Girl’s Workshop
One of my greatest passions is to see young women following Christ. Not today’s “Yeah, I’m a Christian” but dynamically giving their all for Him by embracing God’s design for them as women, developing spiritual maturity through His Word and living this out to build up the church and bring others to faith in Christ. The Lord continues to grow this passion in my heart as He gives me countless opportunities to come along side young women in ministry of Compass Bible Church where my husband is the high school youth pastor. This weekend I have had some time to step back and just thank the Lord for putting me in this place to help young girls draw nearer to Him.
This has been something on my heart for some time but really cemented last summer, when, at a popular Christian camp I sat on wooden bleachers with most of our high school girls for a one hour seminar for girls. The teacher held up a Barbie Doll to illustrate and talked about how–
Deep down every girl wants to be admired,
respected and honored, and that’s what God wants too.
He knows that when a girl holds her head high
And walks with dignity, she is much happier
and more confident as a person.
I became very concerned that my girls would buy into this popular mantra of Christian girls books today—“You have intrinsic worth” and “God wants to fulfill your dreams.” Who is telling them how to be young girls who live to please God, the importance of pursing spiritual disciplines and the necessity of boldly proclaiming the gospel? It seems that ministries to young women–books, magazines, teaching–are more aligned with Seventeen magazine than God’s Word.
That may seem harsh, but if you go to your local Christian bookstore and pick up the main titles for young women this is what you will find. The Lord has placed a burden on my heart for the girls in our ministry, to come alongside them with the Biblical gospel–teaching them the truth to value, not themselves, but a real relationship with God. Today’s young woman doesn’t need to esteem herself more, be convinced of her inner mystery, claim her beauty or demand respect. She needs to be transformed into the likeness of her Savior!
From this came the idea of Girl’s Workshops. I wanted to have something that complemented the other components of our ministry–teaching, worship, small groups and discipleship. To do that my girl leaders and I are putting on a once a month event where we will sit around tables with our girls for two hours designed to help inspire and challenge each girl to grow in following the Lord. Our second Girl’s Workshop is this Saturday and I am so excited! My husband told me today that he realized that I haven’t been blogging as frequently because I’ve been working to prepare for teaching these. So I thought I’d take some time to share my heart on this with you!
To read my other posts about girl ministry please follow these links–
October 30th, 2007
What a fantastic idea. I wish that my youth group had given me such opportunities. I could have made God Lord of my life much earlier than I had. Thank you for being honest with the girls and not just repeating popular culture.
October 30th, 2007
Christa, may God richly bless and shower His entire favor upon you and your ministry team as you participate in pointing girls to His image, His model and His example for every step of life. I pray that your words will be seasoned with grace, wisdom and bold proclamation that the only treasure is that which Christ purchased–worth committing every part of ourselves to believing and living.
October 30th, 2007
Christa,
I hope you and your family are doing well
I remember the lady who spoke at Hume Lake 2 summers ago. I think her name is Jesse. When I went again this year, she spoke again and I loved her message. She has a little baby girl now! She is so inspiring. I really liked this post
~Michaela
October 31st, 2007
How wonderful! I pray that God will use you to influence these girls to live counter-cultural, choosing instead a life of radical surrender to the Lord Jesus.
November 2nd, 2007
That’s great, Christa! I’m sure God will bless your desire to serve Him in this way. Young people especially are searching for meaning and purpose in life - you have a wonderful opportunity to show them the amazing riches God has for them if they walk in His ways!
November 8th, 2007
Great idea, Christa! These girls are blessed to have you in their lives! What a neat way to help point them to the cross and encourage them to live godly lives.