aspx
Daniel by Jon Nielson
Length: 13 weeks
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-91639-daniel-rebs.aspx
Jonah: The Prodigal Prophet by Tim Keller
Length: 12 weeks
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-91237-prodigal-prophet-tim-keller.aspx
New Testament Resources
Our Light and Life: Identity in the Claims of Christ by Becky Kiern
Length: 14 weeks
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-6275132-our-light-and-life-identity-in-the-claims-of-christ.aspx
John by Kathleen Nielson
Length: 20 weeks
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-7845-john-that-you-may-believe.aspx
Romans: At His Feet Studies byHope Blanton and Christine Gordon
Length: 28 weeks
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-91158-romans-at-his-feet-studies.aspx
Galatians: Sophron Studies by Melissa McPhail and Lisa Mechinger
Length: 16 weeks
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-91129-galatians-redeeming-grace.aspx
Ephesians: Hinged Bible Study
Length: 12 weeks
Philippians: In All Things by Melissa Kruger
Length: 9 weeks
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-91228-in-all-things.aspx
1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: Pastoral Letters by Susan Hunt
Length: 12 weeks
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-3525-pastoral-letters-1-2-timothy-titus-student-bk.aspx
James: Steadfast by Courtney Doctor
Length: 8 weeks
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-3525-pastoral-letters-1-2-timothy-titus-student-bk.aspx
1 Peter: A Living Hope
Length: 6 weeks
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-6275101-living-hope-a-study-of-1-peter.aspx
Revelation by Sarah Ivill
Length: 21 weeks
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-8837-revelation-let-the-one-who-is.aspx
Book Club Recommendations and Books about being Vitally Connected to Christ and His Church
Freedom to Flourish by Elizabeth Garn
Buy the book https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-6275640-freedom-to-flourish.aspx
Free Leader’s Guide: https://storage.googleapis.com/prpbooks/documents/pdf/leaders-guides/9781629956084-lg.pdf
Aging with Grace by Sharon Betters and Susan Hunt
Buy book and Leader’s Guide: https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-6275612-aging-with-grace.aspx
The Beautiful Community by Irwyn Ince
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-6274912-beautiful-community-the.aspx
A Place to Belong by Megan Hill
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-6275098-place-to-belong-learning-to-love-the-local-church.aspx
Growing Together by Melissa Kruger
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-6275039-growing-together.aspx
Union with Christ by Rankin Wilbourne
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-12695-union-with-christ.aspx
Beyond the Roles – Melanie Cogdill, Editor
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-91713-beyond-the-roles.aspx
God For Us by Abby Hutto
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-91500-god-for-us.aspx
Praying Together by Megan Hill
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-12484-praying-together.aspx
Closer Than a Sister by Christina Fox
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-90924-closer-than-a-sister.aspx
Confronting Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-91704-confronting-christianity.aspx
Slowly Unraveled by Rachel Craddock
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-91494-slowly-unraveled-changed-from.aspx
Books for Young Moms
Risen Motherhood by Laura Wifler and Emily Jensen
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-91748-risen-motherhood.aspx
Treasuring Christ When your Hands are Full by Gloria Furman
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-9447-treasuring-christ-when-your-h.aspx
Walking with God through a Season of Motherhood by Melissa Kruger
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-9673-walking-with-god-in-the-season.aspx
Missional Motherhood by Gloria Furman
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-12523-missional-motherhood.aspx
Engaging Motherhood by Holly Mackle and Linda Barrett
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-12548-engaging-motherhood.aspx
Idols of a Mother’s Heart by Christina Fox
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-12548-engaging-motherhood.aspx
Sufficient Hope: Gospel Meditations and Prayers for Mom by Christina Fox
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-91633-sufficient-hope.aspx
Five Things to Pray for Your Kids by Melissa Kruger
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-91749-5-things-to-pray-for-your-kids.aspx
Additional Studies
Transformed: Life-taker to Life-Giver by Karen Hodge and Susan Hunt
Studies in Job: Too Wonderful for Me by Emalyn Spencer
1 Peter, 2 Peter and Jude by Sarah Ivill
1, 2, 3 John: Dearly Beloved by George Robertson and Mary Beth McGreevy
For a Bible study on the messy women in Jesus’s genealogy, please order your What’s SHE Doing Here? book from the PCA Bookstore and go to our What’s SHE Doing Here? webpage that has all of the free videos, discussion questions, and other encouraging information.
