Why Women’s Ministry Matters by Debi Walter 

My mind fills with gratitude when pondering the importance and impact of Women’s Ministry at Metro. Forty years ago, the majority of the women here were young and busy; growing careers or families. Our Women’s Ministry was filled with celebration in those times! Yet there were also seasons that brought us to our knees - circumstances that brought grief and tears. These varied life moments drew our hearts together as women. 

I hold so much gratitude for the older women who mentored us, without us knowing it. They befriended us, brought us delicious meals, opened their homes with hospitality, and challenged us when our inexperience was on display. What a gift their wisdom provided us at times we needed it most. 

Shirley Corbett was one such mentor. 

She and her husband, Jerry, were long-time members at Metro. They owned a cabin in North Carolina where she hosted Ladies Retreats. Women’s Ministry happened there under the cloak of personal time with the Lord; a practice most of us didn’t have the time to pursue. The Father met us there, and Shirley helped us process what we had heard. 

Shirley once challenged my lack of reading God’s Word. I explained I didn’t have time, and I didn’t understand the need. I felt the Holy Spirit prick my conscience from her loving rebuke - and I was never the same. 

We all need a Shirley in our lives; someone who knows us and loves us, but won’t hold back in confronting our need for growth in our Christian walk. 

I continue to appreciate the wisdom of other women who also love God’s Word. Michele Morin is one of those women. I’d followed her website, Living Our Days, for quite some time. Yet I had never met her since she lives in Maine. I’ve always trusted her wisdom and enjoyed her use of words and metaphors. 

“The right word at the right time can comfort, encourage, or even heal. ‘A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.’ Do you ever wonder if your words are more like room temperature pizza in a cardboard box?”

- Michel Morin, Watch Your Words 

Now that’s a metaphor I won’t soon forget! 

When Emily Jessee, our Women’s Ministry leader, mentioned wanting to host a women’s conference in 2024, Michele was the first to come to my mind. It was decided we’d invite her as our guest speaker. Imagine our excitement when Michele accepted! 

The theme, Pray Like a Disciple, was on The Lord’s Prayer. In three sessions, Michele taught us what it means: 

1. Pray with open hands, trusting the Father's wisdom, love and power 
2. Pray trusting in God's provision 
3. Live and pray as citizens of an invisible kingdom

After listening to Michele, we answered application questions in small groups. It was as if God had set a table of rich food before us to enjoy, and we were full to the brim. When it was time to leave, a word of encouragement came—Take the leftovers home and continue to feast on the wisdom of Matthew 6. Don't let them spoil in the refrigerator. 

This is how women’s ministry should function, each one of us doing our part. Whether it is teaching, studying, encouraging, serving or sharing hospitality. As women we need each other to help grow in God and for women to flourish in their faith. 

“I have personally benefited from much of what Michele shared, and what others have shared in how it impacted them. This is why times like this are so important in our lives. We never know how much our testimony will affect someone else. Even bringing about much needed direction, clarity or confirmation of something the Lord may be speaking to us. We need each other for sure.” - Emily Jessee 

Michele commented many times on what a friendly women’s ministry we have where so many serve with joy. She has now become a friend to me and our church because of the love you demonstrated to her. God intends to use us in each other’s lives; to learn what it means to “outdo one another in showing honor,” as Paul commends in Romans 12:10. 

This is why Women’s Ministry matters—because women matter to God, and we need each other to grow. 

Please plan to attend our regular Women's Ministry meetings. They take place on the 5th Sundays throughout the year. As Danny Jones says, “You will never know what you missed if you don’t come.”