To investigate the needs and interests of women in your congregation, you might conduct a survey; sample questions are available from the MW office. Hint: to maximize the number of returned surveys, have them filled out at a specific activity or have a drawing for a prize.

Want to attract newcomers to your group? Plan a get-together that most women can attend. Trying scheduling a lunch after Sunday worship, when women are already at church. Encourage them to carpool home, while spouses or friends take the kids out to eat—an easy childcare solution. Alternatively, hold the meeting at the same time as a congregational meal or youth lunch fundraiser, with a separate eating area for women. Focus on building a foundation of fellowship and shared vision, developing a strong core group from which your ministry can grow.

Invite women from your congregation to join your group in a particular one-time service project, possibly something that can be done at home in available time—such as sewing and filling health or school kits for Mennonite Central Committee. Those who cannot regularly attend group meetings may welcome a chance to work with you for a worthy cause, expressing their faith in a concrete way. Follow up with a celebration, thanking all participants. This can be a time to share more about your women’s group—its dreams, goals, and mission.

Sponsor a one-time seminar or practical workshop on a topic of interest to women outside your group, such as a family life issue. Choose a time convenient for these women.

Gradually get to know more women in your community by sponsoring a monthly, fellowship-oriented get-together—such as a Friday night gathering at a local coffeeshop. Encourage group members to bring neighbors or co-workers, and foster a friendly, casual atmosphere in which women can come and go as their schedules permit. Building relationships in this way can lead to deeper involvement in your group.

Plan a giveaway at a setting appropriate for your group. For example, a group of mothers with school age children might meet at a kids’ athletic event, setting up a table with free cold drinks, friendly smiles, and printed information about group activities, inviting newcomers to an upcoming get-acquainted event. Learn about giveaway preparation and philosophy at: www.servantevangelism.com.

The more people you involve in preparing for an event, the better; this will spread a sense of ownership. Your planning committee doesn’t need to be huge, but ask many individuals to take charge of small specific tasks.

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