For a Bible study on the book of Ephesians, please order your Hinged Bible Study from the PCA Bookstore and go to our Hinged Bible Study webpage that has all of the free videos, discussion questions, and other encouraging information.
Building the Body of Christ – This resource (downloadable Word document) was collaborated in partnership with CDM and The Gospel Coalition Women’s Initiatives.
Building the Body of Christ During the COVID-19 Crisis
Resources and Ideas
Web-based Resources:
- The Gospel Coalition: (articles, podcasts, and videos): https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/
- TGC Coronavirus Resource Page: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/
- TGC Coronavirus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/churchcoronavirus/
Counseling Resources:
- Christian Counseling and Education Foundation (CCEF—articles, podcasts, and videos): https://www.ccef.org/
- GCN Global Networking – Online Counseling: http://www.globalcounselingnetwork.com
- Institute of Biblical Counseling: IBCD https://ibcd.org/
- Counseling resources for PCA staff and ministry spouses through RBI, Servant Care.
Biblical Sexuality Resources:
- Harvest USA Biblical Sexuality (articles, videos, books, etc.) https://harvestusa.org/
- Ellen Dykas: Women’s Coordinator for Harvest USA (Biblical Sexuality) ellen@harvestusa.org is willing to consult or do a Facebook live to come alongside the church in terms of how people are struggling sexually (pornography, sexual temptation, etc…) during this season.
Equipping Word-based Resources (free or reduced) for Leaders and Women in your Church:
- Nancy Guthrie’s Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament Video Series (All 5 Books–50 videos in total) are free to download at Crossway until May 31st: Click here.
- Ligonier Teaching Resources: Currently Free to Stream including Melissa Kruger’s Contentment video study: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/series/contentment/
- Charles Simeon Trust online courses reduced from $19 to $9: Charles Simeon Trust online
- Lifeway: https://lifewaywomen.com/2020/03/20/free-online-bible-studies-and-5-ebooks-to-stay-in-the-word/
- Reformed Theological Seminary: https://rts.edu/resources/; there is also an RTS app.
- Covenant Theological Seminary: https://www.covenantseminary.edu/resources/
- She Reads Truth: https://shereadstruth.com/
- The Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/
- Bible Reading Plans: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/read-bible-tgc-2020/
- Scripture Memory—The Verse Project: http://theversesproject.com/
- Community Bible Reading Plan: https://www.thecbrjournal.com/
Podcasts for Listeners:
- TGC: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/podcasts/tgc-podcast/
- Help Me Teach the Bible: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/podcasts/help-me-teach-the-bible/
- Risen Motherhood: https://www.risenmotherhood.com/
- Knowing Faith—The Village Church: https://www.tvcresources.net/resource-library/podcasts/by-series/knowing-faith
- Journeywomen: https://journeywomenpodcast.com/
- Revive our Hearts: https://www.reviveourhearts.com/podcast/
- enCourage Podcast and Blog: https://encourage.pcacdm.org/
Books and Articles for Readers:
- A Small Book for the Anxious Heart by Ed Welch
- Fight Your Fears by Kristen Weatherall
- Teach Me to Feel by Courtney Reissig
- Walking with God through Pain and Suffering by Tim Keller
- Songs of Jesus by Tim Keller
- Christian Biographies that bring perspective
- His Testimonies My Heritage (Psalm 119) by Kristie Anyabwile
- A Heart Set Free: A Journey Through the Psalms of Lament by Christina Fox
- Steadfast: A Devotional Bible Study on the Book of James by Courtney Doctor
- At His Feet Studies (Romans, I Samuel, Philippians, Luke) by Christine Gordon and Hope Blanton–Theologically rich yet very accessible in terms of time (20 min prep) and biblical literacy. https://athisfeetonline.com/
- One to One Bible Reading Resources: https://matthiasmedia.com/products/one-to-one-bible-reading
- TGC articles: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/
- Open letter to Seniors: http://www.katiepolski.com/
- 20 Prayers to Pray During this Pandemic by Jen Pollock Michel
- Helping Children with Scary News by Sally Lloyd-Jones
- Don’t Waste Your Quarantine by Courtney Reissig https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/waste-family-quarantine/
- Blizzard or Winter? https://journal.praxislabs.org/leading-beyond-the-blizzard-why-every-organization-is-now-a-startup-b7f32fb278ff
Connection Points:
- Zoom.us: a conferencing app; be sure it is password protected!
