Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. (Heb 13:7).
The above verse was brought to my attention by a student years ago. She showed me the verse and said it reminded her of the Godly leaders that God had brought into her life. I was so thankful that was the case for her. On the other hand, it elevated for me the importance of finding GODLY leaders to place in lifegroups and not just finding warm bodies who are fun.
Hebrews is clear that it is leaders who spoke “THE WORD OF GOD” to these people. And that there was a divine connection to the leader being in God’s word and then having it overflow into their life and faith in such a way that others should walk in it as well.
The most important thing is putting women in and around the girls ministry that get God’s word in their lives and girls can see the outcome of that in the way they live their everyday lives.
As women in particular, we sometimes let our own past experiences speak into the lives of students. We think that because God redeemed those areas that we should share it. Sometimes that’s true, but let me warn you strongly—Don’t let YOUR PAST EXPERIENCES become your primary girls ministry tool.
Some questions to ask yourself and your volunteers regarding when to use a life experience:
- Am I sharing this to bring attention to myself?
- Are there parts of this experience that do not need to be disclosed? Too much information for a certain age group to hear?
- Am I sharing this experience because it has been healed, redeemed, transformed or is this possibly a therapy session for me?
- Sharing an experience brings a certain level of authenticity at times so I’m not saying never share personal stories, just ask yourself—what spiritual truth does this experience reinforce as I mentor this sister in Christ?
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