Blog
Why Reinvent the Wheel?
Last month, by design ministries was invited to take part in the New England Discipleship Roundtable at Gordon Conwell Seminary. Christian organizations from all around New England gathered to share resources and discuss the current state of discipleship in our area. As you know, by design is passionate about mentoring and discipling the upcoming generations, so this event was an exciting opportunity.
Engaging with a "Missing" Generation
Looking around at your church congregation, how many Gen Z and millennials are present? If your church is like many, there seems to be a whole generation missing.
Concerned? You’re not alone.
Designed for Community
In a quick Google search, you can easily find multiple studies that speak of the loneliness and isolation that can come along with being in ministry leadership. Leaders are often overextended, lacking in support staff, and so focused on serving others that they can forget to actually jump into the communities they are bringing together. I’m ashamed to admit it, but I know that, for myself, the first things to go when I am stressed or busy are spending time with God and quality fellowship with others.
A Night of Sweet Satisfaction: Reprise
On April 6th close to 200 women from over 40 churches spanning 4 states gathered at Trinity Baptist Church in Nashua for some sweet treats and fellowship and listened to speaker, Jan Carlberg, as she shared her talk on "Love Lifts for Sagging Spirits".
Designed in Generations
It is so important to have women of all generations together. Our society often tells us the opposite. The young are characterized as flighty, lazy, and entitled. The old are characterized as out of touch or too authority-focused. These stereotypes are roadblocks to what our communities could be.
Kinship of Understanding
No man is an island, but it’s possible that in ministry we might feel like we’re isolated on one sometimes. The New England reality we all know is that our churches and ministries are typically not very large. The role that you are serving in most likely has some element of solitariness to it. Especially in the particular responsibilities you carry. Especially in leadership.
Designed to be Human
Women in leadership in ministry and beyond tend to be at a crossroads of expectations. They are often expected to be both meek and strong, in charge but not bossy, compassionate but not too emotional, in control but not heavy-handed, etc. This can create pressure to be perfect, to put on a facade, or to be “on” all the time. This becomes exhausting.
Learning by design
When I first heard about by design ministries I wasn’t sure who they were or what they were all about. I just knew that I had a friendship with a woman named Kristi Stoughton who is on staff and I had a desire to hear about what she poured so much of her heart and time into.
What Does "by design" Do?
I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve been asked that question. I’ve been on staff here for almost six years and still, answering that question always stumps me.
It’s easy to just spout our mission statement:
“by design ministries is dedicated to the equipping and development of women for ministry that will advance the kingdom of God, with a special emphasis on the needs related to New England.”
It’s true, and it sounds good, but what does it really mean? More importantly, what does it mean for YOU?