- A How to Video for Zoom
- Google Hangouts: https://hangouts.google.com/
- Loom.com: record a video and send a link.
- Mailchimp: sending emails and newsletters
- Marco Polo: https://www.marcopolo.me/
- FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/ Start a private FaceBook group for women in your church to connect for encouragement and prayer.
- Instagram TV: http://help.instagram.com to share encouraging words or devotions
- Free Conference Calls (for prayer): https://www.freeconferencecall.com/
- GroupMe and app for text groups: https://groupme.com/en-US/
- Canva: To create engaging digital content memes: https://www.canva.com/
- Make an actual phone call
- Write an actual letter
Practical Ideas:
- Using your small groups to shift towards gathering virtually for prayer.
- Consider your audience. Do they need the spiritual rhythm of completing the study you began or should you consider shifting the content to contextualize to meet the spiritual needs of your women during this season?
- Consider how you might identify and train new leadership especially if your leadership is rotating off or is not currently available to participate.
- Coordinate communication across your congregation about virtual meeting opportunities. Consider ways you can streamline and combine efforts.
- Write sample discussion questions for virtual groups: Below is an example of Spiritual Health Questions* from Restoration Community Church
- Consider allowing young congregants to come alongside older congregants to learn methods of navigating digital connections.
- Empowering women to share the lessons they are learning devotionally on a FaceBook page or in written form.
- Be strategic about pushing too much content as many young moms are drowning in schooling, childcare, and home responsibilities.
- Remember everything is teaching…including modeling how to lead a virtual group. Engage them on a Zoom call and then give them the tools and empower them to use them as they gather their own groups.
- When preparing for a video lesson, assign a few people ahead of time to be prepared to share for each question so that you can encourage participation and avoid awkward silence.
- Since gathering virtually is new for many, review group dynamics and encourage women to fully participate (audio and video) to be all in, so that everyone can be seen and heard.
- Here are some tips to set group dynamics for virtual groups:
-
- I will initiate the call to you on Google Hangouts
- Try to be on time
- Have your Bible, book, and coffee/water ready
- Remember to MUTE your line when you come on
- Find a quiet place where you can participate undistracted
- Turn your VIDEO ON so we can see each other, build a sense of community, and guard against distractions
- For Women’s Bible Study, consider facilitating virtual small groups or have the teacher prepare a video/podcast recording of the teaching to be shared and then follow up with small group discussion.
- Consider ways to engage non-believers and neighbors with Bible study and prayer.
- Consider removing barriers for women to engage with Bible study by providing a truncated homework plan. Here is a 15-minute version example that Redeemer Presbyterian did could be adapted to any study.
This study does a great job of helping us with that! It is rich and full. This study recommends 30 min. of study a day, and you will be amazed by the depth of study you can do in 30 minutes. For some of you, that may not be your life stage right now. If you are in the 2nd group, will you commit to 15 min. a day, 5 days a week to God’s Word in your life?
We believe God’s Word is not an optional activity but as necessary as eating and sleeping for our lives.
How we suggest using this study for the 15 min. plan:
Each day—Set a timer for 15 minutes. If you want to study more, great! But if you do 15 minutes of this study a day you will gain much wisdom and be prepared to bless the other women in your group!! Begin and end with prayer and our memory verse.
Day 1—Mark up your Scriptures today, but don’t worry about the questions.
Day 2—Do the Day 1 questions.
Day 3—Work on Day 2 questions for 15 min.
Day 4—Work on Day 3 questions for 15 min.
Day 5—Work on Day 4 questions for 15 min.
