In Christian mentoring, the grace of God gets the job done through us (and sometimes in spite of us). Such a beautiful example grace and love that we could all learn from. Then, the next semester, her group did another outreach for another neighbor. But what if she really wants a prayer partner, someone who will help her establish a better devotional life? Phoebe is also called a prostatis, a Greek term meaning patron, protector, or champion. This is the only place in the New Testament where this word is used. It is essential to have women teachers and role models for the generation following us. If you're creating a women's mentorship program in your company, people have likely expressed a desire for it. When the Hebrews began to conquer Canaan, Rahab harbored their spies in her house in exchange for her family's safety. Weve just shared the lives and lessons of eight incredible women of the Bible, but there are dozens more. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.". 1. You will be able to stand firm and press onward regardless of obstacles. Our time together consisted mostly of walking our babies, talking about our lives as wives and mothers, and praying together. They will grow in confidence because they will learn that their self-worth is not derived from any human being but from God. Rachel became the wife of Jacob, but only after her father Laban had deceived Jacob into marrying Rachel's sister Leah first. But what does it look like? Esther - Queen, Intercessor, and Leader. Each of us is influential in the sphere God has given to us in which to make an impact on our family, church, place of employment, and friends. Even in His agony on the cross, one of Jesus last concerns was to provide for His mothers care. Adam was created from the dust of the ground, but the woman was created from him, from a rib taken from his side (Genesis 2:2123). For women of the Bible devotions or further women of the Bible study, consider these recommended resources: Have you read a great fiction or non-fiction book about women of the Bible? And Joshua mentored the other remaining leaders of his army. Leah became the wife of Jacob through a shameful trick. Be a student of your congregation. She had been asking the Lord what He wanted her to do when she finished Seminary. "Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Decisions Made Today, Can Impact Generations. "I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet" ( 1 Timothy 2:12 ). Jezebel earned such a reputation for wickedness that even today her name is used to describe a deceitful woman. In this chapter we will examine the biblical basis for a womans worth and Gods place for her in ministry from the perspective of women as qualified for ministry. Interestingly, the Hebrew word translated helper ( ezer) is used nineteen times in the Old Testament (for example, Exodus 18:4; Deuteronomy 33:7; Psalms 10:14; 33:20). Mentorship, like most things, is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Mary is revered as a loving influence on Jesus, a devoted servant who honored God by saying "yes.". Each person, man or woman, is responsible to live a life of dependence upon the Holy Spirit and obedience to the Lord. Beauty On The Inside is More Important Than Beauty on The Outside, 5. Bible studies offer women a chance to: dive deep into God's Word. It has sometimes been taught that women can do certain jobs only if there are no men available. Her lasting example teaches that the Christian church still needs the support and involvement of believers to carry on the mission of Christ. Most of all, women can encourage women in this complex and confused society. They are not slaves to any substance, any amusement, any fashion, or any attitude that does not please their Master in Heaven. Have Courage 2. Fairchild, Mary. Third, many women are hesitant to step into a significant role of ministry because they honestly believe it is not their place to do so. Be available Hannah was a woman of total commitment to and passion for God. They resist excess in any area of daily life. The Lord is with you." (Luke 1:28) Elizabeth is described as being "filled with the Holy Spirit." (Luke 1:41) Barnabas is the first name included in a listing of . Free shipping for many products! God instituted marriage for the protection of our sexuality. End well God brought all the animals before Adam first to demonstrate that not one there was for him. He spoke to women publicly (John 4) when, by contrast, a rabbi would not even speak publicly to his wife. When God caused her to conceive at an old age, her son grew up to become John the Baptist, the mighty prophet who heralded the coming of the Messiah. Dont feel compelled to run out and buy a Bible study; pray with her. Be creative Knowing when you set out that it is clearly Gods will to develop a ministry for women to women will give you stability, certainty, and confidence. Here are some tips for creating a successful women's mentorship program for your company: Form a group to lead the program. Their participation will supply many more volunteers for service in every area. The invaluable advice of knowledgeable mentors paired with the right education can lead to thriving careers. Ephesians 4:1112 tells us that gifted people are given to the church to prepare Gods people for works of service. How interesting to observe that Paul appreciated having a mother, just as anyone else. We Should Bless Others Whenever We Have the Opportunity (and not be selfish), 6. What does that sound like? David slept with Bathsheba when her husband Uriah was off to war. Many years later, after the Jews crossed the Red Sea, Miriam was there, leading them in celebration. Often, there are similar descriptions of the mentor and mentee as if mentees become "like" their mentors: Gabriel says to Mary, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! She's right on the leaderboard for important women of the Bible and her story is rich in lessons for us. Regular times and days suit the chronologically challenged, but there is always room for variation. But Sarah was no doormat. "One leads simply because she knows the path a little better." The tables quickly turned when Haman was hanged on the gallows meant for Mordecai. He has given you the resources you need to accomplish His work. Be a teacher While prayer is wise when seeking discernment in how much mentoring one should do, how many hours to commit, etc., the basic idea of Do I become a mentor? is clearly commanded in scripture. Study the passages of Scripture that deal with some of the women discussed in this chapter who were used by God in the Old Testament. Ahithophel and Nathan the prophet also mentored David. As an Amazon Associate, as well as an affiliate of other programs, this means if you purchase something using these links, I will receive a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you! Titus 2:3-5specifically targets womens relationship with one another. When the Egyptians began killing the male babies of Hebrew slaves, Jochebed put baby Moses in a waterproof basket and set it adrift on the Nile River. All rights reserved. Priscilla was a teacher who taught Apollos. 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Mary was a touching example in the Bible of total surrender to the will of God. (Galatians 5:22, NIV) This passage is a helpful reference point when you think about yourself as a mentor and when you pray for the person you are mentoring. God is Both a Redeemer and has Given us a Redeemer, 12. And he recognized her, exclaiming in essence, Wow! In the early stages of development, it's crucial to work on "church awareness.". Here's some help: Mentor-Initiated Relationships: If you are considering initiating a relationship yourself, keep these points in mind: 1. God cursed her with leprosy but healed her after Moses' prayers. Dr. Joneal Kirby and several Focus on the Family female staff members discuss the life-changing benefits a young Christian woman can experience when she is mentored and discipled by an older woman of faith. Eve was the first woman, created by God to be a companion and helper for Adam, the first man. She provides wisdom and offers a spiritually sound, safe and fun friendship to a younger woman. Bathsheba had an adulterous affair with King David, and with God's help, turned it to good. They can be involved in education at every level, from preschool to graduate school; in childrens and youth ministries; in music, art, and drama. The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. Her son Judah led the tribe that produced Jesus Christ, Savior of the world. Proverbs 27:17 His attitude toward women was definitely countercultural. In a day when the rabbis said they would rather teach a dog than teach a woman and would rather burn the Torah than teach it to a woman, Jesus taught women spiritual truth (Luke 10:3841; John 4; 11:144). Lets be like Paul, who encouraged the Corinthian church to do as he did: Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. But they can only go so far, because they are men. Who else will guide them? Then decide upon what sort of study you want to focus on. After the great conviction that ensued upon the reading of the Law, Josiah sent the high priest Hilkiah and his other officials to inquire of the Lord for him concerning what to do, since Israel had so long neglected Gods word. You will have other gifted women to work with you, sharing your vision and ministry. The way of salvation is the same for man and for woman. Through an elaborate trick, Rebekah helped influence the dying Isaac into giving his blessing to Jacob instead of Esau. They can evangelize, teach, serve on church staffs and committees, and be administrators. The Mentors role is to be a friend, a spiritual guide, and a prayer partner to whomever she is mentoring. The New Testament describes Elizabeth and her husband, Zechariah, as "righteous and blameless" people who observed, "all the Lord's commands and decrees blamelessly.". Mary stayed with Jesus during his crucifixion when all but the apostle John fled. Perfection? Men cant be mothers, daughters, or wives. 