Generations
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The Living Foundation
Throughout his letters, the Apostle Paul consistently challenges believers to “grow up.” He relentlessly pushes the early church to deepen their faith rather than settling for a shallow, stagnant spiritual life. In a recent study of 1 Corinthians 3 with my discipleship group, we saw Paul addressing the spiritual immaturity within the church at Corinth. The community was fractured by “worldliness, envy, and strife.” Some members had become prideful, centering their identity on which specific leader they followed. Paul corrected this by explaining that while multiple leaders might influence us throughout our lives—each challenging different areas of growth—the focus should never be on the human personality. The point isn’t who…
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Celebrating What God Has Done
Having just celebrated 30 years of LifeWay Women’s Leadership Forum, I’ve found myself deeply nostalgic these past few months. It’s been such a sweet season of remembering all the Lord has done—and continues to do—in and through the lives of women. Many may not realize that women’s ministry in the church hasn’t always looked like it does today. In many congregations, it began with a strong missions and service focus. Those early ministries were powerful, teaching us to care for missionaries, pray faithfully, give generously, and participate in missions work ourselves. But around 50 years ago, God began stirring hearts with a longing for a deeper walk with Him. Many…
- Generations, Knowing God's Will, Leadership Lessons, Lessons, Spiritual Growth, Struggle and Loss, Test, Trial
What If We Don’t Tell It?
Can you imagine what would have happened if generations ago no one had passed down the stories of creation, the flood, or the parting of the Red Sea? How would we know all that God has done? Today, we’re blessed to have the Bible—God’s written record of His power, love, justice, and grace. But what if we fail to pass that story on to those coming behind us? Sure, they can read these truths in Scripture, but what if they could also see them lived out in us? What if we regularly shared stories of God’s faithfulness from our own lives? A heartbreaking thing happened after Joshua’s generation died. These…
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Staggering, Yet Compelling Statistics
Women have always been a vital part of the ministry of the church—serving, teaching, praying, and leading others toward Christ. Yet recent Barna Research reveals something deeply concerning: Gen Z women, ages 18–24, are leaving the church faster than men, with 38% identifying as agnostic, atheist, or having no faith at all. That statistic makes my heart ache. If you’re in my generation, you’ve likely witnessed the beautiful growth of women’s ministry in the church—from its humble grassroots beginnings to a nationwide movement that helped women grow deeper in their faith. Some of us remember the prayers, the labor, and the passion it took to build those ministries. But for…
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Our Mission in Life: Serving God in Every Season
How do we know when God is finished with us—or with a specific assignment? Sometimes, He calls us to a role for just a season. Other times, the assignment lasts for years, even a lifetime. When I was actively serving and encouraging women—walking alongside them through life, parenting, work, and ministry—I came to realize that discipling and leading women wasn’t just something I did. It was a deep calling. And it still is. But when do we step back? When, if ever, do we stop serving? The truth is—we don’t. Our roles may shift. Our pace may slow. But our purpose remains. We serve Him until He calls us home.…
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A Sweet Legacy
Many of you have never heard of Esther Burroughs, especially those younger than Gen Xers. But for many Boomers and some Gen Xers, she was a huge catalyst for women seeking to grow spiritually, share their faith, lead, and minister to others. Sweet Esther transitioned from life on earth to life eternal this past week. This is a great article on her life and ministry. It features her and another pioneer women’s leader of influence. Baptist News-Two Trailblazing Women in Ministry. Esther was a trailblazer before we knew of many Christian women’s speakers and before we even started using the term “women’s ministry” in many churches. She encouraged women’s leaders…
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Obedience and Legacy
Have you ever followed someone who disappointed you? If you’ve lived long enough, it has probably happened more than once. Leaders are human and make mistakes. Hebrews 13:7 tells us to, Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith.” We only follow as they are following Christ. Watching their lives helps us discern this. Paul also mentions several times, follow (or imitate) me as I follow (or imitate) Christ. Has anyone ever followed you into disobedience? If anyone can say no to this, I need to meet you! My disobedience can influence others into disobedience. Obedience…
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Are You Reaching the Younger Generation?
This week I want to provide 3 links to helpful information you as you lead the younger generation. 1 In this Brad Lomenick podcast you will hear from Tim Elmore on Leading the Next Generation and a New Kind of Diversity. I’ve learned so much from Dr. Elmore over the years on the younger generations. Photo by Vince Fleming on Unsplash 2 I have also learned much from Dr. Eric Geiger, especially while serving under his leadership at LifeWay. This is a great post challenging us to look at the risks and rewards of developing younger leaders. The Rewards Are Greater Than the Risk of Developing Younger Leaders Photo by…
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Are You Aging Gracefully?
I don’t ever want to get “old” at any age. I’ve had a chance to think about this recently to prepare an article I wrote for LifeWay Women, Tips For Aging Gracefully. Enjoy!
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Conversation Starters for Grandparents
Have you ever struggled to begin and engage in conversation with your grandchildren or great grandchildren? Me too. I’ve done more wrong than right in my attempts. I’m linking you to a post I wrote for LifeWay Women Conversation Starters to Ask Your Grandchildren. Enjoy and add more questions to this list! Banner photo by Juliane Liebermann on Unsplash