The last day is a guide to help you in praying through and meditating on what God is teaching you in your study. “He gives more grace…” James 4:6—ENJOY!
Care:
- Celebrate small victories when women take a step of faith to engage with a new platform or engage in community in new ways.
- White Ribbon Prayer—Identify healthcare professionals in your congregation. Tie a white ribbon around their mailbox and place a note inside letting them know they are appreciated and prayed for and with a verse. Create a general email such as whiteribbonprayer@gmail.com so they can share their prayer requests. Encourage your congregation to pray for these families as they see the white ribbons.
- Consider how you can intentionally assimilate new women who are now available for the first time to participate in women’s ministry studies and prayer.
- Take the emotional and spiritual temperature of your women often to assess their real time needs.
- Care Coordination: Male Leadership and Female leadership coordinating care for the congregation. If you do not have a shepherding plan in place, perhaps this is a time to develop a model for your church.
- Work with the deacons to come alongside families who are now unemployed.
- Run a list of your church congregation and divide up the names. Mobilize a team to connect with their group for prayer and systematically checking on people seeking to ascertain their needs. Sample Call Guide** (see below for talking points and questions)
- Using your primary means of communication (e-blast, web, bulletin) to shift from events to support and encouragement resourcing.
- Use these questions to create an electronic survey to gather people’s primary means of communication: We used a google survey:
-
- How would you describe your age + stage? Examples: 30’s with kids, married no kids, college student, living alone, etc.
-
- What is the best way to communicate with you online? Examples: Facebook, Instagram, Email.
-
- What are your main needs in this period of isolation? What are some life-giving ways we can minister to your spirit during this time of limited community? Examples: Prayer, Recipe Ideas, Grocery Delivery, Workout Plans, To be left alone.
-
- If you had immediate needs, how would you feel most comfortable communicating them? Examples: Email to Brian, Texting Community Group leaders, Contacting Susan, Contacting Deacon/Deaconess etc.
-
- How would you rate your ability to utilize online platforms such as Lectures posted online, Facebook Live, and Zoom small group meetings? (1 being low, or difficult to operate, 5 being high, or easy to operate)
-
- When is the best time of day/evening for you to access group gatherings online?
-
- Is there anything else you would like our team to consider while planning the best ways to engage and communicate with our women while we are in this period of isolation?
- Find creative ways for your congregation to have fun, laugh or celebrate: Netflix watching party, eating dinner together on zoom, drive-by bridal or baby shower, preparing new baby care kits with gift cards and a note, remembering to celebrate and thank those women who have been serving all year in women’s ministry with a small gift and note delivered to them, having a drive-by goodbye parade for a family who is moving, playing games together with Air Console: https://www.airconsole.com/
- Find compassionate ways to weep with those who weep. Feeding families who have lost a loved one, sharing stories to memorialize and remember their loved one. Mobilize children and women to write cards to those who are in nursing homes.
- Be strategic about moving towards single women who may be drowning in silence.
- Identify College and Grad students who have had to return home and are separated from their college support groups (friends/churches) and find ways to enfold them during this season.
- Meals for those in need: Collect gift cards or have a cooler by the front door for non-intrusive drop-offs.
- Here is a video from a doctor about how the disease is spread that may provide insight in handling food. Click Here.
- Consider starting support groups for various issues (unemployment, pornography, domestic abuse, etc.)
- Find ways to support those in our congregations who are called to foster care in a season of no respite care or outside support.
- Corporate Prayer Calendar*** (see below): Westminster Pres. Church 30 days of Prayer for Leaders, Family, Medical Personnel and others:
Questions we can be asking ourselves as leaders…or even using these questions to start meaningful dialogue in your circles of influence?
- How can I seek to be faithful today…because tomorrow has enough trouble of its own (Matt. 6:34)?
- What version of myself do I want God to transform me to be at the end of this pandemic?
- How do we come alongside others with Word-based and creative ideas to help them redeem their time?
- How might God use me to help the gospel go viral in this pandemic?
- How can I personally seek to be vitally connected to Christ so that I live and minister out of the overflow of my relationship with Him?
- What does self-stewardship (biblical care) look like in the midst of this crisis?
- How can I make equipping and encouraging resources more accessible to those in your circles of influence?
