Women's Ministries was originally started in 1898 by Mrs. S. M. I. Henry who served as its first director. When Mrs. Henry died in 1900 no new director was appointed and the work begun under her died out. The idea of such a specialized ministry was taken up again starting in 1973. Over the next 22 years, the concept gained momentum. At the division level, North America began Women's Ministries in 1989 and the General Conference voted the Office of Women's Ministries at the Annual Council in 1990 under the leadership of Rose Otis. In 1995 the General Conference in Session voted that Women's Ministries should become a full department. Between 1990 and 1996 each Division established its own Women's Ministries department.
Women's Ministries is a place to address the spiritual, emotional, physical, and social needs of women in the church.
• Women's Ministries encourages women to improve their potential for participation in the mission of the church.
• It is a support system for hurting women—whether they are suffering from divorce, abuse, or simply loneliness.
• It is a forum to help address topics and issues as they affect the woman.
• It encourages young women through a scholarship program.
• It encourages women to become involved in all areas of ministry in their church, their community, and their homes.
• It mentors young women so that they may find joy in the Lord.
• Women's Ministries recognizes that women have many Gifts of the Spirit, and it attempts to help women discover and use these gifts to the glory of God.
The Women's Ministries Department wants to make people aware of the respect that God gives to women just as much as to men. In the story of creation, we see that God made everything good. He created man and woman as equal but different. The world, the family, and the community need women as a balancing factor - women who develop relationships, find joy in beauty, and create a positive atmosphere.
Men and women are not rivals. Together they should take on the responsibility for family, community, and ultimately for the entire creation - God created the woman as an equal counterpart - not inferior, but equal, as an active partner! Sin has deformed this concept, and the task of Christian women and men is to promote and support a loving interaction between man and woman. Our churches should reflect the love of Jesus, including the sense that women are equally valued. Positive cooperation will foster growth.
We are aware of the high value we as human beings have in God's eyes. We are precious in God's eyes, who calls us by our name and loves us unconditionally (Isaiah 43: 1-4). We share this love with our families, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and communities. Through the Holy Spirit, we have received spiritual gifts that we may use in many ways. Bible Study strengthens our faith. Prayer is our main source of power. Women come together to pray in small groups and to plan how they can minister to local needs. It may mean helping women who suffer violence and abuse, or who are lonely.
We are mentors for our daughters and young women. We recognize needs and take responsibility. God calls women to encourage and help, but also to lead. We encourage you to discover your gifts and abilities and give guidance in the application of these gifts.
God’s love unites us as a global network of women.
Extract from the book Tired of Waiting by Hannele Ottschofski, pp. 158-159