Getty Images
FRANKLIN — Growing up, many of today’s younger women were active in their church’s mission programs.
They climbed the ladder of steps leading to accomplishments and reached the highest level in the Girl’s Auxiliary (GA) of Queen Regent. Many will say, “I learned and memorized more scripture during those days than I have learned since. I’ll never forget those verses, and they are part of my life — when I experience joy or walk through the shadows.”
But as they graduated out of GA’s and into college and adulthood, the mission organizations took second place in their life.
As young career women, wives, and mothers, they had less time for extracurricular work. Then, also, most of the Women on Mission (WMU) members in their churches were older women. One young woman said, “We were welcomed, but somehow, I just didn’t fit in.”
Today, many Women on Mission organizations are addressing this concern. How can we reach the younger generation? How can we support programs that are relevant to their lives while learning about missions?
Kimberly Poore, member of Wallace Memorial Baptist Church in Knoxville, realized there was a need to encourage more college age and young mothers to be active in Women on Mission. In talking with other members, Katherine Greene and Kristin Haney decided to start a younger group of Women on Missions called Love World. This term worked well with Wallace Memorial, as part of their outreach was Love God and Love Community.
Asking around, they decided that the first Friday of each quarter would be a good time to meet, instead of a monthly meeting. And it would be called ‘The Love World Gathering.”
Realizing that a home would be more cozy than the church, the programs may include a missionary home on furlough or someone who has been on a recent mission trip. Presently, between 20 to 25 women participate. The suggested age is 40 and under.
Kimberly and other leaders use social media to communicate about the quarterly meetings. Facebook is most often used. However, printed announcements are also available.
An older member, Miss Charlotte, now in her 80s, has been instrumental in getting a younger group started. As a former missionary to Grenada, she has a heart for missions.
During a recent Love World meeting, a college student led in prayer. The group uses the Mission Mosaic magazine, prays for the missionaries on their birthdays and encourages members to become involved in missions. Light snacks are always included.
Poore suggests to ask the young women as to time and location for meeting. Children are not included, unless a baby needs attention during this meeting time.
Betty Cress, WMU Director at Beulah Baptist Church in Kingsport, is another church that is making an effort to reach the younger women. They are called Nex-Gen WMU.
At one time, the church had a WOM for younger women, but it was no longer active. For the first meeting, 12 of a possible 18 attended. Cress invited them to meet at her home, and some had to even sat on the floor. She prepared a packet for each woman and included an out-of-date issue of the Missions Mosaic magazine.
“I wanted them to turn the pages, see the watchword, mission statement, missional characteristics, a table of contents, especially the spotlight article and prayer pattern. The women seemed pleased to be able to become familiar with the Missions Mosaic.” Says Cress.
During this time, the Nex-Gen made decisions on the office of secretary-treasurer, meeting schedule, and mission action projects. At the next meeting, an offering will be taken. It was decided to meet in the home instead of the church.
Cress is so excited about this role of being the director of WMU. She is thanking God for this opportunity for the blessings of the Nex-Gen. “There are many women in our churches who could serve and organize a group for young women — college age, career women, young mothers — those who have a heart for missions and want to serve. With God’s help, you can do this!” B&R — Tomlin, of Jackson, writes for the Christian market. She is a member of Woodland Baptist Church, Brownsville, and teaches the Jackson Christian Writers Fellowship.