- How can I involve the gifts and graces of others, especially when I feel I have a significant learning curve in this virtual age?
- How do we equip women to think biblically about silence? Waiting with Hope? Fear and anxiety?
- How do we identify and bring strategic care for the most vulnerable among our congregation? (older adults, singles, single parents, immunocompromised, mentally ill, unemployed, those with familial/relational struggles…)
- How can we leverage the platforms we have to draw women’s eyes upward to God?
- How can I use this time to figure out women’s preferred methods of communication (Email, text, phone)?
- How can I use this time to consider various learning styles (auditory, visual, kinesthetic, interactive) when considering content?
- How can I use this time to discover what constitutes meaningful care for those in my circles of influence?
- How can I equip women with processing skills during and after this crisis? (Biblical reflection, journaling, small group discussion, learning to listen to others.)
- How can we leverage this time to build up the church by equipping women to do the work of ministry not only for this season but for years to come amidst this crisis (leadership development)?
- How can we use this season for fruitful evangelistic connections?
- How do we weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice in an age of social distancing?
- How does isolation compound chronic struggles?
- How can we care for people and seek to equip the body with sustainable methods?
*Spiritual Health Questions from Restoration Community Church:
General Questions
- How are you doing?
- How is Coronavirus impacting your work, livelihood, and household?
- How have you been structuring your days? How’s that going?
- Are there family members or friends/neighbors that you are particularly concerned about? How are they doing?
- What’s bringing you joy and delight these days? What are you watching/reading/listening to? How are you staying relationally connected?
Going Deeper: Spiritual Health Check-in Questions
Spiritual Disciplines
- What is your time in God’s Word and in prayer looking like these days?
- What truths from Scripture are encouraging you this week?
- What aspects of God’s character and the work of Christ do you most need to be remembering right now?
- How have you been engaging with our church’s corporate spiritual disciplines? (e.g. Bible Study, Lenten Devotional Guide, 7pm prayer, and livestream worship)
Relational, Emotional, and Physical Health
- How are you caring for your own physical and emotional health right now, especially in light of anxiety and stress?
- If you are prone to chronic anxiety and/or depression, how are you doing with that right now?
- Are you finding time and ways to exercise and to eat healthily?
- What losses and disappointments are you experiencing because of cancellations and isolation?
- What are the relational dynamics in your household looking like? What conflicts are surfacing?
- Or what is the experience of living alone in the midst of such isolation looking like?
Dying to Sin
- What sins are more tempting to you right now, either in light of increased isolation or increased relational demands in your home?
- How are you fighting against temptation?
- What do you need right now in terms of accountability?
- Where do you need to seek repentance?
Love of neighbor
- Who are you connecting with in your neighborhood, workplace, or broader community these days?
- What concerns or needs are you aware of?
- How are you seeking to provide and/or pray for those needs?
- How might the Gospel speak into the concerns of those who are other than Christian?
**Sample Call Guide: Making Connection Recommendations
Introduction:
- Intro: Explain who you are (hopefully they know you but just in case!). Share with them that we as a church want to stay connected to our church family during this time and that you just wanted to check-in and see how everyone was doing.
- Ask “How are they doing?” or “How are you holding up?” type question
Questions or Things to Discuss: (It’s okay to keep it brief because many of them are working from home and managing their kids/school, etc. But many of them may appreciate the personal conversation in the midst of these circumstances)
- Discuss how things have changed in their routines. School, work, family life, etc.
- If their kids are around, feel free to talk or FaceTime them but know that they may be occupied with school. If so, ask if there is a good time to call back to talk to their child if interested.
- Let them know that we will be sending out some resources for them to have Sunday School with their families, activities, ways to be intentional, etc.
- These will be often emailed but tell them about the new Immanuel Preschool and Kids Facebook page. Tell them they can search for it on Facebook and request to join or email lindsay@ibclr.org if they have problems. You can also add them to the group right then too if you are a member of the group yourself.
- Ask if there is anything they need or could use help with right now (food, health, connection, etc). If they need something but you aren’t sure what we can do or who could answer that it is okay to say “I don’t know but I will get back to you on that.” Make a note in the spreadsheet and share these things in the notes section or contact Lindsay after the phone call.
