Our desire for Women’s Ministry is to encourage women toward Christ-likeness in all seasons of life based on the strategic balance of biblical equipping, serving, and fellowship.
…For the equipping of the saints for the work of service To the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God… Ephesians 4:12-13a
Women’s Ministry includes opportunities in the following areas:
Biblical Studies—These mid-week gatherings offer time to study the scriptures together and to intercede for one another in prayer.
Mentoring/ Discipleship—This vital ministry allows women to experience the benefits of ministering to and being ministered by other women in the body.
Simply Service—This ministry offers a variety of serving opportunities in which a Christian woman can utilize her skills and talents in practical service to others.
Special Events—These annual events offer opportunities to have fellowship with other women, learn from God’s Word, or learn new skills from other ladies to use at home, church, or in the community.
Commonly Asked Questions
Biblical Studies
All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. II Timothy 3:16, 17 Equipping women to know God and understand His Word is a vital part of Women’s Ministry. We offer the following opportunities:
- Bible studies from the Old and New Testaments
- Topical studies on various topics such as spiritual disciplines, marriage, and parenting to help women become better equipped in the roles that God has given them.
- Special Events featuring WHEW (Women Helping to Equip Women) speakers from our own body who lead us as we learn more of God’s Word together to help women become better equipped in the role God has given them.
When and where does Ladies’ Bible Study meet?
There are two opportunities to attend: Tuesday mornings from 10 to 11:45 and Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:15. Both groups meet in the Choir Room and study the same material.
What is the format?
Typically, the study includes a textbook and a study guide to be completed on one’s own. The lesson taught each week is an extension of that week’s study material and is facilitated by one of the women teachers of the Bible Church. Each Bible study meeting has time designated to pray in small groups.
Is childcare provided?
Childcare is provided for children under 3 years of age for the Wednesday evening class. It is requested that you pre-register your child before the Bible study begins in order to allow for adequate staffing. Children 3 and older are encouraged to attend Awana which is held during the same time as Ladies’ Bible Study on Wednesday evening. There is childcare provided during the Tuesday morning class upon request. If you begin attending Ladies’ Bible Study mid-semester, please discuss childcare needs with the childcare coordinator.
For more information, contact the coordinator of Biblical Studies, Ann Clardy (501) 851-0180.
Mentoring/ Discipleship
…so that they may encourage the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind… Titus 2:4-5a
One of the greatest privileges of being in the body of Christ is the wonderful opportunity to cultivate meaningful relationships with other believers. We believe that a mentoring relationship is a vital way to grow into women who “love our husbands, love our children,” and are “…sensible, pure, workers at home, kind” to others.
Mentoring relationships help fulfill the God-given command in Titus 2 for older women to encourage the younger women and for the younger women to follow the example of the older women.
How can I be matched with a mentor?
- First, you must take the initial step and contact the mentoring coordinator, Diane Hefner at (501) 868-9868, or express your interest to be mentored through the Women’s Ministry Area of Interest survey.
- Second, you will be asked to complete a short form noting the specific areas in which you wish to be mentored and how often you wish to meet with a mentor (this form can be downloaded at our website www.bclr.org). You will also be given the opportunity to request a specific mentor if you already have someone in mind.
- Third, you will paired with and contacted by a mentor who has been hand-picked to meet your expressed desires for a mentoring relationship.
How do I become a mentor?
- The first requirement to become a mentor is, first and foremost, that you are a believer and have a cultivated relationship with Christ.
- Second, you must have been a BCLR member for at least one year.
- Third, you must meet elder approval.
- Lastly, you will be asked to attend mentor training to learn how to effectively mentor another woman.
Mentoring Resources (Coming Soon)
Simply Service
And let our people learn to engage in good deeds and meet pressing needs, so that they may not be unfruitful. Titus 3:14
An outworking of our Christian faith is to use our abilities and gifts in service for others. The Simply Service ministry consists of four areas where groups of women with similar gifts and skills work together to respond to needs in the body.
What’s Cooking? is an area of service that provides meals for those in need who are not connected with a care group, an equipping hour class, or another group in our church.
