First I want to say that I understand women have unique needs that cannot be addressed in a mix setting. I also want to say I look forward to the day when God empowers us to address this important need. But the question remains, why not today?
The best way I know how to answer the question is to tell you how we start any ministry. What criteria do we use to determine when to start any ministry or if we ever start it? We use three questions:
1. The test of mission: Is this new opportunity in keeping with our mission of giving up our lives to help others find and follow Christ? That's all we do at Lifeway. That's all we will ever do. That is the purpose of the church. We who are believers make up the church and as you know, if you've been around for any time at all, our mission is not just a slogan, but our driving passion, and the grid through which we filter all opportunities.
1. The test of mission: Is this new opportunity in keeping with our mission of giving up our lives to help others find and follow Christ? That's all we do at Lifeway. That's all we will ever do. That is the purpose of the church. We who are believers make up the church and as you know, if you've been around for any time at all, our mission is not just a slogan, but our driving passion, and the grid through which we filter all opportunities.
2. The test of timing: The test of timing goes beyond the mission statement and looks at stewardship. Even if a ministry passes the first test we put it through a more rigorus test, which is timing. We can do many good things that fit with in our mission, but timing helps us manager our resources. It doesn't matter if a ministry is 100% vounteer requiring no financing at all; it will still consume our most precious resource - our people.
3. The test of leadership: Everything rises and falls on leadership. We are looking for leaders who do two things: they embody the mission of Lifeway in their personal life, and two, they are leading. There are those who say they are leaders, but the real test is, is anyone following. I've come to the conclusion that a person who says they are leading but has no one following is mistaken. In the words of John Maxwell, "a person who says they are leading, but has not one following is just taking a walk."
Every ministry must pass all three. In God's perfect timing we will have many more ministries to help people on their journey to find and follow Christ. Today as a new church we have obvious limitations, which demands judicious use. I, as well as the other pastors, trustees, and all who give wise counsel appreciate your prayers that God will make us trully wise.
I hope this helps.
Craig
Craig