- Ask how you can be praying for them
- Ask if it would be okay to pray with them on the phone. It may feel awkward but it is a powerful thing to be in a stressful circumstance and to have someone call and just pray with you. The kids may be listening and also may want to pray too.
- Need: Please highlight in the spreadsheet if you make a note of a specific need. I want to make sure we prioritize these. You can also email me or text me if it is an urgent need.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What if they ask when we will meet at church again? All church related questions (closures, events cancelled/postponed, start back dates, etc.) will be posted online at ibclr.org/coronavirus. They can also go to the homepage (ibclr.org) and they can click the red banner on top to be directed to the updates page. Try to avoid definitive answers, be positive and encourage them.
- What if they have a need? Do not promise anything but let them know we will get back to them on how we can possibly help. Add it to the spreadsheet so, we can follow-up with them.
- What if they share ideas of things we can do as a church? That’s great. Be open to Ideas they may have about ways we can minister. Don’t ask for ideas because they might feel put on the spot but if they want to share some or collaborate, let’s foster that and help them to see how they can help others. Again, do not promise we can do what they suggest but make a note of the ideas in the spreadsheet.
- *If you talk with kids (FaceTime or on the phone):
Use this as a guideline: (ask these things but also share what has been doing on in your life too…to an appropriate extent)
- Ask them how they are doing
- Ask about the activities they been doing at home
- Ask if they have a new favorite subject in school and why
- Ask what is something that has made them laugh today
- Explain what a “high” and a “low” is and ask them what has been their high today and
- what has been their low (the older kids usually like this)
- Ask if it would be okay to pray with them. They may want to pray too!
Once the call is done, please add notes and the date you contacted in the following spreadsheet next to the specific child’s name. Make note if parents have already been contacted for another sibling if you can.
*If no one answers, leave a voicemail
Send a follow up text. Most people will respond to your text after they missed your call.
***Corporate Prayer Guide
Leaders
- Pray for wisdom for all world leaders as they try to protect their citizens and decrease the mortality rates of their countries.
- Pray that leaders of wealthy countries would be willing to share their resources with countries who are less fortunate.
- Pray that COVID-19 would bring unity to the United States. Pray that leaders at the federal, state and local levels would be willing to reach across party lines for the welfare of Americans.
- Pray for Vice President Pence as he coordinates the U.S. government response to the Coronavirus.
- Pray that the hearts of leaders would be softened and that many would come to know Christ.
Family
- Pray for families who have lost family members from the Coronavirus.
- Pray for children who are afraid as their schedule has been disrupted with school closings. School for many children is where they feel safe, they are encouraged, they receive warm meals, and they feel loved.
- Pray for family members who have been quarantined due to an exposure to the virus. Pray that the quarantined remain healthy as they seek things to occupy their time. Pray that the quarantined individuals who experience symptoms of the virus will seek medical help.
- Pray for a hedge of protection for individuals whose health is already compromised and for the elderly as they are being hit the hardest.
- Pray for individuals who are in the hospital and nursing homes who cannot have visitors. May God fill their void and give them a peace and comfort.
- Pray for families to unite and love each other well.
- Pray that families will look to Christ for their strength and joy during these difficult circumstances.
Health Care Providers
- Pray for the protection all health care workers who are on the front lines of dealing with the Coronavirus.
- Pray that health care workers who are believers will have opportunities to share the love of Christ with others through word and deed.
- Pray for providers who are vigorously working to develop a vaccine for the Coronavirus.
- Pray that health care providers are able to rest, exercise and eat healthy as they care for others in our community.
- Pray that health care providers will have access to medical equipment that is needed to protect themselves and to assist their patients.
- Pray that there would be a sense of calm and not panic as individuals are coming into hospitals or other health care facilities.
- Pray for a daily renewal of strength and endurance for providers.
- Pray that providers would come to know Christ.
Believers
- Praise to our God who is merciful and faithful to his people.
- Praise that our God is sovereign-the Coronavirus was not a surprise to Him.
- Praise that as believers we can put all of our hope and assurance in Christ.
