10 Encouraging Verses for Women’s Ministry Leaders

In no particular order, I want to share a few verses that have been particularly encouraging or challenging to me as a women’s ministry leader:

1. I Corinthians 11:1:  “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”  Have you ever really considered the boldness of this statement that Paul made to the Corinthian church? As a Christian, it encourages me, and as a leader it challenges and convicts me.  How would you feel about daily wearing a button or a t-shirt with those words on it?  Would you want to hide when you were having a bad day, or when tasks were overwhelming or people were annoying you?
2. I Corinthians 16:15b “…they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints….”  Paul describes the household of Stephanas with the words “devoted to the ministry of the saints.”  Another translations uses the word “addicted.”  What a picture that paints…leaders who can’t stop serving even if they wanted to–they are obsessed with serving.  They are hooked, and they can’t stop!
3. John 15:5c: “Apart from Me, you can do nothing.”  This is a good reminder to all leaders all the time, because our flesh always wants to get in the way.  If we are not on guard all the time, it is easy to find ourselves doing things in our flesh, using our common sense and our own abilities instead of recognizing our need for Him.
4. Galatians 6:9 “Don’t get weary in well-doing, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  This should be lodged in your memory, available at a moment’s notice, because (light-bulb moment)… ministry can be wearying. People can burn you out; needs can be overwhelming.  Keep your eyes on the harvest.
5. I Timothy 6:20a:  “Guard what has been entrusted to your care.”  We have responsibility for the souls in our care, and those souls are of great value to God.
6. I Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” The enemy of our souls, that great “Discourager” tirelessly works to convince you that your labor in the Lord is in vain.  Are you going to believe him?  We walk by faith and not by sight.
7. Philippians 1:27a  “Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”  This verse reminds us of the high standards of conduct the Lord requires.  Our women are watching, possibly more than you realize.  They are watching how you handle problems and conflict, they are watching you handle disappointment and trials in your own life, they are watching what comes out of your mouth.
8. Philippans 4:8 “Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think on these things.”  What we allow our minds to dwell on will sooner or later determine our actions and speech. It is a discipline leaders should take seriously, because our thoughts can be our downfall.
9. Philippians 2:14-16a “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life…”  Our world is obviously getting darker by the moment–but that is when our light shines brightest. We can be a light in a dark place as we continue to hold fast to the Word of life.  Shine on!
10. Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”  Just a reminder for all of us.  We are privileged to follow in Jesus’ footsteps to serve others and give our lives for them.