Generations
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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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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
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Spiritual Game Changers Part 2
Two weeks ago I started this list with #1-5 in Spiritual Game Changers Part 1. Please scroll back to read that first if you missed it. Here are the last 5: What else would you add? A lifetime is not long enough to get to know the One Who knows us best and loves us most! Banner photo by Jose Castillo on Unsplash, inset photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
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Spiritual Game Changers Part 1
At this stage of life, and I have a lot of life behind me (although I’ll never get old!), I’ve looked back over my years and my walk with Jesus and thought about what has given me the ability to keep breathing when life is difficult. Especially if one difficulty leads to another and another. What is it that causes us to walk in faith throughout our lives? What keeps our focus on those things that will sustain us on into eternity? How do we allow God to use every circumstance in our life to draw us into a deeper walk of faith? Here in part 1 are the first…
