Last week we talked about The Best Devotional You Can Share. (Please take a few minutes to read it, if you haven’t already.)
We’ve addressed the “what” and the “why”, today we’re going to conquer the “how”.
Look, I know there are a lot of women out there with dramatic stories of what God has done in their life.
If you don’t have a story involving addiction, abortion, or abuse you may feel your story is not worth sharing.
I am here to tell you every woman has a story worth sharing!
While those stories are powerful (if you’ve got one and that’s what God is asking you to share, by all means you should) seemingly “little” stories pack a powerful punch too!
Women need to hear “everyday” stories of what God is doing in your life.
God doesn’t just speak into the big stories of our lives, He speaks into the everyday stories of our lives.
God has a history of using little things to accomplish great things. Consider Goliath’s stones, Gideon’s jars, etc.
So how do you get started?
- Ask God to highlight something current or very recent He is doing in your life. If you journal, it may be helpful to thumb through recent entries.
- Prayerfully jot down some notes about what you think God wants you to share.
- Paint a picture with your story. Bring them into that slice of your life.
- Share a Bible verse that God is using in your life to refine, free, encourage, etc. you.
- End on a note of encouragement. Encourage them that we all have struggles that God uses to help us to be more Christ-like.
Struggling?
What is the issue God is working on with you currently? Maybe He’s teaching you to be a better steward. Maybe He’s put His finger on your tendency to gossip. Maybe He’s taught you a lesson through your child, friend, or husband.
Remember these 3 C’s and you will do fine!
Current – Focus on a recent lesson. Within the last year, if possible. Keeping it current reminds women that God is always at work!
Concise – Remember that this is a devotional – not a speaking session. What you share should last between 5-10 minutes, no more! Practice sharing it. Record yourself and listen to make sure your story is coming across as intended. Make a few notes so you don’t lose focus.
Christ-centered – Keep it focused on what God has done, not on dramatic details. It’s about Him. Not about you. You want your women to remember what God accomplished through you/the circumstance. When our eyes are focused on God others see that and can learn by our example.
A few words of caution:
- Please, please, please do not share anything that would embarrass someone or lead to gossip.
- Protect your spouse, your family, and anyone who is a part of your story.
- When sharing with a group you want to be more general than specific.
- Be prayerful and careful with details you share.
- You almost always need to get permission and input from anyone that is a part of your story. For example, if you are sharing about a hard season in your marriage, your spouse needs to be completely aware and onboard with what you are sharing.
You can do it!
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. Psalm 145:4-6 (ESV)
One final note: As I read back through this post I was half-tempted to add the word “testimony”. You could certainly use these tips to write out your testimony. However due to my church background, when I hear the word “testimony ” I automatically assume someone is going to share the story of how they came to know Christ as their personal Savior. And while we definitely want to (sometime) share testimonies at our women’s ministry events, we also want to make sure we share current stories of what God is doing in our lives. So rather than reading a devotional story out of a “devotional book”, I want to challenge and encourage you to have your women share “devotionals” (or whatever else you want to call them) of what God is doing currently in their lives.
Climbing back down off my soapbox… *wink
You may also want to read:
The Best Devotional You Can Share
The Best Women’s Ministry Theme Ever
One year ago: Why Women’s Ministry Events Need Great Icebreakers
Two years ago: Mission Project: No-Sew Fleece Blankets
Fili Garcia says
I Praise God for coming across this group! I will lead a devotional to our women at church and I’ve been (or was) struggling so much to place together an organic, personable talk. When I read this blog I got confirmation of what I need to share. Thank you 🙏 God bless you!
Cyndee Ownbey says
Glad I was able to help! Praying your women will be encouraged by what you share. <3
Dannie Holland says
Hi Cyndee!
Thank you for this information. I am grateful. May God Bless you real good.
I purchased your book Rethinking Women’s Ministry. I am excited to read it.
Dannie Holland
Cyndee Ownbey says
Thank you, Dannie! I pray the book will be a blessing to you! <3
Felicity Lorenz says
Thank you so much for all the wonderful information you share on your site. I am a Junior at Biola University in Southern California, and my goal is to one day do Women’s Ministry full-time… Your blog has been such a resource to me, as I practice my Women’s Ministry skills by running events for women at school and as a leader at the youth group at my church. I have been looking through your website, eating all your advice up! Please continue to share your incredible insights into this important ministry. God bless you <3
Cyndee Ownbey says
Oh Felicity!!! Thank you for your sweet words and encouragement…Words cannot convey how much they mean to me. Thank you.
God bless you for embracing your calling at your school and at your church while you wait for God to open the door to do Women’s Ministry full-time. I have no doubt you are a blessing to the young women at your church and school!!
I am humbled and thankful that you’ve found my site to be a help.
Hugs to you sweet one!
Galatians 6:9 – Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.