It can be daunting moving to a new city or state. You’ve left behind a piece of your heart. Finding a community that shares your spiritual beliefs is hard, especially when you’re a newbie.
But as the saying goes, “When one door closes, another opens”. Christian women’s events provide the perfect opportunity to make powerful connections with like-minded people and foster friendships to last a lifetime.
These faith-based events and retreats have proven a lifeline for many women at a crossroads. This article will explore the different types of Christian women’s events that will best suit your spiritual needs.
Bible Studies
Many women come together to discuss the Bible in a group setting. The environment provides a calm, judgment-free zone, encouraging participants to share their honest thoughts.
Check with your local church if they offer Bible study groups for women. Otherwise, search online for Bible studies offered in your area.
Focus On The Family says the Bible is scripture filled with cultural literacy. Today, the Holy Book is referenced in art, music and philosophy. And what better way to strengthen a meaningful relationship with your creator than to read God’s Word?
Gospel-Centered Events
Annual events calendars around the U.S. are sprinkled with women-only events. Most of these are booked months in advance.
Christian women’s events are proving especially popular because of their Gospel-centric themes. Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of spiritual growth while studying scripture alongside learned teachers and instructors.
Some events are done virtually if you can’t be there in person. For a more intimate gathering, you can rope in close friends and plan a weekend retreat of your choosing.
Lifeway says Christian events for women deepen our understanding of God and leave us feeling inspired and valued.
Leadership Forums
Depending on your spiritual journey, a leadership forum can give you the tools to lead in your ministry, workplace and home.
It’s an honor when called to lead. However, some women think they aren’t worthy or ready to take on the massive responsibility. Imposter syndrome is too real and hampers us from discovering our true selves as trusted leaders.
When Emerita Gail DeGeorge started her biblical study tour In The Footsteps of St.Paul with the Catholic Theological Union, she was filled with conflicted feelings.
DeGeorge says she was angry and frustrated at the Catholic Church’s refusal to recognize women as deacons. However, her faith was restored on the last day of her tour in Greece.
Being immersed in an experience led by renowned feminist theologian Sr. Barbara Reid imparted the wisdom needed to move past the tenets of male-dominated institutions. The only thing that mattered was DeGeorge’s connection with God and renewed vigor to lead her ministry.
Crafting for Christ
In many areas, churches have a dual role as community centers. On some afternoons you’ll find a women’s crafting group knitting or sewing items for the underprivileged or women’s shelters. They are active participants in ensuring the local community is looked after.
Writing for Christianity Today, Kat Armstrong says that crafting is a valid way for women to connect with God and each other. The Bible study teacher wasn’t always in favor of the activity.
Armstrong admits she used to mock women’s crafting events, thinking cross-stitching was a waste of time and an attempt to keep the fairer gender in their place.
While crafting isn’t a solution to trauma, it can be a place of healing, inducing a calming and stress-free frame of mind.
Several years later, the pastor’s wife has embraced crafting as part of her spiritual formation. The practice has given her a community with open hearts and minds.
Book Club
Book clubs are usually relaxed settings where women get together and discuss the books they’re currently reading. It takes the pressure off new participants to actively engage in the conversation and instead let it flow naturally.
There’s an abundance of literature out there to choose from. Christian books for women specifically aren’t hard to find. Visit your local Christian bookstore and ask them to recommend a few titles to kick off your book club.
Kristen Wetherell’s book Humble Moms: How the Work of Christ Sustains the Work of Motherhood is a great suggestion for working moms. The book explores the rewards and challenges that mothers face and how you can fill your spiritual cup.
Don’t be afraid to take the next step to empower yourself in faith and fellowship. Christian women’s events and groups are fertile ground for encountering like-minded people on a journey of self-discovery and deepening their relationship with God.