The Ministry Experience Report (MER): Example 2

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Background Information

The Women's Fellowship organization at Cedar Grove has always played a key role in meeting the needs of the congregation and the local community. Over the years it has ministered by furnishing meals for the sick, making baby blankets for newborns, having money-making projects to benefit the church, collecting clothing for the poor, and offering a host of other services. As they serve others, the women at Cedar Grove have found a rich blessing of fellowship and community.

In earlier years, the Women's Fellowship was the primary social outlet for many women. Most did not work outside the home. Although today Cedar Grove remains a rural church and many women members work inside the home, more women now work outside the home. Most have social contacts other than the church—school, civic groups, co-workers, and blended families.

In the last few years, the Women's Fellowship has seen a drop in attendance. Several meetings are held during the day for sewing or cleaning projects. Some are held in the evening, and there are a few special events.

About a year ago, I had a conversation with a young mother. As we were sharing the joys and frustrations of motherhood, we agreed that a support group for moms would be a great idea. Since we are intentional about incorporating new members into the life of the church, the Moms' Support Group seemed the perfect way of helping this young mom get involved in an area of interest to her. She responded enthusiastically, and as a result, the Moms' Support Group was formed to provide fellowship, support, and Bible study for women with children.

The support group has grown and flourished. At a recent meeting, the group evaluated the effectiveness of the ministry. The consensus was that the group's needs were being met. Then the following conversation took place.

Dialogue

Mom 1: I heard someone mention at the women's workday last week that they don't understand why we need a support group. They wondered why we couldn't just come to the regular meetings of the Women's Fellowship.

Linda: Do you feel that the purpose of our group is misunderstood?

Mom 2: Yes. Some feel we're in competition with the Women's Fellowship.

Mom 3: But we're not. Our purpose is totally different. We meet for Bible study and support in raising our children.

Mom 4: Going to an all-day meeting to sew is fine for the women who have the time, but it doesn't help me to be a better mom or wife. That's what I need at this point in life. This groups gives me the support I need to carry on at home.

Mom 3: You know, some of the older women have so much to share. They could really help us by telling us how they handled situations in their families.

Linda: Well, how can we make this situation better? Sometimes there is misunderstanding when people are misinformed. Is there some way we can communicate better what we're about so that we're not seen as being in competition with the Women's Fellowship?

Mom 3: Why don't we invite the women to one of our meetings?

Mom 5: Yeah, we could have a brunch. Everyone could bring a breakfast item to share.

Mom 6: Then we could do a lesson together and let them see what goes on at one of our meetings.

All: Sounds great! Let's do it!

Dynamic Reflection

The conversation continued a little longer as plans were made for the brunch. Everyone was excited and there was a spirit of cooperation, as well as a genuine desire to improve understanding and communication with the rest of the Women's Fellowship. Conversation was unemotional and nonjudgmental. The brunch is now scheduled for April 25.

Theological Reflection

There appear to be several issues raised from this situation:

1. How does a growing church in a changing society meet the needs of an inter-generational group of women?



2. How can individuals learn to recognize that "my needs are different from yours," without feeling that "my needs are more important than yours"?



3. How can individuals learn to recognize that "my needs are different from yours, but that's okay. We can meet them in different ways"?



4. How can individuals learn to recognize that "my needs are different from yours, but I'll help meet your needs. I'll share with you, and you share with me. Let's work together"?

There are several Scriptures that would seem applicable here:

Self-Critical Appraisal

I feel good about the conversation in the Moms' group. There was no gossip, no backbiting or pointing fingers, but an honest appraisal of the situation and a desire to make it better.

This issue should not be seen as more controversial than it is. There are no big divisions or hard feelings being generated because of it. It is more of a subtle, underlying current of confusion that needs attention before it becomes a bigger problem. I feel we are taking some positive steps toward a better understanding.

For more practical samples of Ministry Experience Reports see Appendix C.