Women’s Ministry in the LOCAL Church
GILLIAN BRICKEY WM President
ed to explain the structure of ARP Wom- en’s Ministry. Why? Because when I was asked to become part of the women’s ministry boards, I didn’t fully under- stand it all myself. Once I understood our roles, I was sold on our need for our presbyterial and synodical boards. They allow us to bring women together from across all our churches and presbyter- ies to carry out the work God has for us within the structure of the ARPC. But now it’s time to talk about wom- en’s ministry in the LOCAL church. Sooooo many people have talked with me about women’s ministry boards in local churches, including pastors, many with strong opinions for or against for- mal WM boards. Our women’s ministry boards are offered as a tool, but wheth- er it is right for your church is for each church to decide.
W
It takes one quick read of Proverbs 31 to see the breadth of skills, talents, and value women bring to their homes, churches, and communities. They feed and clothe their households, they con- duct business outside the home, they feed the poor, they support their hus- bands, and more! Also read Titus 2! This is more than just a to-do list for women; woman walking out her faith in God, the unique gifts He’s given her, and her service to Him through serving those around her.
I have some questions: Does your Knowing, loving, serving, Jesus ARPWM September/October 2026 19
hen I was told I would be writing articles for ARP Mag- azine this year, I knew I want-
church operate in such a way that allows women, and all your members, to grow in faith and serve God as called through scripture? What can be strengthened to allow this to happen even better? God to give wisdom and discernment. I then took time to listen to folks and identify the challenges we face in accomplishing our goals set by our vision statements. I then the year, and then I asked the boards to brainstorm solutions. I encourage you to do similarly and consider the tools you have at your disposal. A women’s ministry board could be a helpful tool, giving different women posi- tions according to their gifts. Or maybe your church discerns a different approach. Some have strong committee structures under the diaconate and session that include both men and women. We at the women’s ministry presbyterial and synodical boards often don’t hear from these churches, but that’s solved by putting it on a committee’s agenda to connect with the presbyterial and synodical women’s ministry events. Contact your presbyterial board or the ARP Womens’ Ministry board for help and
ideas. You can do this by getting on our contact list and following us on Facebook and Instagram. Everyone in the ARPC can be put on our contact list by emailing us at
arpwomensministry@gmail.com, Subject: Contact List, and include your name and contact information. I also recommend intentionally studying women’s ministry. A few books I found helpful:
The BIBLE! What does GOD say about women? Woman’s Work in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, a volume in the red
ARP history series. Compiled by Julia Oates and edited by Alice Skelton. Word-Filled Women’s Ministry, by Gloria Furman & Kathleen Nielson* Women’s Ministry in the Local Church, by Ligon Duncan and Susan Hunt* Women of the Word, by Jen Wilkin* Growing Together, by Melissa Kruger* We live in a fallen world.
There WILL be challenges! But take heart…I know a guy! He overcame the world! He can surely overcome the challeng- es a church faces in ministry for women.
Many Blessings, Gillian Brickey
*While Crossway is a widely
respected evangelical publish- er; it is not currently included on Synod’s approved publish- er list. We encourage you to re- view these study options with your pastor or elders as you make your selection.
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