Are you noticing a decline in attendance at your women's ministry events? Are you wondering why the seats are empty despite your efforts? You're not alone. Today, we're diving into the hot topic of why women aren't coming to your events.  We'll explore not just the logistical challenges but also the spiritual barriers that might be at play. From the lack of a personal relationship with Christ to the overwhelm of busy schedules, host Cyndee Ownbey tackles the tough questions. She'll share her...

Are you a younger leader struggling to lead the older women in your church? Or perhaps, you're the older woman God has provided to encourage a younger leader. In this week's episode, I'm sharing advice for both sides of the equation. Young leaders don't miss the tips I have for you to lead well. Older women, I hope you'll embrace the ideas for encouraging younger leaders.  Whether you're a young leader, an older woman serving under a young leader, or someone in between, you can benefit from...

What is your women's ministry doing for Mother's Day? In this episode, I unpack several issues with traditional Mother's Day events and activities and share some solutions to consider as we seek to navigate this topic with sensitivity and grace. You'll hear: The surprising history of Mother's DayA challenge to seek what's best for your churchA reminder that not all women are mother'sI pray we'll rethink how we approach Mother's Day to ensure that every woman feels seen, valued, and loved in...

If you've ever considered incorporating Bible games into your meetings, Bible studies, or events, this episode is a must-listen.  Cyndee shares her insights, including exceptions to her "No Bible Games" rule, and offers practical suggestions for effectively using Bible games to reinforce teaching and encourage engagement. Perhaps you'll rethink the way you're using (or not using) Bible study games, quizzes, and trivia in your women's ministry fellowships, Bible studies, and events. Be sure...

It's time for another women's ministry leader interview! In this episode, you'll hear from Renee Rowell, a women's ministry leader at Awaken Church in Columbia, South Carolina. Renee's story is a testament to the power of obedience and the beauty of a ministry rooted in God's word and prayer. Renee shares about:  Her journey from music and worship to leading a vibrant women's ministry. Their ground-breaking vision casting dinner.Stepping out into mission work and discipleship—even within...

In this episode of the Women's Ministry Toolbox podcast, host Cyndee Ownbey delves into the nuanced topic of baby showers and bridal showers in the church. Through sharing 10 different ways churches manage these events and offering thoughtful questions, Cyndee provides guidance for women's ministry leaders to navigate this aspect of ministry with wisdom and sensitivity.  She emphasizes the importance of considering the church's mission, resources, and the impact on both the ministry team and...

What challenges are women's ministry leaders facing in 2024? In this episode of the Women's Ministry Toolbox podcast, we delve into navigating women's ministry in 2024.  This episode is a bit different, as I'm sharing comments from other women's ministry leaders that I gathered from my Facebook group and Facebook page. Take a listen and see if you can relate to the challenges other leaders are facing. You'll also hear some beautiful prayers leaders have for their women this year.  Be sure...

In today's episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Joy Burrow, the Women's Ministry Director at Grace Covenant Church in North Carolina. Joy  takes us on a journey through her personal calling and how she found herself serving in women's ministry. We dive into a recent successful women's ministry retreat at The Cove, where Joy shares the amazing story of how prayer opened doors for their retreat when it seemed impossible.  Don't miss the details about: Their women's ministry advisory...

In this episode of Women's Ministry Toolbox Podcast, we dive deep into the State of Women's Ministry. This recently-released survey by Lifeway polled 1001 female churchgoers and 842 women's ministry leaders on all things ministry-related.  We'll take a look at what the survey says about: What women want from women's ministryThe ages of women participating in women's ministryWhat women's ministry planning looks like in other churchesHow many leaders are paidHow many churches provide a women's...

I'm back with a new women's ministry leader interview today! I'm talking with Angela Voelker. Angela serves as the women's ministry team leader at her church in Maryland.  We discuss: How Angela recruits women for the women's ministry teamAngela's journey into women's ministryDiscipleship challenges in her churchAdvice for new women's ministry leadersHer favorite women's ministry resourceI pray you'll be encouraged by our honest and transparent conversation.  Due to time constraints, there...

Today, we're diving into a topic that many of us can relate to: ministry burnout. Whether you're currently experiencing burnout or want to be equipped to support others who are, this episode is for you. We'll explore the signs of burnout, the root causes, and most importantly, practical tips to rediscover your joy and passion for women's ministry. Don't miss my 7 tips to help you rediscover your joy for women’s ministry! Quote:  Allow God to water your parched soul. Let Him bring beauty...

Playing Christmas gift exchange games can be a fun tradition, but have you ever thought about the potential problems they can bring? Let's take a closer look at the concerns and explore some alternatives.  Don't miss: 4 Problems with Christmas Gift Exchange GamesReal-life Experiences from Other Women10 Alternatives to Dirty Santa GamesBe sure to listen all the way through, even if you disagree. You may find that something you hear causes you to reconsider your approach to Christmas gift...

