2008 Woodie Awards
Being the Church: Women's Discipleship kicks off
Jade Enoch
Issue date: 9/21/07 Section: In the Spotlight
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"Statistically, 80 percent of people who are walking with the Lord fervently as college students, five years later will totally turn away, no involvement in the church whatsoever," said Ward. "We want people to be stretched and challenged, experiencing the church at every level."
However, Ward makes it clear that the program is not about a specific number of hours or commitment of time but about relationship building.
"I wish we could bust out of that concept of a 'program,'" said Ward. "It makes us miss the blessing of being able to relax in relationships. If someone wants just wants to fit this into their schedule, they can sometimes miss the point. Relationships don't fit into boxes when one person is truly living alongside another."
The ministry is open to anyone who is interested in getting involved, and there are many benefits for those who invest in it.
"I'm not really one to sell it," said Ward. "If people will connect and give their hearts to it then they will be blessed. You will develop authentic relationships, be challenged, grow and have the freedom to be messy. You don't have to have it all together."
"We are looking for people who are tired of the status quo, tired of just doing church and want to learn what it means to be the church," said Ward.
Senior Annie Monette, a Commercial Arts major, has been a part of the program since she was a freshman. She recalls the way the program defeated her expectations.
"It wasn't what I thought it would be," said Monette. "I thought I was signing up to be taught at, read the Word, pray and leave. It was much more than I planned for. The relationships we built there carried over beyond our meetings."
The program has taught her how to live with a biblical sense of community.
"It's a daily thing, It's not just this place you go. It definitely is closer to what the church is supposed to look like than I've ever seen," said Monette. "It's not just something you know automatically how to do, but it really cements for you what you believe, your heart and your life."
Monette encourages every girl with a desire for true fellowship to get involved.
"If you want to know the Lord in a different way, if you're willing to take the risk of doing something that's hard and wonderful, then do it," said Monette.
The Discipleship Kickoff Retreat will be held in Springfield, this Friday and Saturday. The groups will leave from the Union at 5 p.m. on Friday and return around noon on Saturday. There is no cost, and dinner and breakfast will be provided. An RSVP is requested for anyone who would like to attend so that meal provisions can be made.
To get involved in the program, contact Ward by calling her office at 417-328-1903 or emailing her at nward@sbuniv.edu.
However, Ward makes it clear that the program is not about a specific number of hours or commitment of time but about relationship building.
"I wish we could bust out of that concept of a 'program,'" said Ward. "It makes us miss the blessing of being able to relax in relationships. If someone wants just wants to fit this into their schedule, they can sometimes miss the point. Relationships don't fit into boxes when one person is truly living alongside another."
The ministry is open to anyone who is interested in getting involved, and there are many benefits for those who invest in it.
"I'm not really one to sell it," said Ward. "If people will connect and give their hearts to it then they will be blessed. You will develop authentic relationships, be challenged, grow and have the freedom to be messy. You don't have to have it all together."
"We are looking for people who are tired of the status quo, tired of just doing church and want to learn what it means to be the church," said Ward.
Senior Annie Monette, a Commercial Arts major, has been a part of the program since she was a freshman. She recalls the way the program defeated her expectations.
"It wasn't what I thought it would be," said Monette. "I thought I was signing up to be taught at, read the Word, pray and leave. It was much more than I planned for. The relationships we built there carried over beyond our meetings."
The program has taught her how to live with a biblical sense of community.
"It's a daily thing, It's not just this place you go. It definitely is closer to what the church is supposed to look like than I've ever seen," said Monette. "It's not just something you know automatically how to do, but it really cements for you what you believe, your heart and your life."
Monette encourages every girl with a desire for true fellowship to get involved.
"If you want to know the Lord in a different way, if you're willing to take the risk of doing something that's hard and wonderful, then do it," said Monette.
The Discipleship Kickoff Retreat will be held in Springfield, this Friday and Saturday. The groups will leave from the Union at 5 p.m. on Friday and return around noon on Saturday. There is no cost, and dinner and breakfast will be provided. An RSVP is requested for anyone who would like to attend so that meal provisions can be made.
To get involved in the program, contact Ward by calling her office at 417-328-1903 or emailing her at nward@sbuniv.edu.
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