Women's Ministry

Course Descriptions

Courses are listed and briefly described below.

Please understand that it is impossible to list all of the various texts that might be used in these courses

Therefore, we have not attempted to list the required texts per each course. These are simply some suggested texts for the courses in question. In nearly all cases, there may be other texts also required. These other texts will be determined between the professor and the student.

Click here for Reading and Writing Requirements.

Next, some of the suggested texts may no longer be in print. If this is the case, the students and their mentors will simply select other, newer texts dealing with the same topic.

It is important to make clear that though we offer studies in a variety of theological and philosophical perspectives, CES does not necessarily endorse all of the positions listed in the course descriptions. However, rather than simply telling students what to think, it is our belief that an institution of education should allow an open atmosphere of learning, and that includes reading, studying, and critiquing various perspectives within Christianity. We believe that students deserve the right to read, critique, and decide for themselves which perspectives they believe to be correct. To this end, some courses are set up to see both sides of a debate: for example see courses TH-603/803 Eschatology, TH-206/406 Sanctification, and TH-615/815 Perpetuity of Spiritual Gifts.

(Number Name Hours Description)

WM-400/500 Introduction to Women’s Ministry, 4SH (Required)
This course provides an introductory view of ministry to and through women. The objectives in this course will be to learn the purpose and process of starting a women’s ministry in the local church, identifying areas of need, implementing programs and improving existing ministries in order to meet the needs of women of all ages and stages of life.
Suggested Texts:
- Building an Effective Women’s Ministry by Sharon Jaynes
- Women’s Ministry in the Local Church by J. Ligon Duncan & Susan Hunt
- Women Reaching Women: Beginning and Building a Growing Women’s Ministry by Chris Adams
- Designing Effective Women’s Ministries by Jill Briscoe
- New Doors in Ministry to Women by Sue Edwards & Kelley Matthew
- Shepherding A Woman's Heart: A New Model for Effective Ministry to Women by Bev Hislop

WM-401/501 All Women are SPECIAL, 4SH (Required)
This course provides an overview of how a woman’s Spiritual gifts, Personality, Experiences, Cares/passions, Interest, Abilities and Life gifts (talents) make her special and contribute to her God-given purpose; equipping her to minister to women. The objectives in this course will be to develop awareness and ability to match the gifts and strengths with appropriate ministry positions.
Suggested Texts:
- Designed with Your Purpose in Mind by Tonia Harrison
- Women Gifted for Ministry by Ruth & Elmer Towns
- Wired That Way by Marita Littauer
- Pathway to Purpose for Women by Katie Brazelton
- Unraveling the Motivational Gifts: Your Gifts Discovery Manual by Rick Walston

WM-402/502 Leadership Training, 4SH (Required)
This course provides an overview of what is necessary for godly and effective leadership. The objectives in this course will be to learn the skills and methods necessary for personal leadership development along with establishing healthy and functioning ministry teams.
Suggested Texts:
- Connecting Women: A Relational Guide for Leaders in Women’s Ministries by Linda Lesniewski
- 5 Leadership Essentials for Women by Linda Clark
- Women Leading Women: The Biblical Model for the Church by Jaye Martin & Terri Stovall
- Leadership for Women in the Church by Susan Hunt & Peggy Hutcheson
- Transforming Lives: Taking Women’s Ministries to the Next Level by Chris Adams

WM-403/503 Event Planning, 4SH
This course provides an overview of planning events for women. The objectives in this course will be to learn the steps needed to successfully plan, produce and promote women’s conferences, retreats, outreach events, workshops, seminars, etc.
Suggested Texts:
- Fresh Ideas for Women’s Ministry by Diana Davis
- Women’s Retreats: A Creative Planning Guide by Sue Edwards
- The Christian Conference Planner by Angela Yee
- Women's Ministry in the 21st Century by Group Publishing

