Written by Lady Monique Jordan

Below is an informal set of ideas for starting a women’s ministry and some examples that New Direction Women’s Department have embraced. All of these suggestions have been pre-approved by  Pastor Jordan of our congregation. It is important to note that these activities were established over time. 

Gather a group of women who are interested in growth and fellowship

Current Group Members: Lady Monique Jordan, Lady Michelle Ogden, Lady Maritza Jordan, Sister Sylvia Burton, Sister Sandra Florence, Sister Shaidaja Wilson, Sister Danielle Harris, Sister Nicole Jordan, Sister Mary Cockerham, Ms. Kay Florence, Sisters Tamesha Nelson, Elecia Green, Shelea Florence, Danielle Harris and Charlice Jordan.

Create a survey/Reflection, which asks women what they are interested in and would like to see happen for the year

Each year our survey/Reflection has been honed and revised to accommodate the needs of the women in our group.

Establish a regular meeting time

We meet on the Friday or Saturday before the second Sunday.

Delegate a Sunday for the month specifically for the women’s ministry

Our group is in charge of the 2nd Sunday Service each month. In September 2015, it will be the first Sunday that we will celebrate our Women’s Day by wearing white. We will be calling it a White Party. On each second Sunday, (Women’s Day) faithful women are encouraged to speak on the theme or give words of encouragement.

Create a Theme and Goals for the Year

Some outstanding year long themes we have developed:

  • The Names of God
  • GPS
  • God’s Women in Search
  • Women of Faith
  • Women of Excellence,
  • Ministering to the Total Woman, Mind Body Soul and Spirit
  • Women of the Bible

Establish a retreat schedule; choose a time of year when this can be accomplished

We usually have retreats twice a year:

  • 1st retreat is the weekend before Mother’s Day. (Friday through Sunday we return before service on Mother’s Day)
  • The second Retreat is usually a little more extended and is usually in August before school starts.

Places our women have visited

  • Seattle, WA
  • Portland Oregon
  • Cruise to the Bahamas
  • Diamond Point Inn (Bed and Breakfast) In Sequim Washington
  • River’s Edge Resort and SPA
  • The Vice Roy Hotel and Resort in Miami Florida
  • Mount Rainier
  • Seaside Oregon
  • Chamber’s Creek Golf Course
  • Seattle Space Needle

We have visited and hosted meetings in the homes of some of our members.

Use surveys to establish activities that appeal to the interests of our women

Some activities that we have participated in over the years:

  • Hiking Trails
  • Hosted a Girl’s Night out for adults and/or for children
  • Attended a Tyler Perry play
  • Attend movies together
  • Attended concerts such as Fred Hammond and Kirk Franklin
  • Hosted family picnics
  • Supported the men on Men’s Day
  • December gift exchange
  • Crafts, water color paintings, create your own jewelry
  • Urban Hiking (a fancy name taking  the train to shop for bargains in Seattle)
  • Walking through Pike’s Place Market in Seattle
  • Book studies
  • Walking: several of our women met every weekday around 5:00pm for a five mile walk at Chambers Creek Golf Course
  • Birthday Gift Exchange

Provide ministering opportunities

We’ve visited nursing homes, attended and hosted prayer breakfasts and began a healthy eating/living ministry. One year, we engaged in “Prism” once a week for the entire year. After most prism meetings, we also did stretching and other light exercises, discussed healthy eating habits and supported each other with recipes and tips to remain faithful to our goals. (Sister Sylvia Burton hosted this ministry.)  We also hosted Bible studies and an weekly in-home prayer support for a terminally ill  member.

Establish a Rubric for healthy Spiritual Lifestyle

Our women’s ministry embraces  the mnemonic created by Pastor Jordan which supports the premise that all Christians should be S.P.E.E.D.Y Spiritually, Physically, Educationally, Emotionally, Develop, Yourself.  Consequently, almost everyone in our congregation is in college, has been to college or plans to attend college. During meetings, establish an opening routine that helps women express their needs, and reflect upon their week. Ours is called a “check in.”

Provide structure including an opening and closing for the year

In January a survey is sent completed.

1. A theme is established

2. Women are given the opportunity to volunteer to host the meeting in their home or some other location such as a restaurant. The host for that month also plans the activity for that evening

3. We decide on a location for our Mother’s Day retreat and summer retreat.

4. Women are given the opportunity to volunteer to speak or share each month

  • In February, after decisions are made, calendars are often issued.
  • A copy of decisions that were made together are given to each woman. Some ladies use their phones or tablets to record dates and times and events.
  • We also create a phone tree which enables us to text each other and keep each other informed for events and changes.

5. In December we usually reflect on what we have done, share our testimonies, and our growing edges; this is how we formulate goals for the next year.

To join this ministry email here: