This is not a “paint by numbers” strategy or plan. While a step-by-step approach may seem most effective, such an approach would not be faithful to the way women communicate with each other, nor would it recognize the importance of witnessing to the gospel in unique ways in unique situations. We must recognize that power and motivation for witness come not from technique but from two much better sources..

We receive power from the Word of God
We are moved to witness by recalling and rehearsing the story of what God has done in the person of Jesus and how that Word has been experienced in our own lives.

We receive power from the Holy Spirit
We hear the Word and receive the sacraments together in Christian community. We learn from and are supported by each other in our Christian lives. Much of what we learn as we work with this strategy will come from one another. Individually, we find our voices for witness in a supportive and encouraging community.

This strategy will take time and commitment
This is not an overnight strategy. We are called to be witnesses for our entire lives. This is not something we do for a couple of sessions and then move on to another project. By spending the time and effort required, each of us will find the power and motivation to share our faith for a lifetime.

How will this evangelism strategy work?
Over a three-year period, participants in small groups will develop skills for intentional evangelism. Printed resources will be provided each year, beginning with six sessions in year one. Each session includes background material, biblical reflection, group activities, and in-between session assignments. The strategy is designed for small group (8-10) use. You may include time for the strategy in regular monthly meetings for your women's unit, if you can divide into groups small enough to make it effective. You may divide your group into smaller groups or use this strategy in regular meetings of Bible study groups or circles.

Some congregations may choose to organize new groups or natural groups specifically to work with this evangelism strategy. Consider the most effective meeting times. Afternoon meetings may be good for retired women who may prefer not to drive after dark. Evenings may work well if the group includes women who are employed during the day. Breakfast, lunch, or supper meetings might be a better choice for women who work or live near each other. Others may choose to meet during the education hour on Sunday mornings. The strategy sessions may be combined for use during an all-day or two-day retreat, providing the agenda allows time between sessions for individual reflection. If you choose this option, plan for the group to come together again later for follow-up discussion and reflections.

To allow the most women to participate in the strategy, the best choice may be a combination of these options. The length of the individual sessions averages 60 minutes each. However, the facilitator will need to be sensitive to allow enough time. If sessions are squeezed into too short a time frame, women will feel pressure to “get through the material.” It is essential to allow women to talk freely about their ideas, questions, and their own faith experiences.

Choosing facilitators for the small groups
The facilitator will have the role of leading the group through each session. When choosing facilitators, look for people who are non-judgmental and able to accept other people where they are. They need good listening skills and must not feel a need to dominate the group. They don’t have to know everything, but will need to be able to present the background material to the group by reading it to the group. In fact, it is important that they be willing to learn along with the group, participating and sharing their own stories and thoughts. You may keep the same facilitators for all three years of the strategy, but it is not necessary. Changing facilitators from year to year will allow more women to take this role. When leadership is shared between several people, it helps to build ownership for the strategy within the entire group.

Since a number of groups may be working with the strategy at different times, it may be helpful for the facilitators to meet before each session. This will provide an opportunity to work through the session preparation and look at the progress of the groups, as well as lend support to one another.

Responsibilities of the facilitators

• Make a commitment to the strategy.
• Study the materials for each session.
• Be able to present session material without reading it verbatim, adding examples an in your own language. The participants will not have a copy of the entire session.
• Be willing to share their own faith stories and struggles.
• Create an atmosphere that encourages women to speak honestly and openly.
• Stimulate and facilitate conversation around the discussion questions and exercises.
• Help move the session along.
• Keep a personal and group journal recording your experiences.
• Pray for your group and other facilitators.
• Responsibilities of the participants
• Make a commitment to the process through regular participation and prayer.
• Be open to learning and growing.
• Expect to be touched and changed by the process.
• Be willing to support others in the group.

Make a record of your experience for your own use. You may do this with a written or tape recorded journal, keeping lists of thoughts, prayers, and concerns. Between sessions, you may want to jot down memories stirred by the discussion or record a helpful comment made by a group member. You may want to draw a picture to capture what you are feeling. You may use your journal as a place to collect your favorite Bible passage and quotes to inspire you during the process. Whatever you decide to record, your journal is private, not intended for anyone else unless you choose to share it.

Resource material and supplies
Each facilitator should have her own packet. Please contact our office for additional ones.

The resource packet contains all the printed materials needed for each session. The session booklets are basically study and background material for the facilitator. Please do not copy the session booklet for participants. The material is not designed to be used in that fashion. Ask your pastor for assistance, or find someone to help you facilitate the session material. Always remember you are the only one with the material. Develop your own presentation style.

You will need to provide copies of the Participant’s Worksheet and Bible Study/Reflection Sheet for each participant. If photocopying is not available, write the worksheet information on newsprint or on a chalkboard before the session, or simply read the material aloud.

The Witness of Women—An Evangelism Strategy was prepared by Valora Starr Butler, associate for programs, Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Written by Nancy L. Knutsen and Valora Starr Butler. Edited by Barbara Hofmaier.

Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV), copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, and are used by permission. All rights reserved.