First Impressions consists of women who make the atmosphere in the church building pleasant and inviting. This group sets up Christmas trees, arranges and waters poinsettias and Easter lilies, and tends to the daily decorations of our facility throughout the entire calendar year.
By Special Request is a group of women who graciously help with special needs such as transportation (for doctor’s appointments, medical treatments, therapy, etc.), childcare, church-wide phone calls and mail-outs, and occasional bridal and baby showers.
Reception Connection is an area of service consisting of teams which organize church functions, such as church-wide dinners, after-church fellowships, and formal receptions. These women are trained in efficient use of the church kitchen and preparation of food trays. No previous professional food service experience is required.
How can I get involved in one of these areas?
The best way to get involved is to fill out the “Women’s Ministry Area of Interest” survey. Every Christian woman needs a place of service where she is comfortable and where her interests and talents lie. We want to be sure that YOU are asked to serve in those areas where you have maximum effectiveness and joy. Another way you can become involved in one of these Ministry is to directly contact the coordinator of the Simply Service ministry, Camille Ostergren at (501) 851-2383.
Special Events
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25
Setting aside time together several times a year for fellowship is a high priority for cultivating unity in the body. Special events are great opportunities for fellowship and encouragement. Women’s Ministry offers two evening events for women—one in the fall and one in the spring. Click here for information about our Spring Conference “With The Master Fullness of Joy”
Treasures of the Heart and Home
Formerly known as Welcome Home, Treasures of the Heart and Home is held in the spring. This event is designed to teach domestic skills to enhance each woman’s ability to serve her home, church, and community. These seminars provide hands-on demonstrations in a variety of homemaking skills such as cooking, budgeting, sewing, and hospitality. This also provide an opportunity for women to immediately begin using their skills in their homes and in various ways to benefit the body.
There are many other opportunities scattered throughout the year for women to fellowship, including the annual Fall Conference. Renowned speakers come to minister to both the men and women of The Bible Church.
Is childcare provided?
Childcare is not typically provided for these evening gatherings.
How will I find out about these events?
The details will be posted in various locations: the Sunday bulletin, the Women’s Ministry bulletin board (located in the west upstairs corridor), the Women’s Newsletter, posters around the church building, the church website (www.bclr.org), and possibly a post card sent to your home.
How can I help serve at one of these events?
The best way to offer your time and talents is by filling out the “Women’s Ministry Area of Interest” survey. There is a specific area where you can note your interest in serving at special events. You may also contact the coordinator of this ministry, Lori Harris at (501) 851-1303.
Commonly Asked Questions
How will I be informed about what is going on within Women’s Ministry?
- There are a several ways that you can learn about what is happening in Women’s Ministry.
- The Women’s Newsletter is sent out to BCLR members/ regular attendees quarterly. It contains information on upcoming events, Bible studies, opportunities to serve, recommended reading, and a profile of one of our missionary wives.
- The website (www.bclr.org) will contain information concerning upcoming events and other relevant material.
- The Women’s Ministry bulletin board, located on the second floor of the educational wing, also contains relevant information.
- You can also obtain information through pulpit announcements, the Sunday bulletin, signs posted around the church, and occasional mail-outs.
How are the Ministry and special events in Women’s Ministry coordinated?
There is a Women’s Ministry Advisory Board made of up eight women who coordinate and oversee Ministry and special events. The current board members, beginning January 2010, are as follows:
- Ann Barker, Coordinator
- Kelly Scheideman, Assistant Coordinator
- Ann Clardy, Biblical Studies
- Diane Hefner, Mentoring
- Lori Harris, Special Events
- Janet Savary, Assistant to Special Events
- Camille Ostergren, Simply Service
- Allison Cain, Communications
- Gail Hamline, Advisory Coordinator
How can I become involved in serving within Women’s Ministry?
The best way to get involved is to fill out the “Women’s Ministry Area of Interest” survey you received in the Becoming a Member class. Every Christian woman needs a place of service where she is comfortable and where her interests and talents lie. We want to be sure that YOU are asked to serve in those areas where you have maximum effectiveness and joy.
2010 Women’s Ministry Advisory Board
