Leadership Tips
Dear LWML Leaders,
Welcome back to Tips for Leading with Confidence. We pray this leadership tip will be beneficial as you serve our Lord through the LWML. We welcome your feedback and suggestions.
Providing Opportunities for Women to Use Their Gifts
Our LWML mission statement includes the phrase, “so that she is enabled to use her gifts in ministry to the people of the world.” Perhaps what we’re saying is that we can’t expect women in our congregations to show an interest in LWML activities or events if we don’t offer opportunities for women to use their varied gifts in the realm of LWML.
Consult your congregational talent survey to learn of interests and talents of women in the congregation. Think outside the box as you plan your year’s activities, and if you’re unfamiliar with the gifts and talents possessed by some of the women, be bold and ask them to consider leading an activity for your group. This honors their abilities, while providing your group with the opportunity to enjoy learning something new.
Publicize your events frequently and well in advance. Don’t assume everyone knows that you meet on the first Tuesday evening of each month. Along with planning the activity, plan who in your group will invite specific women who don’t know about the blessing of LWML. Ask these members of your group to pair themselves with this newcomer. Take seriously the challenge and blessing of personally inviting women to your group’s events.
Keep women from losing interest in returning for future activities by using participants’ time well. Busy work without a purpose is a waste of time and a sure way to lose interest. Share the workload rather than overburdening a few. Recognize a job well done. Do not take people for granted. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says we are to "encourage one another and build one another up."
If someone continues to attend your group events, then ask her if she would be willing to help and in what way. If she says “no,” then encourage her to keep coming. If she says “yes,” then engage her in helping out in her area of interest.
Women can be a powerful force in fulfilling the Great Commission. Your LWML group can be a catalyst in involving the many talented, dedicated women in your congregation to use their God-given talents in service to God and others.
Ideas from LWML Resource, Gaining, Training, Maintaining Women of the LWML, Original article by Christine Steele, 1988.
God's Blessings,
Lois Teinert, Chairman
Leadership Development Committee
LWML 2019–2021 Leadership Development Committee
Marie McNary
Sherrie Smith
Lois Teinert, Chairman
Marie Chow, Vice President of Organizational Resources, Advisory
