There is deep beauty in womanhood. We come from varied cultural backgrounds. We occupy multiple landscapes: suburban and urban. We are caregiver and listeners. We console and sacrifice for the greater good. Grander still is the life of faith we all share and the roles we all play in different Christian churches.
Every woman has talents and abilities, but it is our spiritual gifts that honor and uphold our respective church communities. Paul the apostle shared the importance of spiritual gifts amongst the members of Corinth, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully, (Romans 12:6-8). Gifts of grace, endowed by God, benefit women and families.
Here are 10 kinds of women every church needs today:
She prays on behalf of others. Her great compassion allows her to intercede to God while others are walking out storms. When we are not able to pray, too weak and weary from life’s battles, she steps into the gap and prays on our behalf. “Intercessors even have the ability to pray for those who’ve harmed us or our loved ones. Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you, (Luke 6:27-28).
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She validates the truth of scripture and is diligent about studying the word and correcting error in doctrine. This woman holds enough wisdom to impart on younger generations of women, too: a good word, perhaps for a disillusioned young bride or an overwhelmed new mom. She’s the warm, loving and patient Sunday School teacher whom parents are willing to entrust their children to her for Sunday school lessons. She brings biblical characters to life and tells compelling stories which our children and youth remember. “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another, (Proverbs 27:17).
Honestly, ladies? Where would we be without women of faith!? She gives hope to other women struggling in the muck and mire of hard times. She knows--without a doubt-- a flicker of hope always kindles. Mark 11:24 tells us, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
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She’s energized through acts of service. Beyond blessing the receiver, women who operate in this spiritual gift get immeasurable joy “dividends”. Preparing a warm meal or visiting the sick or elderly comes as second nature. If YOU are this woman graced by God with the ministry of helps, know what you’re doing and whom you’re serving doesn’t go unnoticed. You make your heavenly Father glad and your rewards await you in heaven. “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor,” (Romans 12:10).
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Gracious, compassionate. An absolver of wrongs. She forgives those who’ve wronged her. Women who operate in this spirit gift have the very DNA of God’s greatest gift to us. The woman of mercy has an underlying trait--she’s endured. Maybe she’s had to absolve her husband of too many wrongs. Perhaps she made the difficult decision to forgive a friend of deep betrayal. Mercy is the fabric of our Christian faith and women gifted with mercy will be given mercy by God. “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful,” (Luke 6:36).
Does the spiritual walk of others concern you so much that you’re compelled to encourage your friends to walk deeper in their faith? Then you, lovely lady, are walking in the gift of spiritual exhortation. You hope other women reach their spiritual potential and grow in their calling. No congregation can grow in the things of God or doctrine without the support of relentless exhortation. “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness,” (Hebrews 3:13).
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She discerns. She has heavenly foresight. Women gifted with the ability to prophesy deliver truth through words: she comforts, exhorts, and edifies. Prophecy is a unique gift where Christ-followers operate under the anointing of God to deliver messages. This gift is sometimes shrugged off as something which only occurred in biblical times, yet prophecy is alive and well in varied ecumenical faiths. I’ll never forget the time I went to prayer and another woman took my hands and told me of my future plans. I was struggling with worry over a trip to Europe. “The Lord will carry you and protect you as you travel, daughter; have no fear.” I’m convinced of the power of prophecy. Let’s not cast this beautiful spiritual gift aside! “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but by holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, (2 Peter 1:21).
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Giving into the ministry is not an easy feat. It takes faith. It requires obedience. Sowing financial seeds allows for Kingdom ministry to come into full fruition. It was Mary of Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna who financially supported Jesus and the disciples as he fulfilled His earthly ministry. “They provided financial support for Jesus and his disciples,” Luke 8:3).
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She senses. Intuition runs deep within her. She has the ability to sense good from evil. This woman understand who is for God and who is for evil. Every church needs women who tap into the powerful gift of discernment. Hebrews 4:12 reads, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Women bestowed with Godly discernment have strong spiritual inclinations and often sense when dark tries to overthrow the light of God. Spiritual warfare and intercessory prayer flow from a woman who discerns well.
Artistry is often seen as a talent or skill, yet it was God himself who instructed Moses to tell his people to create through art while constructing the Holy Tabernacle, “And he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze,” (Exodus 35:31-32). If you are a creative woman who uses her talents and gifts to honor God--amen. Your God placed artistic ministry inside of you to share and bless the church. Check out how Makoto Fujimura’s intersects faith and art: http://www.makotofujimura.com/.