Several years ago when the Lord said to me, "Tami, I want you to start a women's Bible study," I would have laughed except I was so terrified with the idea I couldn't breath deep enough to get out a chuckle. I wasn't sure how to get started. But several weeks later I found myself looking into the expectant faces of eight women whom I had invited to my home. That was the beginning of what is now a thriving ministry with many women meeting weekly at our church. 

Have you felt the Holy Spirit bugging you to start a women's study group in your church? If you have, but aren't quite sure how to get started, these suggestion may be helpful:

1. Let the Holy Spirit Lead - The Holy Spirit will teach and bring whom He chooses. You are simply to do errands and organize. 

2. Choose Your Lessons - Pick a set of study guides with lessons that can be filled out. Some are available with video-taped lectures. Make sure it is a Bible study and not just a good book study.

3. Pick a Time and Place to Meet - There aren't many rules here. We have found that a two-hour weekly meeting works nicely. You may meet at a home or church. The only rule that I would be unyielding on would be, absolutely no children. Perhaps you can make arrangements for a shared baby sitter.

4. Send Out Announcements and Invitations - Make sure your starting date is well publicized.

5. Organize Your Ladies Into Small Groups - Place your participants in groups of twelve or less, and delegate a discussion leader for each one.

At your first meeting, start with prayer and divide into small groups for your discussion time. Get back together to watch the video or hear the speaker, if you have one. Close with prayer and wish everyone a great week. Now you can take a deep breath and relax! You're on your way.

Many resources are available to help plan your ministry. You may want to attend a Women's Bible Study somewhere else first. Go to a Christian Women's retreat. Read a book on small group Bible study. Just do something before you chicken out. Jesus will be your Teacher.

I believe the very best way to have an active Women's Ministry at any church is to have a weekly Women's Bible study. It will be the hub around which everything else revolves. Other programs for ladies will naturally follow.


Tami McGrew was a pastor in Southern California when this article was submitted.