RadicalFuture Innovation Lab for Women's Ministries

Is it possible for revolutionary change to move through the world of women’s ministry? That’s exactly the question addressed by 9 church teams participating in the newest Leadership Network Innnovation Lab. The teams began in May, moving through the unique Innovation Lab Process addressing the question 'what will we need to change to stay relevant in the next decade?' Last week the teams reconvened for an online meeting, sharing their progress over the last 6 months. With authentic candor, each team reported on their successes, their frustrations, their biggest surprises and their questions going forward. Their results are proof that women all over the country are engaging in service and ministry opportunities uniquely designed to engage their passion and leadership. At Irving Bible Church in Irving, TX, the women’s leadership team recognized that traditional bible studies don’t always address the questions and concerns that women are engaged in. That’s why they designed a unique curriculum and hosted an international discussion forum addressing the issues of female sexuality from a biblical perspective, engaging women from 4 different countries. At Mariner’s Church in Irvine, CA, they’ve blown away the concept of traditional inside-the-church-walls ministry with a mobile model, weekly sending their women out into needy areas of the community for hands-on ministry and conversations. The women at Concord Church in Dallas, Tx are connecting via social media tools, using meetup.com and Facebook , inviting women in the community to join them in community and outreach events. After hosting a ‘listening forum’ for 20-something’s, Fellowship Bible in Little Rock, AR engaged the talents of this younger generation in creative arts and video production to redesign their gatherings and add unique events for younger working women.

We'll conclude this Lab experience in May 2010, but it looks like the revolution is just beginning.

To read more about the journey of all the churches in the Innovation Lab, check out Brave New Women: The Transformation of Women's Ministry in the 21st Century Culture.

 

Looking for an infusion of new in a ministry area? Leadership Network is currently forming Innovation Labs for the upcoming year. For topics, meeting dates and details, check out Innovation Labs 2010.

 

Sherry Surratt

Leadership Network Director

sherry.surratt@leadnet.org