Strengthening Bonds of Sisterhood

Women’s Ministries across the Lake Union Conference represents five conferences working together to create opportunities for women of all ages to serve and fellowship together through a variety of events and initiatives. The ultimate goal is to create an environment that strengthens bonds of sisterhood, promotes and fosters spiritual growth, and encourages discipleship and mentorship. Ministry is most effective when women feel known, supported and invited into a deeper relationship with Jesus while also being encouraged to use their gifts in service. 

In January 2023, Jane Harris began serving as Lake Union Women’s Ministries Director. Since that time, women’s ministries’ leadership across the Lake Union has continued to grow in unity and purpose, with a clear focus on strengthening local women’s ministries teams and providing encouragement and resources for conference and church leaders. 

Over the past three years, the Lake Union Conference Women’s Ministries directors have met twice each year for intentional collaboration. These gatherings have created a consistent rhythm of connection, support and shared learning. Together, directors have reported and shared ministry updates from their conferences, celebrating victories and addressing challenges with honesty and care. 

These meetings have also provided a dedicated space for meaningful discussion about how to welcome, mentor and train new women’s ministries leaders in local churches. As leadership transitions occur, it is vital that women stepping into ministry roles feel supported, equipped and encouraged. Through thoughtful dialogue and practical planning, the directors have worked toward developing stronger leadership pathways and healthier ministry foundations. 

In addition, guest speakers have contributed leadership development training and “value-added” learning experiences, strengthening skills, and renewing vision. Directors have also participated in hands-on experiences focused on learning how to thoughtfully and creatively gift others — reinforcing the importance of kindness, hospitality and personal connection as powerful ministry tools. These gatherings have strengthened unity across the Union, provided mutual encouragement, and sharpened leadership skills for the work happening in local churches. 

One unique and meaningful initiative has been the Women’s Ministries book tour. At each directors’ gathering, every director receives two to three new books focused on spiritual growth, leadership development, event planning ideas, and cultivating a prayer-filled life. These resources are selected to inspire personal growth while also offering practical tools for ministry leadership. 

The book tour has become more than a resource exchange — it is a consistent reminder that effective ministry flows from a living connection with Jesus. As directors learn, grow and share, the emphasis remains clear: lead with prayer. When leaders are spiritually nourished, they are better prepared to nurture others, and local ministry becomes more Christ-centered, steady and fruitful. 

God willing, planning has begun for a Union-wide Women’s Ministries Convention in 2027 or 2028. This gathering will be an opportunity to unite women from across the Lake Union for encouragement, training, worship and renewal. The goal is to create a space where women can be refreshed spiritually, strengthened through practical leadership training, and inspired to return home ready to serve and disciple others with renewed joy. 

My prayer is for each conference women’s ministries director to be paid a part-time wage, a budget so they will be able to have leadership and development classes for each of the women’s ministries leaders in the local churches in their conference. Resources are always needed as well to be able to share and to have value-added information for furthering mentorship and evangelism and helping to educate. 

Moving forward, Lake Union Women’s Ministries is pursuing a clear and practical vision. One goal is that at least 80% of Lake Union churches will have an active Women’s Ministries program — even a simple one. Women’s Ministries does not have to be large or busy to be effective. Simple, prayerful ministry can make a powerful and lasting impact when it centers on relationships, discipleship and consistent care. 

The vision also includes recognizing each Conference Women’s Ministries director through adequate budgeting for resources, training and retreat opportunities. In addition, there is a commitment to providing excellent “value-added” leadership training and retreat weekends that strengthen leaders and help them return to their churches equipped and encouraged. 

Jane Harris is the Lake Union Women’s Ministries director.