WM-404/504 Supportive Groups, 4SH
This course provides an overview of the benefits of supportive groups in the local church. The objectives in this course will be to learn how supportive groups (grief, divorce, cancer, emotional healing, financial, relational, etc) can meet the needs of women in the local church and community.
Suggested Texts:
- Setting Boundaries with Difficult People by Allison Bottke
- Life’s Healing Choices by John Baker
- A Passage through Grief by Barbara Baumgardner
- Live, Laugh, Love Again: A Christian Woman's Survival Guide to Divorce by Carla Sue Nelson
- Just Enough Light for the Step I'm On: Trusting God in the Tough Times by Stormie Omartian

WM-405/505 Relationship Skills, 4SH
This course provides an overview of the relationship skills needed to best relate with women. The objectives in this course will be to learn the importance of using godly wisdom and discernment when it comes to handling conflict, personality differences, criticism, burnout, opposition, etc. associated with women and ministry.
Suggested Texts:
- The Power of a Woman’s Words by Sharon Jaynes
- The Team that Jesus Built by Janet Thompson
- Leading Women Who Wound: Strategies for an Effective Ministry by Sue Edwards & Kelly Matthew
- Becoming a Person of Influence by John Maxwell

WM-406/506 Mentoring, 4SH
This course provides an overview of the importance of the mentoring relationship as described in Titus 2: 3-5. The objectives in this course will be to learn how to recognize the unique needs of women, establish an effective mentoring ministry that meets those needs & successfully promote it.
Suggested Texts:
- Woman to Woman Mentoring by Janet Thompson
- Woman to Woman: Preparing Yourself to Mentor by Edna Ellison
- Transforming Together: Authentic Spiritual Mentoring by Ele Parrott
- Becoming a Woman of Influence by Carol Kent
- That Makes Two of Us: Lifestyle Mentoring for Women by Connie Witt

WM-407/507 Bible Study Groups, 4SH
This course provides an overview of the importance of Bible study in women’s ministries. The objectives in this course will be to include strategies for developing personal Bible study, recognizing the spiritual needs of the women and providing studies (corporate or in-home small groups) that will successfully increase their knowledge and inspire application of God’s Word.
Suggested Texts:
- The New How to Study Your Bible: Discover the Life-Changing Approach to God's Word by Kay Arthur, David Arthur & Peter De Lacy
- Rick Warren’s Bible Study Methods: Twelve Ways You Can Unlock God’s Word by Rick Warren
- How to Study the Bible for Yourself by Tim LaHaye
- Small Groups with Purpose: How to Create Healthy Communities by Steven Gladen

WM-408/508 Ministry to Young Mothers, 4SH
This course provides an overview of the supportive ministry to mothers with young children. The objectives in this course will be to include biblical teaching on marriage, parenting, etc., along with recognizing the various needs associated with this age group and developing supportive and encouraging programs that will meet those needs.
Suggested Texts:
- The Ministry of Motherhood: Following Christ's Example in Reaching the Hearts of Our Children and Seasons of a Mother's Heart by Sally Clarkson
- Family Driven Faith by Voddie Baucham
- Momology: A Mom’s Guide to Shaping Great Kids by Shelly Radic
- Mom to Mom: Inside Out Parenting. Heart Talk and Growing Together by Linda Anderson

WM-409/509 Ministry to Teens/Young Adults, 4SH
This course provides an overview of the ever-changing world of teenagers and young adult women. The objectives in this course will be to include information and education on the cultural trends and personal/spiritual needs of women in the 21st century - ages @13-30.
Suggested Texts: Teens
- Girls’ Ministry Handbook by Jimmie Davis
- Ministry by Teenagers: Developing Leaders from Within by Jonathan McKee
- Girls’ Ministry 101 by Whitney Prosperi
- Every Young Woman’s Battle by Shannon Ethridge & Steve Arterburn
- Growing Godly Women: A Christian Woman's Guide to Mentoring Teenage Girls by Donna Greene
Suggested Texts: Young Adults
- The Millennials: Connecting to America’s Largest Generation by Jess & Thom Rainer
- The Slow Fade: Why You Matter in the Story of Twentysomethings by Reggie Joiner
- Everything Twentys by Margaret Feinberg
- Lies Women Believe by Nancy DeMoss
- Who Has Your Heart? The Single Woman's Pursuit of Godliness by Emily Ryan

