Friday Q & A #7

How would you describe your approach toward shepherding the women of Bethlehem?

Here’s a response from Mary Delk, Bethlehem’s Minister for Women:

First and foremost, women are shepherded at Bethlehem the same way men are shepherded—through biblical preaching on Sunday morning and through regular involvement in our shepherding ministry (small groups). TBI courses are also available to men and women—to give opportunity for all of us to grow in our faith.

For women specifically, we offer 15–20 Bible studies each semester, ranging from basic overviews of the Bible and introductions to the Christian faith to in-depth inductive studies on various books of the Bible. The value of these studies is that women can study the Word together in the context of covenant community. Because men and women are different, these differences need to be recognized, taken into account, and addressed in the course of biblical discipleship. Women’s Bible studies provide a means for the nitty-gritty issues of biblical womanhood to be addressed appropriately and discreetly.

The Titus 2 ministry also offers women a unique opportunity for discipleship—that of the older women encouraging and equipping the younger women. Here are some of the goals of this ministry:

• To intentionally equip women …

• to understand and apply the biblical principles of womanhood in all of life.
• to pass on the gospel so that others will treasure Jesus Christ and become established in their faith.
• to mentor younger women, showing and telling the next generation the biblical principles of womanhood.

• To enfold women who are not involved in women’s ministries/events of the church. 
• To give opportunity for female relationships among the women of Bethlehem. 
• To strengthen women in their love for and service to the church.