Word-Filled Women's Ministry: Loving and Serving the Church (The Gospel Coalition)

This is THE book on women's ministry. I love it so much. I had to read it slowly, and cried my way through it, as it describes everything I wish women's ministry in the local church looked like, yet sadly often does not. The authors on each topic are the best-suited to write on it. I love, love, love the emphasis on God's Word and why it should be central in the life of women's ministry. I also love that it doesn't spell out specific formulas that fit a specific cultural context, but rather frees the reader up to apply its truth in whatever context she finds herself. I especially appreciated the examples from around the globe, in demonstrating what Word-filled women's ministry can look like in varying contexts. One caveat is that the chapter on Titus 2 was pretty disappointing to me. I felt like it did injustice to Titus 2, in which Paul instructs Titus how his "doctrine before deeds" theme relates to women teaching women. So often Titus 2 gets misunderstood, and unfortunately I felt this was the case when I read Susan Hunt's words.However, I so appreciate what Kathleen Nielson wrote in a different chapter, about Titus 2 being about WORD ministry, not simply older women mentoring younger women in the practicals of womanhood. That did, however, make me wonder why they included Susan Hunt's interpretation of Titus 2, since it seemed to contrast the rest of the book.I loved the chapter on training Bible teachers, and Carrie Sandom's emphasis on the need for a high standard for women teaching women, and pointing out that the warning in James 3 that "not many of you should be teachers" is not a warning for men only.Being a woman in a complementation church who is seeking to give women the whole counsel of God and not only "pink passages" is sometimes a lonely and discouraging place. However, reading this book brought tears to my eyes and a lightness to my heart in realizing there is a whole group of us who want women to be transformed by a firsthand knowledge of Jesus through Scripture. I have recommended this book to everyone I talk to about these things, and it is everything I wish I could write in a book :)

I'm writing as a complementarian pastor who has been long interested in how to think about effective women's ministry. Many lament the shallowness that plagues the gender specific ministries in our churches. Yet many pastors are far more equipped to address this in men's ministries. I am thankful for the thoughtful, humble, pioneering work that Kathleen Nielson and Gloria Furman have been doing over at The Gospel Coalition. It was only a matter of time before this book was the result of their leadership."Word-Filled Women's Ministry" will be a help to women of influence in churches and to women who simply want to grow in their understanding of ministry. Yet the benefits of this book are not just for the fairer sex but for pastors and perhaps even husbands. The thesis of this book is (best I can tell) that the the Word is at the center of all life and vitality in the Christian life and so it should be for Women's Ministries which are uniquely susceptible to centering around many things other than the Scriptures. Robust theology is not just for the boys... its for all growing Christians. In chapter 9, authored by the book's editors, they even argue to teach the girls church history!This book provides a balanced mixture of practical wisdom and a defense for a Word-centered life. One of the most helpful chapters of the book is Ch. 5 where we get a defense of robust women's Bible studies as a method of evangelism. Later chapters address practical problems voiced through surveys from leaders of women's ministries. The authors conclude where they began, that all women's ministry is to be done with one end in mind, to foster an environment in the local church where women can mature and be presented complete in Christ. And that happens only through the Word. Therefore, we must have Women's Ministries that are Word-Filled.I recommend this helpful book for women seeking to edify others in their local churches as well pastors who seek to serve them.

I purchased this book because I was looking for women's ministry ideas for our church. It is a book that lays out a case for having scripture central to your women's ministries in the church. It is about philosophy of women's ministry rather than programatic. Each chapter is written by a different author. Significant chapters which stood out to me were: Chapter 2 on the role of women in the ministry from a complimentarian view was laid out clearly and succinctly with scripture. Great to read if you're trying to formulate, understand, or defend that view. Chapter 8, "Sexual Wholeness," was one of the first chapters I have read that deals with the issues of sexual purity for women - a major issue in our churches today. Would recommend to anyone who is leading women's ministry to renew your passion.

This book as with all things Gloria Furman is wonderfully encouraging in the Word of the Lord. The ladies who contributed to this book help you to focus on Christ and the gospel as a means for all ministry activities. Just the encouragement I need as we attempt to get back into ministry!

So appreciated this book in encouraging what is really important for women’s ministry from a biblical perspective. It was refreshing to hear the challenges encouraging women to be in the Word of God. Was encouraged, convicted and blessed in reading this book. I valued the points shared by the many contributors and was grateful for this book in a season of women’s ministry.

This book is chocked full of Biblically based thoughts, ideas, and reasons for establishing doctrinely sound women’s ministry.

So many truths I needed to be reminded of and very encouraged to consider so many aspects of what it means to serve with Christ and the Gospel as central.I'd recommend the leaders of churches and women in churches to read this book but lay men in church would also benefit.

Very inspiring and helpful book for women in the ministry.