WM-410/510 The Christian Woman Today, 4SH
This course provides an overview of the role of the Christian woman in the 21st century. The objectives in this course will be to include understanding the roles and responsibilities of the Christian woman in the home, workplace, local church and world.
Suggested Texts:
- Becoming God’s True Woman by Nancy DeMoss
- The Legacy of Biblical Womanhood by Susan Hunt & Barbara Thompson
- For Women Only in the Workplace: What You Need to Know About How Men Think at Work by Shaunti Feldhahn
- A Woman After God’s Own Heart by Elizabeth George
- Idols of the Heart: Learning to Long for God Alone by Elyse Fitzpatrick

WM-411/511 Lifestyle Witnessing, 4SH
This course provides an overview of the importance of being an obedient witness for God. The objectives in this course will be to include instruction and encouragement on sharing the Gospel with others and gaining the confidence needed to be a witness for Christ in everyday living.
Suggested Texts:
- Out of the Salt Shaker and Into the World by Rebecca Pippert
- Evangelism is…How to Share Jesus with Passion and Confidence by Dave Earley & David Wheeler
- Becoming a Contagious Christian by Mark Mittelberg
- How Will They Hear If We Don't Listen? by Ron Johnson

WM-412/512 Women’s Issues, 4SH
This course provides an overview of the painful issues facing women today. The objectives in this course will be to include awareness of and actions to take to support women dealing with; abuse, depression, damaging emotions, addictions, divorce, eating disorders, etc.
Suggested Texts:
- Violence Among Us: Ministry to Families in Crisis by Brenda Branson
- Shepherding Women in Pain: Real Women, Real Issues and What You Need to Know to Truly Help by Bev Hislop
- Women Counseling Women: Biblical Answers to Life's Difficult Problems by Elyse Fitzpatrick
- Women Reaching Women in Crisis by Janet Thompson (Lifeway)
- Kitchen Table Counseling: A Practical and Biblical Guide for Women Helping Others by Shelly Cook Volkhardt & Muriel Cook

WM-413/513 Developing a Speaking and Writing Ministry, 4SH
This course provides an overview of how a speaking and writing ministry can enhance communication. The objectives in this course will be to include techniques in public speaking and instruction on preparing and presenting personal testimonies, devotionals, talks, etc. It will also include techniques on writing Bible studies, lessons, ministry newsletters, etc.
Suggested Texts:
- Speak Up with Confidence by Carol Kent
- Communicating for a Change by Andy Stanley
- The Reason We Speak by Mary Beth Whalen
- An Introduction to Christian Writing by Ethel Herr
- Write His Answer: A Bible Study for Christian Writers by Marlene Bagnull

WM-414/514 Outreach, 4SH
This course provides an overview of the importance of a mission / outreach ministry going forth from the local church. The objectives in this course will be to identify areas of need where women can be encouraged to step out and minister to others in their local community and world.
Suggested Texts:
- Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt
- The Jesus Mission by Steven Scott
- Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall
- The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns

WM-415/515 Personal Well-Being, 4SH
This course provides an overview of the information available for promoting personal well-being. The objectives of this course will be to learn techniques and approaches to healthy living through exercise, eating, stress-management, etc.
Suggested Texts:
- Made to Crave by Lysa Terkheurst
- Fit for My King by Sheri Rose Shepherd
- Give God a Year, Change Your Life Forever by Carole Lewis
- Lose It For Life by Steve Arterburn & Linda Mintle
- Life Management for Busy Women by Elizabeth George

Individualized Programs
Students may (and are encouraged) to engage in studies that go beyond the scope of the courses listed here. This can be done with the faculty mentor's approval and still earn a major or minor in Women’s Ministry. For instance, Making Disciples and Mentoring could focus on creating a local church training manual or course of materials for developing godly disciples. Another course could be the development of a leaders’ guide, workbook, and presentation that teaches women how to live godly lives. There are many opportunities to develop courses that are not specifically listed in herein. If a mature student can envision a topic and product from her study that furthers women’s ministry, the faculty mentor will seek to help that student develop a course of study to meet that need. The intent of this program is to allow students who are interested in Women’s Ministry the opportunity to develop studies that further the cause of God’s kingdom. Since this is an individualized and directed studies program, alterations to existing courses can also be considered.

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