5 Ways to Equip Women for Ministry in Small Churches

Budgets may be less for smaller churches, but women in small churches still need to be equipped and trained for leadership.

By Kelly D. King

I recently had the privilege of speaking to a small group of women in a church that is more than 125 years old. This small gathering of mostly senior adult women shared a meal, heard God’s Word, prayed for missionaries, and planned a service project for their community in less than two hours. Small in number, but they are mighty in ministry.

This scene isn’t uncommon. In fact, it’s quite normal. In Lifeway Research’s State of Ministry to Women report, which surveyed more than 800 women’s ministry leaders, 55% reported their church consists of 250 attendees or less. This coincides with other research Lifeway reported on in 2021 that revealed while the average U.S. congregation gathers in a building that seats around 200, only 65 people attend the median church each week. This means half of all churches have fewer than 65 people in their weekly worship service. Based on this research, we know big churches are not the only ones ministering to women.

Budgets may be less for smaller churches and organized ministries may be subsidized by the women who take part, but there is still a need for women ministry leaders at small churches to be equipped and trained. According to the State of Ministry to Women report, common responsibilities for women’s ministry leaders included leading Bible studies, developing discipleship opportunities, and organizing events for women to gather and fellowship. It didn’t matter what size church leaders attended; the concern of how to train women remained. If you are leading in a smaller congregation, here are five simple suggestions of ways to equip leaders in your context.

“Budgets may be less for smaller churches and organized ministries may be subsidized by the women who take part, but there is still a need for women ministry leaders at small churches to be equipped and trained.” — @kellydking Share on X

1. Consider free or budget-friendly options

For example, Lifeway offers a library of training on leadership topics for women with You Lead webinars. These one-hour webinars were created out of necessity during the pandemic but have found a permanent home on the Lifeway Women’s YouTube channel. New webinars are still offered every other month for women to attend during the live recording or watch later. These webinars provide free training on topics such as prayer, discipleship, conflict resolution, or having difficult conversations.

Another budget-friendly choice for training is Lifeway Women Academy. These online courses are designed for women and taught by women in a way that allows women to complete training on subjects such as how to study the Bible, overview the Old and New Testaments, or learn about practical ministry.

2. Include women in the overall planning of your church’s calendar and vision

Smaller churches often have smaller staffs, so women’s ministry leaders are mostly volunteers. Yet, if you want to reach women in your community, including women in the overall church strategy is beneficial. If your leader is unable to attend staff meetings, consider asking for their ideas ahead of time or giving them reports of what is discussed when church-wide decisions are made. For more helpful information, explore this article for ideas on how to bring women into your church’s strategic vision planning.

“If you want to reach women in your community, including women in the overall church strategy is beneficial.” — @kellydking Share on X

3. Look for local training opportunities

For Southern Baptists, many state conventions have women leaders on their teams who offer conferences to equip women in discipleship, evangelism, missions, and more. These are often offered at a low cost or no cost at all, so stay connected to opportunities that are offered locally or regionally. Other denominations or associations have similar offerings.

4. Encourage women leaders to network with other women’s ministry leaders in your area

Break down the barriers that often exist between churches and begin building a bridge with more relationships. Bringing together women’s ministry leaders can help stretch budget dollars, and leaders learn from others who are like them. Churches can combine to offer community-wide events, borrow resources from each other, and share ideas.

“Bringing together women’s ministry leaders can help stretch budget dollars, and leaders learn from others who are like them.” — @kellydking Share on X

5. Extend the value of women’s ministry

Many smaller churches may skew to one demographic—sometimes older and sometimes younger. You can extend the value of women’s ministry when you pair a younger and older woman for mentoring. Look for ways to develop and equip younger women, pray for them, and encourage spiritual growth. Older women can live out Titus 2 when Paul says, “They are to teach what is good, so that they may encourage the young women…” (Titus 2:3-4, CSB). Mentoring doesn’t only happen in large churches but in the one-on-one relationships built in churches of any size.

For permission to republish this article, contact Marissa Postell Sullivan.