- Pray that believers would share the love of Jesus with our families, neighbors and strangers.
- Pray that we would not be selfish, but willing to share our resources (even TP).
- Pray that we would have compassion on those who eyes are still closed to the gospel.
- Pray that we would only say kind words to essential workers.
- Pray that we would take time to reflect on all of God’s goodness.
- Pray that we would not experience fear, but a peace that surpasses all understanding.
- Pray that those around us would see something different during this storm- Pray that they would see Jesus.
In an effort to serve you well, we offer these resources from a variety of PCA churches. Be encouraged that the beautiful diversity of the PCA should be reflected in the different structures of our presbyteries. Our intention is not to prescribe any specific model, but to help you develop a structure that best serves the context of your presbytery/church. Keep in mind that although structures are a means of needed organization, we do not live to serve the structure.
Women’s Ministry Leadership (Local Church)
- Women’s Ministry Plan Worksheet
- Values of Women’s Ministry
- Sample Survey for Women’s Ministry
- Kingdom Model of Discipleship Video (Teri Anderson)
- Biblical Womanhood Video (Connie Miller)
- Investing in Women’s Ministry Video (Stephen Estock)
- Women’s Ministry Video (Karen Hodge)
- Encouragement When Leadership Takes a Toll Video (Susan Tyner)
- Officers Information Forms
- Planning Notes for Restructuring Your Women’s Ministry
- Pray / Play / Plan
- Securing Your Next Guest Speaker
- Help! I Need a Speaker
- Prayer Guide for Church Leaders
- Tips on Getting Women to Serve with You
- Women’s Ministry Icebreaker – “Speed Dating”
- Curriculum Evaluation Form Rubric
- Box Talk Guidelines
Presbytery Women’s Ministry (PWM)
Videos, questions, and resources on key doctrines and Women’s Ministry topics
The purpose of Women’s Ministry Connection Series is to help connect women to key doctrines and Women’s Ministry topics. Use any of the videos for your own personal encouragement or share them with your Women’s Ministry to invite women to connect in conversation around these truths. Each video is paired with some questions to get you started, as well as some resources to dig deeper on the featured topics. To get started click on a topic below, watch the video, and then browse through the companion questions and resources!
Marriage – Recommended Resources
The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy and Kathy Keller
Each for the Other by Bryan and Kathy Chapell
Marriage Matters by Winston T. Smith
Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
Motherhood – Recommended Resources
Engaging Motherhood by Holly Mackle and Linda Barrett
Also visit the website at EngagingMotherhood.com!
Little Hearts Prepare Him Room by Holly Mackle
Missional Motherhood by Gloria Furman
Treasuring Christ When Your Hands are Full by Gloria Furman
Walking with God in the Season of Motherhood by Melissa Kruger
Idols of a Mother’s Heart by Christina Fox
Sufficient Hope: Gospel Meditations and Prayers for Moms by Christina Fox
Audio and video files from previous conferences:
2016 Transformed Conference Resources (videos and book) 
2018 Women’s Leadership Training (audio and handouts)
2018 ONE Conferences (audio)
2019 Women’s Leadership Training (audio and handouts)
2020 Women’s Leadership Training (audio and handouts)
Previous Issues of Connect Newsletter:
- April 2016 – “Help, I Need a Speaker” – Karen Hodge
- February 2016 – “Please, Show Me How to Help!” – CB Campano
- Women’s Ministry Connect Newsletter October 2017
- Women’s Ministry Connect Newsletter December 2017
- Women’s Ministry Connect Newsletter March 2018
- Women’s Ministry Connect Newsletter August 2018
Biblical Vision for Small Groups (article)
Building Basics for Small Groups
Five Tips for Leading Your Small Group by Kevin DeYoung
How to be a GREAT small group member
Pray Beyond the Sick List by David Powlison
Sample Small Group Leaders Guide (NPC)
Small Group Guidelines for Church Ministries
Bible Study that can be used for Small Groups or Titus 2 Groups
Below are some tools from Life-giving Leadership by Karen Hodge and Susan Hunt. For additional resources, you can order Life-giving Leadership from the PCA Bookstore.
PDF, 
Word doc, 