Religion Feature

Women’s ministry: are they necessary?

Of late, women ministries have come on the scene, causing some bit of controversy as to why they have come. In this article PAIDA MPASO finds out if women ministries are taking over the role of the mainstream ministry.

Generally, a ministry is like a gathering of people advancing one cause; in this case, such ministries advance the work of the Lord. Ministries have been there for decades but much as the Bible had ministries being led by women, this trend did not begin to spread right away in many countries.

In the case of Malawi, it is only now that there are many women ministries sprouting up. Whether these have come to stay or not, many women feel it is important to have such ministries addressing the needs of women and how they can relate with God and their families. While the cause maybe genuine, many have questioned their existence, more so their booming.

A renowned gospel singer, Grace Chinga, says a women’s ministry is a perfect way to get in touch with other women and help them out with all kinds of issues, grow in faith, help out in times of need, or just share each other’s problems and happiness.

“Let’s learn to listen to the voice of God,” she said.

Generally women’s ministry is an extension of the church with focus on women and spiritual development. In a typical women’s ministry, women meet with the purpose of worshipping, educating, loving, and supporting women in their group. It’s common for women to meet together and talk.

National chairperson of the World Women Day of Prayer, Regina Phanga says it is good for women to have some time to pray together. Some women love to spend time together and when we meet, it only helps to further such initiatives.

“There is just so much that women need to share, we are natural socialisers and enjoy being a part of each other’s lives. Women’s Ministry is the perfect way to help women connect with each other, grow in their faith, help one another in times of crisis, and come together to make a difference in their community and the world,” she said.

According to her, a ministry does not have any restriction about age, race, financial status, or marital status, and anyone can join.

“It’s important to belong to a certain grouping of faith believers as this helps one to grow and learn from each other. Not only are we able to share with our friends our own experiences, we are also able to apply them to our lives and make decisive decisions, that is the reason for such ministries and not what people say,” she said.

According to Phanga, people prefer teaching fellow women in either groups of five or ten and it can be at their homes or at church.

When meeting Phanga advises that older women in the ministry must act as mentors to the younger women.

“Having strong female leaders in the church is very important for young women, as they can provide counselling and share experiences in ways men may not be able to. Their aim is to grow together as women while also strengthening the church,” she said.

One such ministries is Proverbs 31 Ministries found online at www.proverbs31.org What began in 1992 as a monthly newsletter has grown into a multifaceted ministry that touches and transforms the lives of women around the world. Through God’s direction, Proverbs 31 Ministries has gone from a couple of volunteers folding newsletters in a garage to an international women’s ministry

In a feature on the site Zoe Elmore advises women to talk less, and pray more.

It was through a very difficult year in the life of our oldest son, when I first learned the lessons of “Pray don’t preach.” During that long year of quiet desperation, I learned to go to the throne instead of the phone for my peace and comfort. Through it all, I experienced a deepening in my own relationship with God while He softened our son’s heart and changed his life.

I spent those 12 months putting Josh’s name in each verse as I prayed through and studied Colossians 1:9-12. As I occupied my thoughts with prayer and studying God’s Word, Josh had the opportunity to “hear” the Lord’s small quiet voice speaking to his heart.

I cried out to the Lord for wisdom and guidance and heard that familiar heart-whisper: Be quiet and trust Me to work in your son’s life and heart.

As the days, weeks, months and years progressed the Lord expanded and multiplied the truths and lessons contained in these verses. After two years my journal is filled with new lessons learned and Joe has just been offered a job as a pilot with a commercial airline.

If you find yourself in a desperate place, I hope you will choose to quiet yourself before the Lord in order to study and pray through His Word. In doing so, you will receive knowledge of His will, wisdom and understanding for your spirit, and reassurance of His sovereign plan in place of your desperation.

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