Is your secret sister program missing the mark? Let’s talk about the challenges, solutions, and alternatives for secret sister programs so we can truly build community, encourage one another, and grow in Christ together! I’m continuing the series on hot topics and hot takes today with a hot take on secret sister programs. Included in this episode: 7 Challenges of a Secret Sister Program3 Questions to Assess Your Secret Sister ProgramSolutions and Alternatives to Secret Sister Programs that...

In today's episode, we're diving into a hot topic that many women's ministry leaders face: how to encourage younger women to attend your women's ministry events. We all know the importance of having women of all ages in a vibrant and healthy ministry, but sometimes it can be a challenge to reach the younger generation. Join me as we explore various strategies and practical tips for understanding what's keeping younger women from attending, how to address those issues, and ten actionable...

In this week's podcast episode, How to Host a Women's Ministry Kick-off, I dive deep into the wonderful world of hosting an impactful women's ministry kickoff event.  I discuss the importance of a kickoff event, offer insight into generating excitement, and share how you can build momentum right from the start! You'll hear my personal experiences with kick-off events. By the end of the podcast, you'll feel confident in hosting your own kickoff event. Don't miss the 7 things you'll want to...

Please note taking a summer sabbatical. This is a replay of episode 42, The Benefits of Bible Study Homework. What are the benefits of Bible study homework? Our discipleship series continues today as we tackle tough questions about Bible study homework.  Is it really necessary? How much is too much? How can we encourage women to complete their Bible study homework? Don't miss my 5 tips for encouraging women to complete their Bible study homework! Quote:  "Offer Bible studies that include...

Please note I'm on a summer sabbatical. Please enjoy this replay of How to Know If Your Women's Ministry Needs a Makeover. Does your women’s ministry need a makeover? I share 7 signs your women's ministry may be in need of a refresh. Maybe you know your women's ministry is in need of a makeover, but you don't know what steps to take next. My four-phase Women's Ministry Makeover process will help you accurately evaluate your women's ministry and make changes where needed so it's more...

I'm on summer sabbatical. Please enjoy this replay of episode 48, Things to Consider When Planning a Women's Ministry Christmas Event. Before you plan your women's ministry Christmas event, be sure to consider these two key questions: Should you host a Christmas event?What’s the purpose of your Christmas event?The answer may not be as obvious as you think! In this podcast episode, we walk through whether or not you should host a Christmas event and ways to ensure your team prioritizes the...

Faith-focused fellowships can impact your women in big ways! In today's episode, I share sharing my faith and women's ministry stories. Don't miss: How my church attendance wasn't a marker of my faithHow one song changed everythingHow God moved me from Children's to Moms to Women's MinistryI pray hearing my stories will encourage you to offer faith-focused fellowships for the women in your church. Quote:  "I am telling you, there are women sitting at the tables, at your events, in the pews,...

In today's podcast episode, I'm discussing the importance of Christian fellowship for women's spiritual growth. Listen in as I read chapter 2 and chapter 6 of my book, Rethinking Fellowship: A Handbook for Hosting Meaningful Women's Ministry Events. Don't miss the startling stats about biblical worldview - you may be shocked to know how few women in the church hold to a biblical worldview! Quote: "Pinterest, social media, and the internet highlight the visual aspects of our women’s...

What should fellowship look like for women's ministry? What makes Christian fellowship different? In today's podcast episode I'm reading from chapter 1 of my book, Rethinking Fellowship: A Handbook for Hosting Meaningful Women's Ministry Events. No matter what type of women's ministry gathering you host, you'll be encouraged and challenged as we examine "What is fellowship?". Don't miss the practical ideas for infusing the gospel into our women's ministry events and meetings at the end of...

You're going to love hearing Sharon Hawkin's story. Sharon is a women's ministry team leader in Pickens, South Carolina.  We talk about how:  They structure their women's ministry teamGod called her into women's ministryMentoring and discipleship work hand-in-hand in their churchThey created a special Christmas Paint NightThe recent loss of her 21-year-old son impacted her faith and ministryIt's an especially interesting interview. You're going to enjoy hearing all of the details! Due to time...

How has women's ministry changed over the last 10 years? Today I'm reflecting on the evolution of women's ministry and the need for expansion. Part 1: We travel back in time 10 years to look at the changes in women's ministry. Part 2: I share a challenge to extend your ministry reach to two specific groups of women. Amazon wishlist link: https://a.co/biOEvUZ Podcast show notes: https://womensministrytoolbox.com/reflections-on-the-evolution-of-womens-ministry-and-need-for-expansion/ Thank...