Pioneer Christian Monthly - September, 1987

What Can A Woman Do?
Babette Moerman

This month's issue of the Pioneer focuses on outreach and so I'd like to address the role of women in outreach.

What can a women do? It is often thought that a woman can't do much in the ministry of outreach - it is to be left up to the menfolk. on the contrary, a women can do a lot in the area of reaching out to others. I'd like to mention two areas: outreach in the family and outreach in the church.

IN THE FAMILY

I feel that the most important way a woman can do outreach is right in her own home. You have a great mission field starting with your own family. God has entrusted you with children to raise and you have a great task to lead them to faith in Jesus Christ. At times we want to get carried away with reaching people in far away places, but our first mission field is down the hall, second bedroom on the left. Someone once said that the only thing you can take along to heaven is your children! Its true!

But now - let's look at some practical aspects. How exactly do you do outreach in the home? There are several aspects to consider:

1. Example

Your children are watching you. They watch what you do. They listen to what you say. But your actions will speak louder than your words. Children can pick out hypocrites. " Do what I say not what I do" will not work in this (or any) situation.

2 Having Regular Quiet Times with Your Child(ren)

Children, like everyone else, learn best by involvement. Read the Bible to them and with them. Pray for them and with them. Encourage them to pray. Let your children take turns with you and your husband at leading family devotions. Show them that God is not far away, but that He is real and answers prayer. This can best be done by praying for real needs in your child's life. Then when God meets those needs, your child's faith will be built up.

3. Watch for the Teachable Moment

There are certain teachable moments that will come and go. Seize these moments! Look for everyday situations that would give you an opportunity to teach your child about God's involvement in particular experiences and situations.

We can send our children to Sunday School, Bible Camps, and Christian Day Schools, but it's all useless if we're not reaching out to our children right in our home. outreach ministry must begin in the home.

IN THE CHURCH

The other area a woman can be useful in outreach is in the church. if your church is typical, there are people who come on Sunday morning but who do not know Christ in a personal way.

One way of reaching out is to greet newcomers. If you're the out-going type, you could make it your ministry to greet newcomers, give them a hearty welcome and make them feel at ease.

Perhaps your gift lies in working with children by involvement in Vacation Bible School or Sunday School. Many times people think that reaching out to children is less important, but this is not so. Children are very special to Jesus and this is another area where you can be used in a mighty way, turning little ones to Jesus.

Perhaps your gift lies in the area of hospitality and you enjoy cooking, baking and having people in your home. This can be another vital ministry of taking a family or single person into your home and serving them a good meal. Serving is also an important gift that God has given to many women.

Perhaps your gift lies in meeting the needs of hurting women in and around your church: women who have been hurt by divorce, alcohol, and various forms of abuse. These women could benefit greatly from a support group you could start!

This list is certainly not exhaustive. And you don't have to be involved in every area, just in the area(s) where -you feel God has gifted you and to use your talents to the fullest extent in reaching out to others, winning them for Christ.

CONCLUSION

We've talked about reaching out in your family and in your church. These are two areas, but there are others: such as reaching out in your community. The main point I'd like to emphasize is that there are no set rules or guidelines to follow. The most important thing when ministering in the area of outreach is that you must be empowered by Holy Spirit and let Him be your guide. You can't go wrong then. Outreach is not an option, it's a command.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I've commanded you. And surely I will be with you always - to the very end of the age. (Matt. 28: 19.20)

May the Lord bless you as you fulfill Jesus' commandment.

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