Planning a women’s ministry event can be an overwhelming task.
There are so many moving parts.
Sadly, no amount of planning guarantees a great turnout.
However, when we include these three keys to a successful women’s ministry event we can be certain we’ve done our best and we can trust God with the rest.
Event Planning Key #1 – Purpose
Every women’s ministry event should have a defined purpose. We can’t hit the target if we don’t know what we’re aiming at.
Your event’s purpose needs to align with your women’s ministry team mission statement and your church’s mission statement.
Just because it’s a great idea or it would be a lot of fun doesn’t mean your team should do it.
While it’s certainly okay for an event’s purpose to be fellowship, that doesn’t mean we omit a teaching moment or a testimony. Our events must ultimately point women to Christ/God. Don’t miss the opportunity to make a difference in how someone spends eternity!
Ask yourself and your team:
- What is the purpose of this event idea?
- How does this event support our women’s ministry mission statement?
- How does this event support the mission of our church?
- How will this event point women to Christ/God?
And don’t buy into that lie that you’ll scare off your guests. Women have come to a church event. Don’t have them leave thinking they didn’t.
Event Planning Key #2 – Prayer
Prayer is an essential piece of event planning.
Not only do we want to pray for the details of our event and the attendees, but we should pray about what the event should be.
I’ll never forget learning the difference between praying for direction and praying for God’s blessing. (You can read about that here.) He knows what your women need. He knows what is best for your church and community. Lay your ideas at His feet and be open to the direction He gives you.
Every team planning meeting should include a time of group prayer – for the details, for the message, for the speaker, for the hearts of the women that will attend, for protection of the event, etc.
Check out these posts for other suggestions on praying for your event:
8 Ways to Ramp-up Prayer Before Your Event
Teach Your Team to Pray Out Loud
5 Ways to Pray for Your Retreat
How much time have you spent praying for your event?
Event Planning Key #3 – Publicity
We like to believe that often-quoted line from the movie The Field of Dreams, “If you build it, they will come,” but the truth is, they can’t come if they don’t know about it!
Getting the word out isn’t easy. It seems there is always at least one woman, who despite our team’s efforts “never heard about the event”.
You need to cast your net wide.
Utilize every means possible to get the word out – social media, church bulletins, signs in the bathroom stalls, and email lists. Get creative!
For more detailed publicity ideas check out these posts:
Why Your Women Need Save-the-Date Cards
25 Ways to Publicize Events Outside of Your Church
13 Ways to Publicize Events Inside Your Church
13 More Ways to Publicize Events Inside Your Church
Publicity Form (Free Printable)
Publicity Secret for Your Women’s Ministry
While there’s no guarantee God will fill every chair you’ve set up, He’s intentionally brought every woman in attendance to your event for a purpose. Give them your best.
May God direct your steps and bless your event plans!
You may also want to read:
Why Women Aren’t Coming to Your Women’s Ministry Events
Before Your Next Event
But did you tell them about Me?
One year ago: 8 Reasons to Develop a Strong Women’s Ministry Team
Two years ago: Summer Reflections Icebreaker
Three years ago: 40 Fall Fellowship Ideas
Four years ago: Mentoring Programs and Resources
Five years ago: Icebreaker: Four Corners
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