International Women’s Day: Helping Women with a Passion for Evangelism

What is International Women’s Day?   

International Women’s Day is a celebration that has occurred for over a century, its popularity and impact seem to be growing with age. International Women’s Day is a focused time set aside to talk about issues close to the heart of many women. It aims to; celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about discrimination and take action to drive gender parity. 

There are many charities operating in this space. Passion for Evangelism is a network of women seeking to share the good news of Jesus. As we read through the Bible, we see that God speaks often about women, and that God values women deeply. But why does it matter that we equip women to engage with these issues? 

Three reasons why it matters that women speak up

 

1. It’s Biblical.  

From the cradle to the grave, women were the first ones to witness and share the good news of Jesus. Yet, how many evangelistic events and courses that you’ve attended involve women? I don’t just mean women organising or planning events, (however important that may be) but women speaking and sharing the gospel, whether that’s a testimony, a talk, a short video or hosting.  

There are many women in our churches for whom the desire to share the gospel is strong but often defer to the expert. There are many women who would love to be asked but don't have the confidence to volunteer themselves.  

In Passion for Evangelism we want to identify these women and equip them. So, like the women at Jesus’ tomb in Matthew 28:8 who were “afraid but also filled with great joy,” they may be eager and able to share the message we have all been given to proclaim. 

2. Because of the climate we live in.  

In recent years I’ve met many men and women that view Christianity through the lens of oppression rather than life-giving liberation. Through media such as ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and ‘His Dark Materials’, many are hearing that the gospel is restrictive and controlling.  

Recently I’ve heard too of many teenage girls who are now rejecting Christianity because of what they hear the church say about women.  Many women are suspicious of the Church.  They hear church leaders debating women’s roles but what they see is an institutional church which has – at times - been guilty of abuse. They suspect the Bible has an oppressive view of women and are convinced its message is of little value to them. If the Christian message is presented only by men, then at first glance at least, this suspicion can go unchallenged. 

3. Some women prefer to hear the gospel spoken by a woman 

This includes many from global cultures. These cultures would probably include those of Muslim-majority countries, where it is difficult for women to attend a church or an evangelistic course which is perceived as being primarily for men. There is also a growing demand to hear female voices. If we want to reach our workplaces and communities for Christ, we vitally need to equip, empower, and encourage women to speak.  

Empowering, equipping and encouraging women to speak 

Passion for Evangelism was set up in 2019. Since then, it has become a thriving network of women who are passionate about sharing Jesus with their friends. We want to be women who are learning and growing, so each term we read a book together. Over the last three years 200 women from across the world have joined us as we’ve read and discussed a range of books. We chose books that equip women for evangelism or books that discuss issues from a female perspective. We try where possible to support female authors and enjoy meeting them for a live online question and answer time.  

“As a result of the Book Club, I went and joined the Parents Teachers Association. I wanted to get more involved with my community and meet more people.” 

Mentoring women matters 

Imagine planting a seed outside at this time of year. If it survives the frost, once growing, it will struggle with snails and slugs. Put it in a Greenhouse with warmth, encouragement, and support, it will be ready to face the outside world. Many, like the women in Matthew 28, are afraid to share the gospel.  

For some, this is because of a lack of experience or training, or a belief that someone else can do it better. Many can be left feeling paralysed when sharing the gospel with friends. We want to enable women to start their journey of sharing the gospel in public whether that’s a short video on Instagram, a blog on our website or a talk at an event.  

To do this many need a period in a ‘Greenhouse’ first. 

Most of the mentoring happens in small groups over a five-week period. This gives women a chance to give and receive feedback. We also have training videos, pre-reading, a live Q&A and 1-2-1 time with the mentor. This scheme is for any woman who wants to grow in confidence and skills in communicating the gospel. When asked about how she’s been helped, Helen said:  

“The Greenhouse is an excellent mentoring scheme that is helping women support women. It was a welcoming environment, where women’s voices in faith and about faith are being heard and projected.”  

Supporting Passion for Evangelism  

You can follow Passion for Evangelism on social media and see our latest series of posts about International Women’s day 2023.  

From April, under the accountability of the Passion for Evangelism Advisory group,  I will be focussing solely on raising up female evangelists. Would you consider partnering with me? You can support me with Stewardship.