And What About Women’s Ministries?

By Cindy Waple & Cheryl Weller

Transition continues at Elim. The Schlomers have departed, the McCoys have arrived, and the elders and staff are continuing the work of moving Elim into a new season. And what about Women’s Ministries, you may ask? Great question! We are excited to share the answer with you.

Kim Schlomer faithfully led Women’s Ministries for most of her tenure at Elim. However, over the past couple of years, Kim had been sensing it was time for changes to be made within this valuable ministry. Her heart’s desire was to see women growing as passionate disciples of Christ, to see women connecting with other women in meaningful and transforming ways, and to see women developed as leaders. God was giving Kim a vision for the future of women’s ministry. And like Moses, the vision involved her to a certain point, and then it was time for her to step down and for other leaders to continue this work.

Building on Kim’s vision, we desire to design and implement a ministry that invests in, equips, and empowers our women to minister to women within Elim as well as women in our communities. We deal with hard life issues and often feel alone or isolated. We long to be connected, to feel that we belong. We desire to be heard, to feel valued and supported, to have a place to turn when we need help. With our eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, we envision our women continuing to grow as passionate disciples of Christ, bearing witness to His unfailing love for all, and living out the gospel as we companion with one another, loving and encouraging each other as we share life, with all its joys and sorrows. We have amazing and wonderful women in our Elim community, and we all have something to offer one another—regardless of one’s age or stage.

That is a big vision and big desire! But our God is able, and we are trusting Him to provide all that is needed for this to develop. Our first steps have been to begin praying and discerning not just good ideas, but God’s ideas, for how this ministry will take shape. We have

connected with a few women who served most recently on the Women’s Ministries team and/or expressed an interest to Kim to be involved. We are researching current trends within women’s ministry and are beginning to talk with women within Elim about their interest and desire to engage with this ministry.

So, what happens in the meantime? Will there be any events for women? Yes, there will be, but it will not be a full offering, partially because of the transition and rebuilding, but also because it is summer. Rebekah McKenzie hosts a time of connection for all women on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. at Cool Bean Espresso. A few other plans are being worked on. Watch the newsletter for all upcoming opportunities for women.

Are you interested in joining us? If so, please reach out to one or both of us. We would love to talk with you and hear your heart and desire for ministering to women. And we would ask all—women and men—to pray for this ministry and its leaders. We trust God to bring to fruition His plans and His vision for this important ministry, and we are excited to join Him in His great work.

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