The Good Book Company

In the next street to where the British soldier was tragically murdered yesterday, the Minister of Woolwich Congregationalist Church Aaron Flanaghan is seeking to bring the message of the gospel to the local community.

Watch the brief video below of Wes McNabb of Slade Church talking with him, and then pray for his work in the area, and for others who are bringing comfort and relief to those affected by the atrocity.

If you have enjoyed our short dip into Women's Ministry this week on the blog, why not get equipped to serve in this important area of ministry? The Good Book College's short course in Women's Ministry is a 10-session distance learning course that covers the basics of:

• what is women's ministry
• how to interpret and teach the Bible
• how to offer pastoral care
• how to get involved in evangelism
• how to read the Bible one-to-one with another woman
• how to disciple teenage girls.

Usually £30, this biblical, practical and accessible course is available this bank holiday weekend for just £20. The price includes the course material and the cost of marking the (optional) assignments.

To enrol - or to request further information - email info@thegoodbookcollege.co.uk or enrol online.

Offer ends midnight on Monday 27th May.

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Disclaimer: The Good Book Company is not responsible for the content of external sites and does not necessarily agree with the content of articles listed.

If there isn't a women's ministry initiative in your church at the moment but you have a sneaking suspicion that there could be one in the future, how can you go about setting one up?

Here are our top tips:

1. Pray

Unless the Lord builds the house, the labourers labour in vain.

2. Check your motives

Anger at the minister, frustration at lack of ministry opportunities or a desire to separate from the men are really bad reasons to start a women's ministry initiative! Make sure you are focused on Jesus, his glory and the growth of his Kingdom.

Women's ministry will only flourish in the local church if women are willing to get involved. And that means giving time to it. And that often means asking people to step out of their comfort zone. But what kind of women can get involved in women's ministry?

The short answer to that question is: any woman who believes in Jesus!

But the slightly longer answer is: any woman to who believes in Jesus and is willing to work in his strength, for his glory and in accordance with the gifts that he has given.

Like most forms of ministry, women's ministry is Jesus-centred. It's all about helping other women to come to Christ and grow in Christ. It's about encouraging people to understand the gospel, respond to the gospel and apply the gospel to every aspect of life. And that happens when women engage with God through his Word and prayer, in the community of the local church. Beyond that - there are many forms that women's ministry can take!

Christians have been on the back foot on issues of sex for far too long. Whether that's questions of sexual identity, homosexuality or gender roles, we have increasingly appeared to be out of date, out of touch and out of ideas. Which is a massive shame, because the Bible's understanding of all these issues is truly liberating and part of the "life in all its fulness" that Jesus promises to those who follow him.

These big issues were the theme of this year's London Men's Convention which packed out Westminster Chapel in London last Saturday. The three talks on Maleness, Sexual temptation and Marriage were not just about helping Christians understand for themselves these important issues. They were also to help the assembled brothers think about how they can articulate the good news we have about sexuality and sexual purity to others.

Titus 2 is very clear. Older women are called to spur on the younger women in the Christian community. They are to be role models, encouragers, motivators for those who are less mature - either in calendar years or spiritual years. Women are also called to be part of the great commission, reaching out to their female friends with the message of salvation. There's an exciting mission field on most doorsteps.

And I hope in your church, as in mine, you see evidence of that discipleship and evangelism happening naturally week by week. It's a sign of spiritual health when more mature Christians are getting alongside less mature Christians or non-Christian neighbours, not because they've been asked to but because they love to help others grow. Every church needs women who see a need, pray about the need and then roll up their sleeves to meet that need without any fuss.

1. New Series: Questions Christians Ask

In case you missed it, check out our new series, Questions Christians Ask.

2. New Release: Hero

A new book from London Men's Convention 2013 speaker Jonty Allcock, Hero. A lively and engaging retelling of the story of Gideon.

3. Just Do Something Study Guide

A free study guide for Kevin DeYoung's book Just Do Something.

4. 5 apps to help you share the gospel

Be equipped to explain the good news wherever you are with these five apps.

5. And finally…

Our video of the week, 'An Interview with Sam Allberry' on same-sex attraction and his new book, Is God anti-gay?:

Found something that you think should make it on to the On to a Good Thing round-up? Send it to: ontoagoodthing@thegoodbook.co.uk