A New Season
Women’s Ministry, in the traditional sense of the word, has taken on different seasons at CrossWay Fellowship. In my 17 years of attending this church, I have seen the seasons change like the leaves. Some seasons are more vibrant than others. There was a season of intentional outreach, like the Christmas Angel craft program. There was a season where Bible studies offered the primary means to meet and talk to each other. There were seasons of living life as a group, going on retreats. And a season of sharing testimonies of God’s goodness at Tea and Testimonies. And perhaps if you are like me, and you didn’t participate in all of these seasons, you may say, “I am not a part of women’s ministry”.
But, that is a lie.
Women’s ministry is not a club that you join, an event you attend, or a Bible study you participate in. Women’s ministry is simple: women ministering to women.
If you are a woman, and you call CrossWay your home church, YOU are a part of women’s ministry.
So, let’s take a deeper look at the term “women’s ministry.” Stay with me here… when we look at the letters that Paul wrote to the early church in the New Testament, we find that “ministry” in Greek means “to serve actively.” This is not just out of obligation or because it is your job, but “voluntarily and with a willing attitude.” “…but through love, serve one another,” Paul writes to the Galatians.
Yup, you read that correctly. We are all called to willingly serve each other through love. This is what Jesus did for us. He WILLINGLY came to earth, He SERVED us through His death on the cross and He LOVES us today. In John 13, after washing the disciples feet, Jesus says, “I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” He is the example and He calls us to follow Him. He calls you to minister and serve one another. Paul even reminds us to “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”
So, what does that look like then for Women at CrossWay? This is a new season, and because it is a new season, we do not want to assume that what we have done in the past is what God is calling us to today.
Today is different.
Today we don’t know each other as well. We haven’t seen each other as often. We haven’t spent much time together. We haven’t been intentional about talking. For many of us, conversations do not come easy and for most of us it feels like we are starting from ground zero. I don’t say this to discourage you, but instead to encourage you. If you find yourself in this spot, you are not alone. We ALL are struggling with the disconnection and distance.
So, what then...?
In June, when I sought the Lord in regards to what the next step would be, He said, “Pray. Pray and spend time with me. Pray and spend time with each other.” We needed to set the ministry on a foundation of prayer by seeking first the Kingdom of God.
So, we did.
Once a week all summer, the Bible study leaders, connect group leaders, and I have spent time together in prayer. We have sought the Lord in every step. We have asked Him for His guidance, His direction and His eyes to see the needs of the women at CrossWay today. Knowing fully that “the heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps,” we have waited on Him. We have asked Him for clarity and the ability to think outside the box. As the weeks turned to months, we continued to trust in the Lord with all our hearts,
leaning not on our own understanding. But, in all ways acknowledging Him.
Although our foundation of prayer has begun, we are not done.
We will continue devote ourselves to pray together in one accord. Would like you to join us? We will be meeting once a month for worship and prayer. It is with great excitement that we desire to give praise and glory to our God—the one we minister for, the one we willingly serve, the one we love. If you are unsure or not confident in praying out loud together or with others, do not worry about these things. Do not let uncertainty be a stumbling block or keep you away. Just come. You will be very glad that you did!
You should know, whether you choose to join us in prayer once a month or not: if you are a woman and you call CrossWay your home, YOU are a part of women’s ministry. We are here to serve and love you.
And He will make straight our paths to do this well.
With much love for each and every one of you,
Meghan Heaton (Women’s Ministry Director)
Join us this Wednesday for prayer and fireside fellowship.
7:15-8:45pm
Evergreen Bend Farm: 12600 Aden Rd., Nokesville