I have attended two Women of the ELCA boot camps this year. Each one was slightly different but the main focus of the camp was the same: to share how we are redefining women’s ministry through our mission and purpose. The boot camps were designed to deliver the most updated Women of the ELCA information in a fun setting and to help women know there is a place for them in our organization.
Each camp started with the participants reciting our purpose statement.
As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world.
This was powerful to witness as woman came together from various congregational units to affirm and support one another. Some women attended as invited guests for information and fellowship. It was great to see how women desire to learn more about our work and how to get involved.
[bctt tweet=”Boot camps are a fun way to learn about Women of the ELCA.” username=”womenoftheelca”]
The Indiana-Kentucky synod Women of the ELCA (SWO) sponsored the first boot camp I attended. Women learned about leadership, our organizational structure, mission and purpose, stewardship resources and how giving will help support the ongoing ministries Women of the ELCA for the next generation.
The Grand Canyon SWO sponsored the second boot camp I attended. They highlighted tools for leaders on our website, our publications and more than 40 free downloadable resources we offer. They talked about using our individual spiritual gifts and our passion to act boldly on our faith.
Each boot camp included storytelling and a question-and-answer time. Of course, they also both included good fellowship and information about how to support one another in their callings.
In the evaluations, women highlighted a sense of support, belonging and a feeling of Christian community.
The boot camps were an informative and fun way for women to learn more about our organization, and several were inspired to start congregational units. That’s good news!
Stay tuned for more information about future boot camps.
How are you inspiring women to be involved in Women of the ELCA?
Eva Yeo is director for membership for Women of the ELCA. For more information on planning a boot camp or redefining your women’s ministry, contact her at [email protected].
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Photo of women at the Grand Canyon SWO bootcamp coloring an All Anew table sheet.