Turn on your TV, open up Facebook, scroll through Twitter and you’ll come across an increasing amount of angry comments and posts.
Women in our churches are picking sides and picking up signs.
They are protesting instead of praying.
They are passionate about their cause and insist their position is the only one of truth.
Many are just plain mad.
While it may be tempting to turn a blind eye, take a social media sabbatical, and unfriend that woman that’s no longer friendly, I believe God has given us an opportunity to reach out and love the women He has placed in our path.
God’s Word has an awful lot to say about anger:
- Proverbs 15:1 – “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
- Psalm 37:8 “Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.”
- James 1:20 “For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
- Ecclesiastes 7:9 “Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.”
- Proverbs 29:11 “A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.”
- Ephesians 4:26-27 “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”
We recognize it’s a sin that easily ensnares us and our fellow sisters but how can we respond to the angry women in our churches and community?
8 Ways to Minister to Angry Women
1. Pray
This tops the list because it is truly our most powerful weapon. Pray for them and pray with them. We need to pray for women who are hurt, for hearts to be softened, for gentle responses, and for unity. Plan a prayer event for your community and/or nation. Provide prayer prompts focused on revival, praying for the wisdom of our leaders. Lead a time of fasting and focusing on the Lord.
2. Point
Point them to Jesus – not news stories, videos, or quotes. Jesus is the only one who can change, save, and heal them.
3. Preach
Lovingly preach the Word – We may think women know that anger is a sin, but do we teach that? Do our women know what God says about anger? Are we encouraging our women to confess and repent?
4. Mentor
Encourage and equip your women to step up to the directive in Titus 2 to mentor others. We need women who can model joy, point us towards the Truth, and can lovingly listen. We need to hear from and see women who respond to situations with the fruit of the Spirit.
5. Serve
We can provide opportunities for our women to serve in our community. Rally together and assemble 1000 sandwiches for the homeless, work together to create no-sew fleece blankets for the women at the abuse shelter, put together toiletry packets for women rescued from sex trafficking rings. Witnessing first-hand injustices in our community can provide a much needed shift in our perspective.
6. Unite
Find a common denominator – In your Bible study group focus on each woman’s desire to study God’s Word and redirect the conversation as necessary. Your MOPS moms are all moms seeking to be the mom God’s called them to be. You may stand on opposite sides of an issue, but you likely have more in common than not. Use icebreaker games to connect women with similar experiences.
7. Model
Set a Godly example. Our women are watching to see how we’ll respond. May they be able to say that we’ve responded with love, Truth, and grace. May our response, if any, be prayerful and point others to Christ.
8. Connect
Reach out and connect with that woman who has stopped going to church in recent months. Send a note card with a message of encouragement. Let the women you know are struggling that you are praying for them and that you miss them.
As followers of Christ we have the opportunity and responsibility to step in and minister to angry women.
“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14
What will you do to minister to the angry women in your church and community?
Please note this post in not intended to start a debate or discussion about any issues. I reserve the right to delete comments posted below that are divisive, rude, or otherwise harmful to the discussion. I appreciate your understanding.
You may also want to read:
10 Ways We Unknowingly Hurt Women in Our Church
One year ago: My Favorite Bible Study Resources
Two years ago: How to Recruit Women’s Ministry Team Members
Three years ago: How to Build a Women’s Ministry Binder
Tatiana says
I think it’s really unfortunate that you have made the choice to censor comments as stated above. Though I recognize that hate speech is not and should never be protected underneath freedom of speech or freedom of expression the idea that stimulating and at times opposing views cannot be expressed only weakens whatever moral arguments you might have.
I find it deeply disappointing to see you type women as ‘angry’, could it be that you simply don’t understand these women or the issues that they stand for in a intellectually and ideologically honest way. Much of what you said only reinforces the systemic and institutional harm within the mainstream and evangelical Church. This is why many have and are leaving the Church, they were pointed to Christ and upon closer inspection find they’re own faith community lacking in the love and truth of Christ.
Cyndee Ownbey says
Tatiana, as I stated in the post “God has given us an opportunity to reach out and love the women He has placed in our path.” Anger is merely what we see on the surface. By coming alongside these women and utilizing some of the suggestions I offered, we can build relationships. Please also note, this was originally posted on January 31, 2017. It is not a response to more recent cultural issues or events.
Nadine Steele says
Thank you for this article and for your website! This article provided some great ideas to use with the young women in my church.
I am passionate about the power of prayer! I have learned to pray scriptures and am seeing God do amazing things. As an older woman in my church I know that it is my generation that needs to model the Titus 2 directive. These are difficult days and we need to encourage and reach out to those who are hurting and so very wounded, ( unfortunately sometimes by those in the body of Christ) Sometimes that can mean stepping out of our comfort zones. It was for me until I realized that I could not change or help anyone until I allowed Christ to help me. Thank you for the Women’s Minisrty Toolbox. I look forward to using the great resources that are provided! God Bless you!
Cyndee Ownbey says
Nadine, thank you for your comments. Oh how I love your heart for the younger women in your church. I know you are a blessing to them! Praying many women will rise up as you have to model the Titus 2 directive!