Bible Study Event Evangelism Holidays Missions Prayer Community Outreach Family Ministry Leadership Development Organizational Helps Publicity Devotionals Finances Local Ministry Personal Development Spiritual Development

Reader Poll

What resources do you need most as you lead Women’s Ministries Unlimited! in your church? Leadership training Bible studies Ideas for meetings Outreach ideas Ideas for ministering to a diversity of women View Results

 

Leader's Spotlight

Surprise! You’re a Leader!

By Alison R. Young

When the Women’s Ministries director of her church resigned, Patty Keating began to pray that the next leader would feel God urging her to step out. Little did she know she was praying for herself.

“For weeks I prayed and prayed for whoever the new director was supposed to be that she would have an urge to step up. I had no idea that I was praying for myself. So, I came into it [leadership] by accident in a way.”

Looking at the work Patty and her staff have accomplished throughout the past five years at Manassas Assemblies of God in Bristow, Virginia, this appointment was no accident. Through their online magazine and intensive yet fun Bible studies which develop women as spiritual beings, Patty and her team are able to reach out into their church and community.

“Our Bible studies are what make us, it’s our hallmark. That’s where the fun is… discussing the Word with other women and developing. We love it.”

At the end of October they launched their new Bible study series which will cover a variety of books touching on important issues women face including Living Beyond Yourself by Beth Moore, Walking by Faith by Jennifer Rothschild, The Vision of His Glory by Ann Graham Lotz, Living Your Life As a Beautiful Offering by Angela Thomas, and He Speaks by Priscilla Shirer.

Before assuming the position of Women’s Ministries Director, Patty had been highly involved in the church but had never held a leadership position.

“I always had leadership vision and could see strategically what should happen in organizations in various situations, but I never really had the courage to step up…a fear of failure dominated me on some level. I knew I had the gift of leadership but this is my first serious leadership role where I have other leaders investing in me and mentoring me in leadership.”

Those investing in her range from her family to the pastoral support in place at Manassas AG. As these people invest in her life, she takes what she learns and invests in the lives of the women around her. As the women in her group present various comments, Patty looks for how that particular woman can help facilitate that idea.

“One woman has been a part of our church body for years and never been in a leadership position but has just survived breast cancer. She approached me saying that she was very shy but knew that God wanted her to share what He’d done in her life. This happened right on the heels of receiving the Snuff Out Cancer packet. That was her heart and passion. I am giving this woman a chance to share what the Lord has done in her life and to pilot this program. It’s a perfect fit.”

In all she does as a leader, Patty’s leadership philosophy of surrounding herself with gifted people is evident.

“Let them do what God has gifted them to do. You still have to direct and be a visionary for the team, but get out of the way and allow the people God’s given you to go for it!”

Visit the Manassas Assemblies of God Connecting Women Web site at www.magwomensconnection.org.

ALISON YOUNG is editorial assistant to the Leadership Development Coordinator for the national Women’s Ministries Department. Alison has a bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies from Evangel University, in Springfield, MO. When not reading, writing, or volunteering at the local Christian community theatre, you will find Alison cheering on her favorite teams, “I watch sports like a boy.“

More Leader's Spotlight articles