Women's Leadership Training

By Rebecca Sliwak
“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood” Acts 20:28

Her Life Speaks held its first Women’s Leadership Training led by April Sliwak and Elise Parker on Saturday, November 4th. Forty-five women attended to be encouraged, empowered and equipped to lead others in ministry. April and Elise taught us how we can work to feed and lead our flocks, as we are called to do so in Acts 20:28.

In the first session led by April, Executive Director, we heard of God’s warning to “Guard yourself, watch out and beware” of our lifestyle. To take notice of how negatively we can be in our mind, body and souls and how that influences our teams and ministry.

Collaboratively we shared what we do as ministry leaders to take care of ourselves. These are some responses:

• “Pray- in the car, on the train, make time for yourself”
• “Read the Word”
• “Prioritize the most important needs first”
• “Look to others for community and help”
• “Repent, otherwise unconfessed sin could interfere with ministry and prevent God’s blessings”
• “Prioritize: God first, family second and ministry third”
• “Keep a Sabbath”
• “Fast”

God has entrusted leaders to watch over His flock and it is our responsibility to do so according to His will.

In the next session led by Elise, Director of Staff Training and Development, she taught on the emotional aspect of being a leader in ministry and why it can sometimes be difficult when leading. Elise posed the question, “What holds you back when leading or from leading?” and the audience joined in:

• “Lack of knowledge”
• “Busyness”
• “Perfectionism”
• “Worldly temptation”
• “Not feeling worthy”
• “Fear”
• “Laziness”
• “Comparison”

It was conclusive that women often think the same way as one another and that these thoughts hinder what God has called us to do. With the God’s help and prayer partners together we can overcome and lead according to God’s purpose.

“If you lead, lead well” Romans 12:8

God gave us a place of community that day, full of love, prayer and support. We left feeling encouraged and empowered to serve the way God intended us to do. We are not expected by God to be perfect leaders, but as leaders in Christ it is our responsibility to best equip ourselves so we can lead our flocks. This Leadership Training was a great way to do that.

What are some ways you work to be a stronger leader for Him?