MNW: What to Expect

Our Monday Night Women’s group probably needs a snazzier name but I haven’t been able to think of one. Mainly because I can’t think of anything that fully captures my heart’s desire for this gathering of women.

I did pray and ask God to help me articulate what this group is and what it isn’t. I think the explanation below will help people know what to expect if they join us.

1. This is a spiritual formation group. Spiritual formation is the process of becoming more like Jesus

2. This is a safe place to process what is going on in your inner life, including hopes, fears, longings and doubts

3. This is a tribe of authentic women

4. Safety is key to this group. People don’t feel safe if they fear judgement or rejection. People grow in safe spaces where they can take off their masks in order to grow

5. One of our desires is to chip away at the false self and this group provides a safe place for us to practice living out of our true selves - the persons God created us to be

6. In this group we DON’T

·      Try to fix one another

·      Judge one another

·      Give one another a side glance or any other look of disapproval

·      Respond to someone’s difficulty by using scripture as a quick – almost cliché – answer to their problems or struggles

·      Put the kingdoms of this world (yes, that includes politics and current events) above the Kingdom of God which focuses on loving God and loving one another in spite of our differences

·      Talk too quickly just to break an awkward silence because quiet people and slow processors will often speak only when they find a long enough gap in discussion

7. In this group we DO

·      Give one another safe space to process through difficulties including doubts or unbelief

·      Share our joys and victories

·      Keep confidential information confidential

·      Love one another deeply as Jesus would

·      Encourage one another as we work through unforgiveness or hurts

·      Remind one another of God’s truth – particularly found in Jesus & in Scripture

·      Share our stories of God’s goodness in our lives

Even as I read over this list I know it’s a tall order. We don’t always get it all right, but we cover one another with grace if we get it wrong. Most of all, we trust in God’s grace to spiritually form us not only as individuals into the image of Christ, but also as a community into His body. “The One who has called us is faithful; He will do it!” 1 Thessalonians 5:24.

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