1. When it is time to do the talking, remember that honesty makes you vulnerable. Bathsheba showed that God can restore sinners who come back to him. But when it comes to mentoring, Id have to agree with Norma Becker, member of the board of directors of Campus Crusade for Christ, Canada. Jesus never spoke condescendingly to women, never made derogatory jokes about women, never humiliated or exploited women. It was also recorded in Roman history that Christian women called ministers were imprisoned for their faith. ], THE SEED: THE WORD OF GOD Rahab recognized the True God. Be a leader 5. To learn more about Rahab and her story, click continue reading. She passed into eternity in Sept 2015 and is with our dear Jesus. Despite this, the same researchers at DDI World found that only 37 percent of women have had a mentor in their careers. With salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to indwell each individual (1 Corinthians 6:19) and to give each one spiritual gifts without discrimination based on gender (1 Corinthians 12:7). They were to share equally in everything: in obedience, in blessing, in ruling and subduing, in reproducing, and in fellowshipping with God in the garden. Mary of Nazareth He spent time with them and encouraged them (1 Thessalonians 2:6-12). I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. For more on each of these lessons from one of the most interesting women of the Bible, Elizabeth, click continue reading. We can gain courage, however, when we consider that most likely this list covers a lifetime of effort, with no doubt different emphases in different seasons of her lifeand she had servants to assist her. Our first line of mentoring should be within our family, a concept repeated throughout the Bible. Paul encourages the young pastor Titus to identify qualified older women who could, and should, teach and model godliness to the younger women in his church body: Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Even though Moses was raised as an Egyptian, God chose him to lead his people to freedom. Women were active in public worship. Titus 2:3-6 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful. With God's help, we can step out in faith and fight our fears, 5. The future product was bound up in the seed. Is it True for Christians That 'Once Saved, Always Saved'? "Outstanding among the apostles" (Romans 16:7) The following women often get overlooked, but even though we do not have long stories about them, their . Their physical bodies were different, and their function in reproduction was different. "Working Women of the Bible" confronts these questions with heart and humor, and offers surprisingly simple yet potentially life-altering answers.--This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition. We are all sinners saved by grace, continuing to be transformed into the image of Christ. God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things, 3. Women aspiring to succeed in business can greatly benefit from learning how to find a female mentor. Rachel's sons became heads of the twelve tribes of Israel. They can teach younger women what they gleaned from both their successes and failings. Miriam - Prophetess and Leader. Men and women need one another, and neither can serve the Lord effectively with an attitude of independence, superiority, or inferiority toward the other. 3. Who We Were Doesn't Dictate Who We Will Be, 4. When David learned Bathsheba was pregnant, he arranged for her husband to be killed in battle. 3. Despite the potential shame, she submitted and gave birth to Jesus. The other fifteen times it is used to refer to God helping people, a superior helping an inferior. In the next chapter we will discuss women as called to ministry. But, the promises of God remain true. But she was also a judge of Israel and a prophetess. The Value of Women Mentoring Women. Learn how your comment data is processed. Titus 2:3 - The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; Paul encourages the young pastor Titus to identify qualified. Click to enlarge image on Pinterest & repin. It is also interesting to realize that Jesus let women travel with Him during His public ministry (Matthew 27:55; Luke 8:13). 1. As ministers to women, we must live above reproach, control our tongues, and not depend on substances or external distractions. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Younger women need the experience, endurance, and example of older women. Read 1 Thessalonians. Miriam, the sister of Moses, is called a prophetess (Exodus 15:2021), one who speaks Gods word; and in Micah 6:4 God tells Israel that He set before them as leaders Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. Be real (1 Corinthians 11:11). ( Titus 2:3-4a) We hear the Apostle Paul's exhortation for older women to mentor younger women. Tell me in the comments below, Id love to hear from you. When you can demonstrate from Scripture how God values them and they begin to serve Him with enthusiasm and growing freedom, there is no limit to what can happen as God works through them in your congregation. Be obedient, and be available. For that reason, each of us is responsible and accountable to God for how we use the gifts and opportunities He has given us. Only four times is it used to speak of people helping people, peer helping peer. 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