Specialized Ministry — August 2008
By Laverne H. Ramsey, Regional Women’s Ministries President, Southern New England

“Speak into My Life” Lecture Series

The ideas for this program came to me a few years ago as I realized that if we did not focus on this generation of young women, there may not be a Women’s Ministries in the future.  In the past, families lived in closer proximity to each other and mothers and grandmothers taught the young women about preparing for adulthood.  They were taught Christian values as well as practical life skills.  We need a way of intentionally teaching our young women, speaking into their lives about life’s issues.

This year we were able to begin the program in our region.  We had our first culmination activity at our ladies retreat this year.  We have received many testimonies of how the program has enhanced the lives of the young women who participated.  We saw young women renew their commitment to purity.  They became more aware of what we believe and how our beliefs are practical in their lives.  The young women are looking forward to us beginning a second phase of this program.

Goal:  to facilitate the growth of our young ladies on a holistic manner as they make the transition from adolescence into adulthood.

Objectives:  Our goal was to accomplish the following:

1. Teaching practical biblical principles that will aid participants in their daily walk with God.
2. Providing avenues for participants to learn how to confidently express their thoughts, opinions and feelings.
3. Discussing the significance of inner beauty and the relevance of appropriate outward attire and conduct.
4. Demonstrating the importance of giving back to the community.
5. Teaching participants the value of proper attire.
6. Showing that it is possible for Christians to still have a fun-filled life without compromising their standards of holiness.
7. Giving participants the necessary tools that will help them become and remain pure sexually.

Themes included:

• Knowing what you believe—Our church teachings
• Maintaining a relationship with God—Personal commitment
• Daughters of the King—Self esteem
• Responsibility—Etiquette and manners
• Community service—Giving back to society
• Self actualization and sexual purity-Waiting on the Lord

This program did not replace the activities of Girls Clubs, but it enhanced our Girls Clubs program.  Many of our churches that participated did not have an active Girls Club, but wanted to participate in this program.  The meetings were held by districts or in groups of several churches.  This made it easy to find facilitators to teach the various subjects.  The participants found the discussions to be more beneficial with a diverse group from other churches.  It was also a good sharing time for the women who were the counselors for the sessions.  Sessions were held monthly or biweekly at the convenience of the women.  We had a set curriculum and meeting schedule so that all of the groups were teaching the same material.  It gave our women an opportunity to mentor our younger women and to positively speak into their lives.

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